Durham – Beer lovers unite. Counting House will wrap up its 2017 Fork + Bottle dinner series with a four-course dinner by Executive Chef Thomas Card featuring pairings by local Starpoint Brewing on Thursday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m.
“Starpoint beers have such great depth of flavor profiles,” said Card. “We’ve created a menu that will bring out the hops, barley, malt and other unique flavors within the beers. For example, the I Yam What I Yam Spiced Sweet Potato Ale will be complemented by our roasted pork loin with sweet potato gnocchi.”
The dinner will kick off with a reception in 21c Museum Hotel’s gallery spaces, followed by four courses in the private dining room at Counting House. The menu will feature dishes from the land and sea including salmon tartar with roasted sunchokes and toasted oats; crab salad with citrus gelle and whipped yogurt; roasted pork loin with sweet potato gnocchi and braised red cabbage; and toffee custard with dark chocolate and lemon curd. Featured beers include KingadaNorf (Oatmeal Pale), Dirty D (American IPA), I Yam What I Yam (Spiced Sweet Potato Ale) and Da Bull (Dopplebock).
Nestled in the pine forests of Carrboro, N.C., Starpoint Brewing is dedicated to bringing the freshest and best tasting ales and lagers to North Carolina. The initial success of Starpoint Brewing is due to our focus on producing the highest quality beer. Starpoint uses whole cone hops, premium malts, and time honored brewing techniques.
Tickets for the Starpoint Brewing dinner are $75 per person. Reservations are available and can be made by calling 919.956.6760.
About 21c Museum Hotel Durham
21c Museum Hotel Durham is a combination boutique hotel, contemporary art museum and chef-driven restaurant. Building on its mission of engaging the public with contemporary art and supporting the revitalization of American downtowns, 21c rehabilitated the historic Hill Building in downtown Durham. The 125-room property features 10,500 square feet of exhibition, meeting and event space and presents rotating, curated exhibitions, interactive site specific installations and a full roster of cultural programming; a ballroom in the historic banking hall; three suites with private terraces and a spa. 21c Durham is home to Counting House, a restaurant and bar featuring high-quality ingredients that celebrate North Carolina’s rich heritage of fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Durham – Mattie Beason, cider expert and owner of Black Twig Cider House, the premiere cider house in the Southeast, will host TxotxFest November 18, 2017 from noon to 4 pm. TxotxFest returns for a second year, offering award-winning regional and national ciders with North Carolina cuisine, and features the txotx – a traditional Spanish cider barrel recently featured in Food & Wine Magazine in praise of Beason’s cider experience at Black Twig Cider House: “The Txotx Is The Most Fun You Can Have Pouring A Drink.”
Beason introduced TxotxFest in 2016 as the first event of its kind in the Southeast to celebrate cider, the fastest growing segment in the beverage industry. “This is such an exciting time for cider, with so many cideries producing really high quality cider, and an overwhelming interest from consumers in ciders from the US and abroad. At TxotxFest, our goal is to share our passion for cider and celebrate cider from all over the world with our community,” explained Beason, a certified cider expert, one of just eight cider instructors for the US Association of Cider Makers, and a recent Good Food Awards judge for the cider category.
This year, Beason kicks off TxotxFest November 17th with a $50 five-course cider-paired dinner at Black Twig Cider House featuring Asheville’s Chef Steven Goff of Brinehaus Meat & Provisions and ciders from Noble Cider, Urban Orchard, Appalachian Mountain, and James Creek.
Beason’s November 18th TxotxFest will take place from noon to 4pm and will feature cider from renowned producers (below), tasting dishes from participating chefs (below) and live music.
TxotxFest will take place in front of Black Twig Cider House. The event begins at noon for VIP ticketholders and 1 pm for general admission. General admission tickets are $30 through October 17th, $35 beginning on October 18, and $40 the week before the event. All tickets include a tasting glass. VIP tickets are $50 through October 17th, $60 beginning October 18th (and also include a T-shirt and one-hour early access).
