Seasonal Food - Regional Focus
Pop's Diner is iconic landmark, Carolina Diner reborn. Sitting at the convergence of five streets known to locals as "5 Points", Pop's is named in honor of owner Kim's father. Closed for only a short time, the diner underwent a pretty comprehensive remodel; new sign outside (see above), painted exterior topped with pink neon, new floor, new light fixtures, new tables & seating, new window treatments, new dishes, new menu and a jukebox! The picture above was taken just … [Read more...]
Mom and Pop, David and Laura Roselli, co-owners of Kitchen Roselli are young. They don't have grey hair or travel with walkers. They do serve up authentic Italian recipes that have been handed down in their family over the generations. Every now and then they put a modern twist on a dish that only makes it better. Some might say their location in East Bend is "in the middle of nowhere". I say it's "in the middle of home town America". Many of their regulars from surrounding cities … [Read more...]
From the outside, Zebra Restaurant & Wine Bar looks unassuming as it anchors a Southpark Charlotte office building. It's a vastly different story on the inside. Four dining areas (Bar, small area off the bar and two dining rooms) feature walls paneled with beautiful knotty wood and luxurious drapes and valances softening the windows. See more interior and food pictures here. Executive Chef/Owner Jim Alexander has won award after award since opening Zebra in 2001. And … [Read more...]
Sunday Brunch. I really need to put together a list of favorite places for Sunday Brunch as well as places that serve both breakfast and lunch on Sundays. We wanted to try something new, so we headed over to Boca at 10:00am this past Sunday. One of Asheville's newer restaurants, it's located on N Lexington Ave., next door to Mela (Indian Restaurant). Convenient since Anoop Krishnan, co-owner with Markus Procida, is also the owner of Mela. Interesting to note is that someone who … [Read more...]
Brioso Fresh Pasta first opened in Clemson, SC and has quickly spread with the addition of corporate as well as franchise stores. Their second franchise opened earlier this month in South Asheville's Biltmore Town Square. An interesting concept in "Fast Casual", Brioso makes fresh pasta throughout the day using machines that are in plain sight. They also have an open kitchen. Place your order right inside the front door, where menus are posted and available in print. Then take your … [Read more...]
Mama Christina's has been open in Flat Rock (across from the Post Office) about a month now. A few days ago, I was driving by and decided to pop in and check them out. They bill themselves as an Italian Pastry Shoppe and a Wine Shop that also serves ice cream, Italian food, has live music nightly and "Nellos Cabaret" Thursdays through Sundays. Although all this sounds a bit "scattered"Â to me, they just might be able to pull it off. Here's a better look at Mama's sweet roof-top … [Read more...]
Who knew? I've been driving by this place for years. The sign said something about a Japanese Steakhouse, which didn't do much for me, so I never stopped . . . until today. Okay. I did peek in the window a couple years ago, but didn't go in. Today I noticed a new sign: Ganko Express - Hibachi, Sushi, Chinese & Thai. Turns out ownership changed about a year ago. The new owners kept the name until recently re-branding, modifying their focus. The word "Sushi" is what led to skid marks … [Read more...]
Because you're a loyal Epicurean reader, I'm going to tell you about a fantastic Italian restaurant that opened in Arden so you can try it before everyone else in the neighborhood discovers just how good it is. Fiore's South is a second location for Fiore's Ristorante Toscana Owner/Chef Anthony Cerrato. It's located at 2310 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC and is easy to miss while driving in either direction on Hwy 25 (Hendersonville Rd), so keep an eye out! PIC and I thought we'd … [Read more...]
PIC and I had a blast at Vue Wine Bar and Restaurant's Wine Dinner last Wednesday, December 1st. I say we had a blast because it was an experience filled with very good food, very good wine and very good people. And by people, I mean other diners as well as Vue staff. Vue has changed. New owner, new Executive Chef, new staff, new menu, new pricing, new attitude. Before going farther, be warned that this review is "image heavy". Some may not be the best shots due to very low … [Read more...]
By: Bunny On a recent trip to Asheville, Mr. Wonderful and I decided to sample the menu of Tomato Cocina Latina at Westgate Mall (next to Earth Fare). The restaurant has a bar area as well as the dining room. The décor is nicely done and we were greeted as soon as we entered. The family is from El Salvador, but their menu includes foods from other regions. The servers, most likely family, are quite pleasant and willing to describe the menu items. Their English is quite … [Read more...]
