Normally I have a good idea what to expect before checking out a new (to me) spot, but not this time. Liberty House Coffee & Cafe (https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/) was close to a blank slate in my mind before heading over for lunch last week with my pal Barrie.  

There was one article, probably old news written shortly after Liberty House opened three years ago, that talked about a lack of enough seating at the popular eatery. That was the main reason I nixed Liberty House for a last minute lunch with my two sisters, figuring none of us wanted to eat lunch sitting on stairs, the curb, or in our car.

We pulled up to the side entrance and patio, parking on Liberty Street. First impression: someone did a fantastic job transforming this cottage just outside downtown Asheville in to an adorable coffee shop/cafe!

Those red umbrellas really pop, adding so much to the overall exterior look.

As soon as we headed in the side door from the patio/terrace (not noticing the front entrance) we were impressed with the quality and creativity of decor and finishes. Even functional pieces like the water dispenser (bottom right in the image below) was special enough to be noticed, while not crossing the line in to kitschy territory.

Check out the ceiling boards, fixed transom window, dentil trim molding above, and casing around the door. Sit in the room where you order and you’ll be pulling yourself up to a live-edge counter on a wooden bar stool held together with with bright red metal fittings.

And here’s the extent of the kitchen, tucked in behind the counter where you place your order. The first person who told me about Liberty House was a chef. When I said I hadn’t been, he was insistent that I go, saying “they’re doing things with food that they shouldn’t be able to do in that space. You’ve got to give ’em a try!”

See the espresso machine on the counter? A full suite of espresso/coffee drinks are available. I was happy to see they were selling beans from Hendersonville roaster Independent Bean Roasters. Didn’t do my normal latte test this time. Too full. See their coffee menu and prices here.

Barrie and I both ordered a B.L.A.T. ($9). In between the toast you’ll find an heirloom tomato, avocado, heritage farms bacon, organic gem lettuces, dijonnaise, and a little pepper, served with a side salad or chips. I don’t remember being asked what kind of bread I’d like, so you may not have a choice? It was good, though.

We both thought this sandwich was great. Not that it was some amazing new creation, but that the ingredients were so fresh and tasty. The only issue was it got a little slippery with those pieces of avocado trying to escape from all sides. The side salad was also very fresh.

Y’all know my M.O. If there’s a non-mass-produced, delicious looking scone in my line of sight, I’m going to give it a try. This apricot ginger scone did not disappoint! I was going to take it home with me, but it didn’t last that long.

See their menu HERE. See their Blog and/or Facebook Page for specials and menu updates.

So, here’s the kinda’ funny part. Remember “Luscious Urban Oasis” in the title of this post? Coming in to Liberty House from the terrace, I had the impression (and had been told) that it was a small spot without a lot of space or seating.

Well, we walked out the front door and what did we see but an extensive organic garden, including fruit trees. And as far as not enough seating. Well, no problem there. Picnic tables run along the back side length of the garden along with a few other seats.

And again, attention to special touches like what looks like copper pipe railing all along a ramp up to a side entrance and logo metal cutout.

It’s tiny in the picture below, but see the small box between two posts in front of the brick building? That’s an active bee hive.

Their garden and local farms supply as much of the menu as possible.

Along the street side of the garden are more cut metal panels between brick pillars, each a different engaging design. 

 Cute mural on the side of what looks like some time of support/backup building, too. 

Here’s the story, morning glory. Read owner Dylan’s story about growing up on Liberty Street at his parents bed and breakfast and converting the house his dad lived in for a few years into the now coffee shop & cafe.

Epicurean Notes:

• Monday – Friday: 7am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 9am – 2pm (It’s a good idea to call any eatery and verify hours if it’s important that they are open when you get there)
• Wi-Fi is available
• Take some time looking around inside and out at Liberty House, noticing all the attention to detail, big and small.

Liberty House Coffee & Cafe
https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/
221 S. Liberty Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-412-3225

Two of us were lucky enough be invited to sample some fun, new Small Plates at  Harvey’s at The Henderson-Restaurant, Lounge & Bar this past Saturday.

Chef/Owner Michael Gilligan explained that he and his wife, Jeanne, have spent the better part of the last year and a half since purchasing the property redoing, refreshing, and repairing the Inn, including replacing broken kitchen equipment – hood, fridge/freezer, stove, oven – everything.

And now that they’re fully staffed and the Inn’s humming along, Chef Michael’s able to focus more of his attention on the restaurant: menu development, ingredient sourcing, events, etc.

Presentation of these Buffalo Deviled Eggs will definitely make you happy. Watch as a glass dome is lifted and smoke used to flavor the eggs billows out.

The new menu is designed to be fun and a little adventurous.