Participating Cider Producers:
Appalachian Mountain Cidery, Boone, NC
Blackwater Cider, Windsor, NC
Bold Rock Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA and Mills River, NC
Botanist and Barrel, Cedar Grove, NC
Bull City Ciderworks, Durham, NC
Chatham Cider Works, Pittsboro, NC
Daidala Ciders, Asheville, NC
Fishing Creek Cider, Whitakers, NC
Good Road Ciderworks, Charlotte, NC
James Creek Ciderhouse, Cameron, NC
Jack’s Hard Cider, Biglerville, PA
McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks, Thurmond, NC
Molley Chomper Cidery, Lansing, NC
Noble Cider, Asheville, NC
Red Clay Cider, Charlotte, NC
Urban Orchard Cider Co. and Bar, Asheville, NC
Virtue Cider, Fennville, MI
Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, Portland, OR
Shacksbury Cider, Vergennes, VT
Participating Beverage Providers:
De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC
Alley Twenty Six Tonic, Durham, NC
Crude Bitters and Sodas, Raleigh, NC
Fair Game Beverage, Pittsboro, NC
Participating Durham Chefs & Restaurants:
Giocciolina, Aaron Benjamin
Juju Asian Tapas + Bar, Charlie Deal
LaPlace, Christopher McLaurin (Hillsborough, NC)
Mateo Bar de Tapas, Matt Kelly
Picnic, Wyatt Dickson
Primal Food & Spirits, Tim Lyons
St. James Seafood and Oyster Bar, Matt Kelly
Toast, Billy Cotter
Watts Grocery, Amy Tornquist
Yes, they existed prior to the “big build” going on in town, but new, higher-end hotels have taken it to the next level – up.
So now, when you fancy sipping a cocktail, glass of wine, or local craft brew on an Asheville rooftop, you have more choices. Want to gaze over downtown buildings to distant vistas of multiple mountain ridges on the horizon as they go from green to purple in the setting sun? Rather do some people watching from one or two floors above main drags through downtown? Asheville has it all, mostly within walking distance.
It’s tough to compare the various rooftop bars, but I’m going to talk about type of view, decor, and ambiance. As far as drink prices, it’s become somewhat homogeneous lately, with little difference between various bars.
If you’re looking for cheap drinks, basic watering holes, or dive bars, subscribe to my Newsletter so you won’t miss my upcoming article on where to find them in Asheville.
Find the best rooftop bar for you, or try them all!
Parking: All city owned garages are free the first hour and $1.25 per hour after that, with a daily maximum of $10. Garages do charge a fixed price of $9 for parking during a single day and $7 for multi day parking when special events are going on. For live info on parking garage spaces available at any given time, go HERE. You can also download the Passport app to pay for meters online (never search for quarters again!)
Asheville’s newest rooftop bar, Capella on 9 is on AC Hotel’s9th floor. Number one comment from most folks on first look is, “Wow”. The next thing is, “It’s so sleek, minimalist, and modern. Nothing else like it in town”. Think Charlotte or Raleigh without the dress code.
As you exit the elevator on the 9th floor, you’ll see a variety of seating/table options. To the right is a small outdoor area with a few tables. Central are the bar and seating areas with semi-transparent chain-like curtains hung from the ceiling. Farther to the left is the prize. The large, gorgeous rooftop bar.
They’re “serving up locally curated dishes, handcrafted cocktails and mountain views”. Things like Charcuterie Board, Iberico Ham Flauta, and Capella Hamburguesa (grass fed pork and beef sliders) are on the menu. Prices are not listed online.
View: cityscape and nice long range views. The rooftop seating on the other side of the building is good for sunset viewing.
Parking: street or either the Buncombe County or Rankin Ave garages are a few block walk away.
Image courtesy of TripAdvisor reviewer deniseg12345
Hemingway’s Cuba will be on the 4th floor of the still under construction Cambria Hotel. Owners Tony and Isabel Fraga & son Alex Fraga, also own Isa’s Bistro at the other end of the block.
