Friends Joe, Paula, and I needed some recharging after exhaustive furniture shopping in the maze known as Tyson Furniture in Black Mountain. What better place than Pure & Proper, located in what originally was the 1941 Pure Oil gas station, 114 E State St, Black Mountain.
Pure & Proper owners Richard & Heidi King and Chef Jake Whitman worked together to take the building, that had been empty and neglected for 20 years, to a deliciously engaging eatery.
For the longest time, I thought they were located outside of downtown Black Mountain. They’re not. They’re just off the main downtown intersection, around the corner from Tyson Furniture.
Two things struck me: the different & interesting MENUS and the build-out that kept so much of the building’s original character front and center, some aspects I imagine, with a wink & nod towards theme and uniqueness.
Take their Brussels Sprouts, described on the menu as made with: “makhana sauce, buttermilk raita, Calabrian balsamic reduction, with pomegranate [seeds] and cashews”. Chef Whitman has said in past interviews (not a quote) that he likes to incorporate a little Asian/Japanese here and there in menus to keep things interesting. I definitely caught that vibe from the sprouts dish. And it was beautifully plated with the pops of pomegranate red throughout.
Seating is fun and comfortable with faux fur “throws” on chairs and high top seating for two inset into the wall just off the bar. I’m looking forward to patio seating in nice weather. And hadn’t noticed, but Paula pointed out that their host stand is a large tool chest. Perfect.
Of note, Chef Jake Whitman has “chefed” in Asheville area eateries that take different approaches to their menus, serving up creative fare. Chef Jake and Ali Whitman opened a brand new restaurant, Bev’s Steak, in Black Mountain on December 2, 2025. Concerned, I called Pure & Proper and was reassured that Jake is still involved with the restaurant and menu development.
Now you have at least two good reasons to head to Black Mountain for an excellent meal – Pure & Proper and Jake and Ali Whitman’s Bev’s Steak.
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