“To dine with us is to eat by whim, free from rules or schedules. It is meant for those who wish to enjoy life to the fullest and pass time with family & friends.”

Prices range from a low of $8 to a high of $18, with an average around $12.

Chef’s She Crab Soup let’s you know it’s there with bold seasoning and plenty of crab.

We especially liked the flavor of the Kokanee Salmon ‘Sashimi’, brought to the dish by Scorched Sesame Oil and Yuzu Dressing.

We found a little magic along with the happy in this Hudson Valley Foie Gras presentation. Just look at that crystal-like Ice Wine Gelée! Chef Michael explained that this was his way of honoring the traditional pairing of white wine with a dish like this.

For me, the Duck Confit was the evening’s star. Not only was the duck cooked perfectly, a bite including all three ingredients added a mild flavor & crunch from the grit cake and sweet from the berry sauce.

We finished the evening’s tasting with a lovely Raspberry Crème Brûlée. If you love Crème Brûlée like I do and have enjoyed it at lots of different restaurants, you’ve probably experienced various custard textures and have a preference. This one surprised me at first, as a little loose, but then I got a scoop of the berries on the bottom along with the custard, and found my happy.

Chef Michael hasn’t forgotten those with dietary restrictions. His new menu is clearly market with Vegetarian, Gluten Free, and Non-Lactose options. See the full Small Plate Menu HERE.

Watch for more fun and happy at Harvey’s with more menu development and reasonably priced “Dinner and a Movie” events, Wine Dinners, and special events like their recent Derby Watch Party.

Harvey’s at The Henderson
201 3rd Ave W
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Phone: (828) 696-2001

We wanted to treat our son to a delicious birthday dinner earlier this week. Considerations included great food, of course, a good wine & beer selection, and cocktails, but price was important, too. So that’s why we went to Rezaz (https://rezaz.com).

Bread For the Table is optional, but at $4 for nice variety of tasty house-made breads, it’s pretty much a given that you should go for it like we did. Breads this evening were House Focaccia, Oatmeal Blueberry, and Caramelized Onion & Parmesan. The bread is served with herbed dipping oil and whipped butter.

Birthday Boy opted for the Chef’s 3 Course Dinner: $36 per Person, gratuity & drinks not inclusive. Choose from quite a few items in each of three categories: Snack, Appetizer, and Entree.

From the Snack section, he chose the Israeli Lamb & Beef Bourekas with Muhamarra and Sheep Feta. Ordered a la carte, this yummy dish goes for $10.

For his appetizer, Charred Romaine Salad with Caesar Dressing, White Anchovy, French Onions, Golden Beet, Fried Capers, and Parmesan. A la carte cost is $11.

We were all surprised at the composition of this dish. It was kinda fun to pick and choose what to include in each bite.

And for his Entree, Bistro Beef Filet with Roasted Cauliflower Gratin, Oyster Mushrooms, Lemon Arugula, Veal Demi-Glace. A la carte $24. The filet was cooked perfectly to order and that cauliflower gratin – wow.

Silly me, I was so focused on the cauliflower gratin (which I tasted and loved), I pretty much missed the filet in the picture below.

And for The Hubs, one of his favorites, Spanish Paella ($22) with Scallop, Red Shrimp, House Chorizo, Chicken, Bomba Rice, Tapenade, Aioli, Soffrito, and Pea. He loved Chef Brian Smith’s take on this classic.

I’m a sucker for Chef’s Moroccan Tagine ($21) creations. Choose a protein to add – Local Chicken, Tofu, or Red Shrimp – to a luscious mixture of Fregola (pasta) Ginger, Apricot, Cashew, and Olive. The chicken was cooked beautifully and still very moist.

Throw in a couple beers for the boy, a glass of malbec for my husband, and a G&T for me, and you can understand why we were all pretty full by the end of this meal. But you have to have some kind of sweet end for a birthday dinner, right?

The only thing that fit the bill was a Chocolate Pot de Creme that came with a couple cookies. Our server knew we were celebrating a birthday and nice enough to bring out the Pot de Creme with a lit candle. I really was too full, so the guys shared this one.

THEN, our server brought these three house-made Chocolate Truffles to the table saying that Chef Brian heard we were celebrating a birthday. I’m guessing that Co-Owner/Pastry Chef Laura Smith made these. As it turned out, I was able to force myself (wink) to let one of these truffles melt in my mouth. It was delicious.

Rezaz is on the edge of Biltmore Village, just south of downtown Asheville. They have a small parking lot that seems to do the trick on most days.

Your server will probably tell you about a couple specials in addition to the regular menu. Whatever you decide to order, I’m guessing you’re going to be happy.

Rezaz Pan Mediterranean
28 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: (828) 277-1510