“Hemingway’s Cuba represents more than a restaurant. It’s a culmination of a lifetime goal to share an authentic Cuban restaurant experience with the people of Asheville. Havana native and Founder of Hemingway’s Cuba, Tony Fraga, grew up enjoying exquisite meals with his father at El Floridita in Havana. The restaurant was not only known to be a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, it earned the honor of serving “The Best Daiquiri in the World,” according to Hemingway himself.” ~ The Fragas
I have it from a source close to the action that we can expect Cuban-esq vibrant colors, perhaps in a mural, a combination of tables/chairs, loungy chairs and couches, and fire pits. The menu will feature Cuban small plates and main dishes. Check out their Facebook Page for some menu previews. Drinks will include Cuban inspired cocktails like daiquiris and mohitos, as well as classics.
They’re shooting for a November opening, but the hotel’s website says the hotel will be taking reservations beginning December 1, 2017. As of this writing, Hemingway’s kitchen is done and they’re building the bar. Knowing how construction goes, Hemingway’s will open as soon as they can, possibly November?
You can be one of the first to hear their latest news by liking their Facebook Page or by subscribing to their mailing list (scroll to bottom of the page).
View: overlooks outdoor seating and action at the historic Grove Arcade, and Battery Park Avenue.
Parking: street or Wall Street Garage
Image: Hemingway’s CubaImage: Hemingway’s Cuba theme and colors
The Montford Rooftop Bar is on the 8th floor of the new-ish Hyatt Place hotel. They describe themselves as “a contemporary rustic speakeasy offering drinks and light fare with spectacular views!”
There seems to be a recurring theme from a fair number of people who’ve been, that the small plate portions were very small and prices for plates and drinks were both on the high side.
Go early and you’ll be all set by the time sunset views show up.
View: overlooks busy I 240 and low-rise buildings to a beautiful long range view. Great sunset experience here.
Parking: street or FREE Valet! Just inform the valet that you are going to The Montford Rooftop. Or, the Wall Street Garage is a few block walk.
Image: The Montford Rooftop BarImage: The Montford Rooftop Bar
Pillar Rooftop Bar
309 College Street, 6th Floor
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 575-1188
To me, Pillar feels a little more intimate than some of the other hotel rooftop bars. A large indoor space with table/chair and sofa seating opens up to the rooftop. On the rooftop, you’ll find a “living wall” filled with green and flowering plants and plenty of seating for dinner service offered.
“Pillar Bar is focused on creating an experience you remember, from our [farm to table] southern fusion small plates from Pillar Kitchen, well-crafted cocktails, small batch spirits, local brews, sustainable wine selections, and unparalleled views of the Asheville skyline.”
I “tested” Pillar’s bartender after getting a less than stellar cocktail somewhere else and he passed with flying colors, making a beautiful drink for me to nurse (I admit to stretching) as I took in the view. I’m thinking you’ll get a well made cocktail, whatever you order.
Now that it’s getting cooler, I love that Pillar offers hot drinks, heated blankets, and has a fire pit and outdoor heater.
View: Pillar is on the 6th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, offering close-in cityscape and distant mountain range views.
Parking: There is a paid lot on property. Look for street parking, or the Buncombe County Garage is a few blocks away.
So Asheville. The SkyBar is actually a reinforced fire escape spanning floors six, seven, and eight of the Flat Iron Building. Ride up to SkyBar in a small, vintage (safe, but feels a little rickety) elevator, complete with an attendant.
Owned and operated by the folks at World Coffee, the ground (intended) level, very cool coffee shop. Take time to get coffee and a snack here when you can, and be sure to explore the seemingly never ending rooms in the back.
Back to the SkyBar. For a long time, the SkyBar was only known to locals. There was no advertising, website, Facebook Page. Nothing but word of mouth. In the beginning, there were only a few small tables, but now there’s more bistro seating.
They serve “creative cocktails” and craft beers.
And don’t tell anyone,but you can call ahead (828-258-1058) and reserve a table on any night except Friday or Saturday.
One problem I had with the SkyBar was that it was always packed with smokers, especially at sunset. Not sure if that’s still the case, though. It can be crowded on nice evenings, so get there early and claim a spot at the rail facing the mountains.
View: Nice long range view that’s especially good at sunset on clear evenings. We usually go for a drink at sunset and then head out for dinner.
Parking: street or Wall Street Garage. The Rankin Ave garages aren’t too far away if the Wall Street Garage is full.
Image: Romantic AshevilleImage: SkyBar
Social Lounge
29 Broadway
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 575-9005
This rooftop is one floor up from street level right in the thick of things downtown on Biltmore Ave.
Upstairs from a sweet cocktail bar serving classics and creative craft drinks, the rooftop is cozy and intimate. Comfortable, not glitzy. A small bar is inside, just off the rooftop. Evenings are lit with strings of lights and during the day, “shade sails” offer relief from the sun.
Menu items as well as drinks are served on the rooftop. This is one of my favorite places to go for really tasty plates shared with friends. And it’s quiet enough for good conversation.
View: Cityscape best seen standing up.
Parking: street or Rankin Ave Garages. The Buncombe County Garage is a good backup if the Rankin garages are full, but it’s a few blocks away.
Image: Explore AshevilleImage: Rely Local
Top of the Monk
92 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 254-5470
Top of the Monk is one floor up from street level and is the only place at Thirsty Monk that serves cocktails instead of beer. They make everything, I mean everything, in house.
“We take pride in serving the finest classic cocktails, and in continually honing and learning our craft in order to give you the best experience and drinks possible.
To that end, we use freshly squeezed juices and we create our own bitters, tinctures, infusions, drams, flavored syrups, and shrubs. We use appropriate ice, glassware and our mixers don’t come from soda guns.”
Top of the Monk is just down the block from Pritchard Park, so know that Friday is when drum circles happen in the park and I’m guessing the music caries.
Keep in mind they have some house rules that I actually like:
No parties of 7 or more people after 7pm on Friday and Saturday.
Leave the party accessories at the door – we’d be glad to look after your sashes, feather boas, noisemakers, etc. at the door while you enjoy a relaxed drink upstairs, and you can pick them up on your way out.
No hootin n’ hollerin! We like to keep things low key so everyone can enjoy their conversations.
View: Cityscape and some long range views of mountains.
Watch the action on Biltmore Avenue, the main drag downtown sporting restaurants, bars, shops, and an Art Theater, from The Ledge, the outdoor portion of Aloft Hotel’s second story WXYZ bar.
The Ledge is one of the smaller “rooftop bars” in town. It’s intimate and the perfect spot for people watching. A “bites” menu is offered inside the bar and out on The Ledge.
The overall vibe here is cool, hip, and modern, with bright colored furniture and even pink/purple felt on the bar pool table.
View: street view ofBiltmore Ave and close-in hills.
Parking: Locals refer to it as the Aloft Garage, but it’s official name is Biltmore Ave Garage. It’s under the Aloft Hotel with access from Biltmore and S Lexington avenues. You can also check for street parking.
Image: Aloft HotelImage: Aloft Hotel
I wouldn’t be surprised if more rooftop bars open in the next few years. Options are a good thing.
Epicurean Notes:
It’s the perfect time to visit Asheville and WNC, taking in the Fall color.
Highland Brewing Company has a fantastic rooftop bar and event space if you’re looking for beer and not wine or cocktails. They are located not too far outside of downtown.
Charlotte – A 60-room historic hotel built in 1929 was named Best Historic Small Inn/Hotel (under 75 guest rooms). The Dunhill Hotel in Uptown Charlotte was proclaimed the winner before an audience of more than 200 invited media, industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the finest historic hotels from across America and from around the world.
Every year, the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence honor, encourage, and recognize the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers, and leadership practices. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence are presented to historic hotels and hoteliers demonstrating innovative leadership, stewardship, and contribution to furthering the recognition, preservation, and celebration of these preeminent historic hotels and their histories. Nineteen hotels from around the globe were recognized in various categories from a pool of more than 200 nominees.
“This honor is reflective of our entire team’s efforts to provide memorable guest experiences. This recognition is a credit to our amazing team—from housekeeping and engineering to front desk and bellmen, sales and marketing to the culinary and service teams at our award-winning restaurant, The Asbury, and our lobby bar,” John Beatty says. “We are fortunate. Every day, we have the privilege of inviting guests into the ‘living room’ of Uptown Charlotte.”
The Dunhill Hotel is operated by Summit Hospitality Group, LTD. in Raleigh, N.C.
“The winners of the 2017 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence represent more than 231 years of history and include the finest iconic and legendary historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We applaud these magnificent historic hotels and their hoteliers for their dedication, passion, stewardship and success in preserving these treasures and their stories for future generations of travelers.”
The Dunhill Hotel is Charlotte’s only historic hotel. A popular wedding, business and leisure destination, the venue thrives as a gateway to the city’s thriving art museums and galleries, live performances and cultural experiences. The hotel is located at 237 North Tryon Street. Its restaurant, The Asbury, is considered one of the city’s finest. https://www.dunhillhotel.com/
Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. The Dunhill Hotel was one of the program’s first boutique establishments. http://www.historichotels.org/
Tryon – The one year to go countdown to the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM Tryon 2018 (WEG) launched last month. With more than 500,000 people expected to attend the 2018 Games, the 12-day spectacle of equestrian champions is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar and will be the largest equestrian event in North Carolina’s history. Mark Bellissimo, CEO of host venue Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Tryon, N.C., announced today that tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday, October 16, 2017. Competition action at WEG 2018 runs from September 12 through September 23, 2018, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for September 11.
A variety of ticketing types and prices will be offered such as an All Games Pass for each week of competition or both weeks, an All Session Day Pass, All Session Discipline Pass, as well as individual event tickets, and opening and closing ceremonies. Ticket prices vary, but include an inexpensive Day Pass that gives attendees access to event grounds and expo only. A complete list of ticketing options will be available online at www.tryon2018.com or www.Ticketmaster.com.
In addition to announcing ticket sales, TIEC has today released a “Destination Tryon” video to showcase the region where the 2018 Games will be held. Prior to winning the bid to host WEG 2018, Polk County, North Carolina dwelt as a hidden gem, tucked away in the bucolic Blue Ridge Foothills, bordering South Carolina. Surrounded by bold mountains and scenic foothills, the area is conveniently located within an hour of top cities including Asheville and Charlotte in North Carolina and Greenville in South Carolina. The rural community now joins the league of iconic destinations around the world – like Normandy, Stockholm, Rome and Aachen – to host equestrian sport’s most distinguished championships.
For WEG 2018, Bellissimo is focusing on the love of horses to bring added attention to equestrian sport and touch a broader audience of horse enthusiasts globally, highlighting the important role horses have played throughout history.
“All of our nations were discovered on the back of a horse and these amazing animals continue to provide livelihood, transportation, security, entertainment, friendship, therapy, and sport around the world. The love of the horse is universal and profound. The Games is an incredible stage to show the world how important and valuable this creature is and celebrate our relationship with them,” said Bellissimo.
“Marking one year to go to the FEI World Equestrian Games is always a very exciting time and we’re really looking forward to the spectacular event that Tryon will bring,” Ingmar De Vos said. “The Games are the greatest gathering of the best athletes and horses from across the globe and hundreds of thousands of people will have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of equestrian sport as world champions are crowned across the eight FEI disciplines. The USA is renowned as a country of horse lovers and is also hugely successful in the sport so we are delighted to have this, the FEI’s flagship event, back in America once again.”
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) President Murray Kessler is pleased that the WEG is coming back to the United States for 2018 and will be hosted all at one venue at TIEC.
“We are confident that Mark Bellissimo and his team at Tryon will host an exceptional World Equestrian Games next year. Having the Games in the U.S. gives us an opportunity to celebrate the joy of horse sports with millions of Americans in a way that will help grow engagement and participation in all equestrian sports in this country.” said Murray Kessler, President U.S. Equestrian.
The Games are expected to have tremendous economic impact to both Western North Carolina and the South Carolina Upstate. The previous WEG held in Normandy (FRA) in 2014 had an estimated economic impact of $400 million and attracted 575,000 spectators. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper praised the organizers’ success in bringing the Games to the Carolinas.
“The World Equestrian Games are an incredible opportunity for North Carolina, and we are pleased to host this event,” said Governor Cooper. “We applaud the efforts of Mark Bellissimo and the organizers at Tryon International Equestrian Center to bring this global event to North Carolina and stimulate economic growth for our state as a result.”
Held every four years alternating with the Olympic Games, the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM combines the world championships for jumping, dressage and para-dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting and endurance into one massive 12-day event.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for the 2018 WEG are being managed by Connections Housing, a full-service sourcing, housing and event management company. With 30 years of experience serving events in a range of industries, Connections has two full-service, fully-owned call centers and will oversee all aspects of the housing process from contracting and room block management to reservations and post-event analysis. Accommodations will open to the public on Monday, September 18. For more information about accommodations, visit www.tryon2018.com.
ABOUT THE TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, host of the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM Tryon 2018, is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destinations. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. With first-class facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions, the facility will soon accommodate all eight equestrian disciplines. Tryon Resort is a spring, summer and fall haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment. Learn more at www.tryon.com.
ABOUT THE FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG), which are administered by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, is the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. For more information, visit www.tryon2018.com and http://www.fei.org/tryon-2018
It happened. It happened today, Thursday September 21, 2017.
This was the day I was invited to tour possibly the most anticipated new Hendersonville restaurant – ever. It’s been in the works for five years. FIVE years.
Owners Bobby and Layla Rogers were incredibly welcoming as they walked me through the building, top (roof bar) to bottom (lower level event space).
Did I ask THE question? Yes I did! “Why has it taken you so long to get this place open?”
You’ll agree the answer makes complete sense when you read the interview I’ll be publishing soon.
What I wasn’t able to get out of the Rogers was what they plan to name the place. If you’ve followed along over the years, you know they’ve said the name has 5 letters. Friends and I have our top three guesses: D’layd, Later, and Fīn-l-y (that’s a long “i”).
It shouldn’t be too long before they’re open for business. All that’s missing are a few pieces of kitchen equipment, finalizing some paperwork, and getting that which anyone who has ever built a business or home has waited for, the CO (Certificate of Occupancy).
As soon as they open for business, you must go in for a drink, meal, or both, and take a good look around. I can say with some confidence you’ll be as impressed as I am with the attention to detail, incorporation of advanced technology, and quality of design & construction.
There are so many things that impressed me, I’m just going to mention a few here:
Know that most interior cabinetry, booth seating, tables, and other wooden structures were built by the Rogers using the building’s original floor joists. Some were milled into boards of various sizes.
The building is being held up by those who know as a fine example of how to restore a historic building the right way.
Watch the action in a big, beautiful, open kitchen as you dine. It’s going to be a good show!
When it’s open, definitely check out the rooftop bar. It’ll be THE place to be in nice weather.
They’re not easy to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but find the black circular wall-mounted magnetic “docks” for tablets around the restaurant. When a tablet is on the dock, it’s charging as it’s being used.
Don’t like handling the restroom door handle on your way out? Use the foot pad to pull it open before stepping out.
What about the menu? Expect a mix of multiple cuisines with a healthy dose of American – classic and nouveau, with approachable prices.
Asheville – This past Thursday, four friends met for dinner at Sovereign Remedies. The evening involved five cocktails, a pint of local craft beer, five small and 2 large plates.
No beverage photos were taken, but I felt compelled to document the beautiful food presentations that also happen to taste amazing.
We did share an order of Bone Marrow Tater Tots ($8) with capers, celery, and pickled red onion. Three come on the plate, so two of us shared one tot and the other two each had their own. Next time, I’m ordering three for myself. Loved these!
“Honey Crisp Apples ($11): Celeriac, Lobster Mushroom, Pickled Turnip, Melon Vinaigrette, Sunflower Seed”“Perfect New Potatoes ($11): Corn Pudding, Concord Grape, Red Onion Marmalade, Brown Butter”“Watermelon Glazed Carrots ($12): Figs, Daikon Sprouts, Popped Sorghum, Pickled Mustard Seed”Tomato and Cucumber: sorry, no price or description for this one“Bavette Steak ($19): Honey Mushroom, Delicata Squash, Shell Beans, Green Tomato, Herbed Jus”“Joyce Farm Chicken ($18): Breast, Thigh Presse, Pickled Scallion, Summer Squash, Nasturtium Aioli, Baby Fennel”
Read about a previous dinner at Sovereign Remedies here.
Sovereign Remedies
29 N. Market Street (At the Corner of Walnut)
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-919-9518
Probably my all time favorite media tour to date, the three days spent learning about North Carolina seafood, caught, grown, or processed in-state, were eye opening.
There’s knowing about NC seafood . . . and then there’s immersing yourself in the reality of life for commercial fishermen, shrimpers, their families, fish farms, clam & oyster farms, processing facilities, and more.
Dinner our first evening was at the landmark Beaufort Grocery Co. We were joined by two commercial shrimpers who graciously spent hours talking to us about what life is like today for commercial fishermen. Read about our conversation HERE.
When we media folks (bloggers, journalists, culinary event producers) get together there’s almost constant talking, along with laughter and comparing of notes on NC Foodways, social media best practices, latest/greatest restaurants, farmers’ markets, and anything else you can think of that has to do with food.
Our dinner began with these tasty Stuffed Squash Blossoms that had been dipped in a light batter and fried gently until golden and crunchy.
Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms w/ Caramelized Onions, Roasted Tomatoes & Balsamic Drizzlen- Sourced from our local farmer Donnie Lewis in Otway, NC
After the squash blossoms it was nothing but NC seafood. First up was this two to three bite Asian inspired Tuna Napolean. The tuna was sourced from Morehead City’s Blue Ocean Market.
Tuna Napoleon- Fresh Local Tuna, Wasabi Coleslaw, Pickled Ginger, Sweet Garlic Sauce & Cilantro- Sourced from our Fish Mongers at Blue Ocean Market in Morehead City, NC
The rest of our meal was served family style. Beaufort’s Fishtowne Seafood supplied the crab meat for these deliciously cute Miniature Carolina Crab Cakes. I’m talkin’ lots of meat, not filler. So good.
Miniature Carolina Crab Cakes w/ Sauce Remoulade- Sourced Crab Meat from Fishtowne Seafood in Beaufort, NC
Believe it or not, I had never had Flounder before. The closest thing to fish we had growing up was frozen fish sticks. Over the years I’ve developed a love of most seafood, but am still a little hesitant when it comes to unfamiliar fish. You realize this is a big public confession for a food writer, don’t you?
Scored and flash fried, this flounder was absolutely delicious! Loved it! It was also sourced from Blue Ocean Market, Morehead City. Since this dinner, I’ve been seeing flounder everywhere. I chalk it up to selective attention and confirmation bias – the interesting Baader-Meinhof phenomenon.
Whole Flash Fried Flounder w/ Apricot Gastrique, Jasmine Rice & Carolina Caviar- Sourced from Blue Ocean Market in Morehead City, NC
And finally Pan Seared Scallops and Shrimp in Champagne Cream Sauce on Cappelini, one of my favorites of the evening. I love scallops to begin with, but oh that sauce!
Pan Seared Scallops and Shrimp in Champagne Cream Sauce on Cappelini- Sourced from Fishtowne in Beaufort, NC and Blue Ocean Seafood in Morehead City, NC
Want more? Read the short story behind Beaufort Grocery Co and its owners here. Even more interesting is the story of the Beaufort community.
Epicurean Note: I’m confident the quality of any item on the menu at Beaufort Grocery will be just as good when you go in for lunch, brunch, or dinner.
Hendersonville – Henderson County’s “Convenience Center” will launche a pilot food waste collection program on September 14th.
They’ll have two dedicated 64 Gallon carts available.
Permitted Items: “breads and pastas, coffee/tea grounds, paper filters/tea bags, cooked meat, fish, poultry, bones (cooked only), herbs and greens, eggshells and dairy, grains and cereals, fruits and vegetables, leftovers and scraps, rice and beans, compostable containers, cut flowers and stems, paper towels and napkins, soiled pizza boxes and paper bags.”
NOT Permitted in food waste carts: “aluminum foil, cans, ash or coal, bathroom products & baby wipes, chewing gum, glass, household trash, liquid cooking oil, pet waste, fur, hair, plastic containers, bags, film, raw meat, recyclables, steel cans, straws, plastic silverware, plates, textiles, tobacco products, yard waste and leaves.”
Three backyard compost worshops taught by Asheville Greenworks will take place this fall on Sept 23, October 14, and October 17. A DIY kit costs $15.
Registration information can be found online at www.hcrecycles.org. For more information call (828) 697-4505 or (828) 694-6524.
Looking for an easy day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville? We put together a scenic route that had interesting sights along the way and didn’t require a lot of walking. One of us is recovering from a recent knee injury.
And we intentionally chose a route that wasn’t the most direct. See a map of our route at the end of this article.
Our first stop was the Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known as “Pretty Place“. It’s part of YMCA Camp Greenville and at the end of a windy road you’ll need to backtrack to continue to the next stop. Click the link above for more pictures of the Chapel.
Take Hwy 64 West out of Hendersonville to Penrose, turn left onto Crab Creek Rd. then right onto Dupont Rd. Dupont becomes Staton Rd. Take Staton to it’s end and turn left onto Cascade Lake Rd. When Cascade Lake Rd ends at a “T”, turn left onto Greenville Hwy (US 276). Finally, turn left onto YMCA Camp Rd and take it to the end where you’ll find the Chapel. NOTE: Check the Chapel Schedule to see when it’s booked for private events.
If you have the time, the Blue Moon Gallery at the intersection of Cascade Lake Rd and Greenville Hwy looked promising. I’m planning on going back to check it out.
When we got to Pretty Place, there was a group of bikers hanging out, taking in the view. Made sense since the roads on this route are perfect for sports cars, convertibles, and motorcycles.
Fred W. Symmes Chapel, aka Pretty Place
Memorial plaques are placed on Pretty Place’s wall. A number of them seem to be for young men who were lost during WWII.
Fred W. Symmes Chapel, aka Pretty Place
From Pretty Place, head back out to Greenville Hwy (US 276). Keep your eyes open for one of South Carolina’s many natural springs, Ceasar’s Head Spring. It will be on your right. There’s very little space to pull over if you’d like to taste the water or fill up a bottle, so be prepared. As far as I know, the water is fine to drink.
Ceasar’s Head SpringCeasar’s Head Spring
Continue on US 276 until you spot a gravel parking lot and peek-a-boo view on your left. You’ve arrived at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. if you don’t see it in time to pull over, there are a couple easy turn-around spots right down the road.
Graffiti is normally a bad thing, but there are some places that it’s not only okay, it’s actually kind of cool. Take Austin’s Graffiti Park at Castle Hill. Of course, Bald Rock would be beautiful without the graffiti, but we didn’t have a problem with it.
It’s a short walk across a wooden bridge and onto the rock. You can move around easily, getting as close to the edge as you like. Careful, now.
Continue on US 276 into the Cleveland area where you turn left onto Hwy 11 – Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. The link takes you to what looks like the official Scenic Byway website. it’s a horrible website – not intuitive at all and hard to find usable information, but there it is. Look around online if you want more detailed information on the entire Scenic Byway. Here’s one site we found helpful: Our Upstate SC.
Turn left onto Callahan Mountain Rd, traveling a short distance until you see a crosswalk, black railing, and stairs on the right. A “loop” parking lot is on your left. You’ve arrived at Poinsett Bridge(video) in the 120 acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve. Believe it or not, this bridge was built in 1820 as part of the State Road from Greenville to Asheville. Can’t you picture wagons and carriages crossing this narrow bridge, working their way up or down the mountains between those two cities? Wonder how long the trip took?
Take time to walk down to the creek below where you’ll see the unusual and fantastic Gothic Arch.
The creek spills over what looks like a mini Sliding Rock. This day there was a family with young children picnicking at the creek. They couldn’t keep the kids out of the water. It’s not too deep and not especially fast flowing.
From here we dropped down into Greenville for lunch. It was rather disappointing, so no lunch review.
Any GPS or paper map will easily be able to get you back to Hendersonville or Asheville.
Epicurean Notes:
Remember that “getting there” is part of the journey. Enjoy the winding, wooded roads.
Car trip conversations are some of the best.
Play good music and don’t be afraid to sing along out loud. Head banging is allowed if it’s Queen, or any group that moves you.
If you decide to take this drive, let me know what you think!
