Asheville

Vivian, Asheville, NC., 11/18/22

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 348 Depot St., Ste 190, Asheville, NC., 28801

Vivian is the creation of Chef Josiah and Shannon McGaughey who started it as a kitchen pop-up in 2015.  Within a year they had their own food truck called Salt & Smoke but they still aspired to own an actual restaurant space.  They did just that, opening Vivian in the River Arts District in January 2018.  They serve a seasonal changing menu with French overtones.  It’s made up of 2 rooms, one with the long bar and counter seating and another room with just tables.  There was a patio that people came and went from but I didn’t go there to get a photo.  Lots of art is on the walls, sound panels are on the ceiling, the walls are of brick and wood, the lighting is lowered, the floor is concrete and the tables are bare wood.  The service was first rate with good advice and recommendations on ordering.  In addition to a nice wine list, they have a full bar from which we enjoyed a basic Negroni as we worked out a meal plan.  The food is outstanding and I would heartily recommend you try it. Continue reading →

Southern Porch, Canton, NC., 11/18/22

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment
building – 117 Main St., Canton, NC., 28716

Southern Porch is a family-run operation not too far from Asheville.  The current couple that owns it started it with the wife’s mother and stepfather, who had chef experience.  The senior couple retired in March of 2019.  The building was constructed as a house in 1876, before Canton was even a town.  As the town boomed due to a paper mill the building was purchased in 1910 and made into a hotel.  A 4-story tower was added and it became The Imperial Hotel.  Much has since transpired but the ownership started restoration of the building’s appearance to the 1920’s look and then welcomed Southern Porch Kitchen and Drink onto the premises.  The inside dining rooms now are large and fairly unadorned.  The bar was off to the side when we entered the large room with well-spaced tables, a high tin ceiling, a wood floor and rock music in the background.  The menus were large and so worn that much of the print was wiped off.  There were a number of people working there but our server was not particularly experienced. Continue reading →

The Admiral, Asheville, NC., 11/17/22

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
building – 400 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC

The Admiral opened in 2007 in a modest building that used to be a bar for cab drivers with a maritime theme – thus the name.  It’s a small interior with low ceiling, lowered lighting, vintage music in the background, bare blond-wood tables, and an open kitchen.  There is a full bar with a few seats in front of it as well as a plastic-enclosed patio section and a fully outdoor patio section.  It felt very cozy and inviting and the service was friendly to match that cool relaxed vibe.  They had installed plastic partitions above the backs of the booths which not only provided more privacy but also allowed conversations without yelling.  It looks like a dive from the outside and is not in the ‘hot’ section of town but that makes street parking a lot easier.  We decided to go with the flow and order a very traditional meal.   It was mixed on the food but the place was so fun I’d go back if I was in the area. Continue reading →

Chai Pani, Asheville, NC., 11/17/22

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, NC., 28801

Chai Pani translates to “tea and water” and is slang for going out for a quick bite.  The restaurant features the street food of India as well as some comfort food you might be served in a home.  Opening 13 years ago Chef/Owner Meherwan Irani and his wife wanted to offer an under-represented type of Indian cuisine in an affordable place.  In 2022  they were named an Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation and in 2021 The New York Times included Chai Pani in their ‘America’s Favorite Restaurants’ list.  Chef Irani now has restaurants in numerous cities.  In Asheville, it’s a long one-room place with a half dozen seats at the bar and the rest at the booths that line the walls and tables in the center. One end of the room opens to the kitchen.  The windows to the street let in additional light, Indian music is in the background and the staff was friendly but not the most directive.  The food varied but for the most part, was full of flavor and texture. Continue reading →

Cúrate Bar de Tapas, Asheville, NC., 11/16/22

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 11 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC., 28801

Cúrate offers a collection of ways to enjoy Spanish tapas. Cúrate Bar de Tapas is a large restaurant that opened in 2011.  (Other portions are shops, cafes, and to-go items.)  The menu includes many staples of Spain’s tapas culture as well as an all-Spanish wine list.  There were 2 rooms and a patio that were packed with people even on a weeknight.  High ceilings, windows to the street, and copper top or marble tables set with pens to mark your menu for your selections.  All plates are meant to be shared.  One room had a long bar facing the kitchen and the second room had the ham area in the back.  It was fairly well-lit inside but parking is as you can find it on the street, and it is an area with lots of restaurants and bars, so allow yourself some extra time to arrive.  We had a terrific server, Denby, who understood our desire for flavor in the dishes and helped craft a menu that was well-paced and tasty.  It is popular but get a reservation if you can. Continue reading →

Baby Bull, Asheville, NC., 11/16/22

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior

Baby Bull has 3 interior rooms, one with the order counter and a large outdoor patio.  Once you order, you get a number to place on your table till they bring your food out.  They are open Wed to Mon and have very friendly people working there along with really quick, cooked-to-order food.  Baby Bull opened as a result of the success of Bull and Beggar’s burger.  Management wanted a place to satisfy the burger’s followers on a regular basis.  Baby Bull is a fast food option to get that particular sandwich.  They serve all the sandwiches “all or nothing” so you get their condiments on the sandwich or on the side.  There is no customization, except the doneness amount.  They also have shakes and other well-regarded sandwiches but we were there for the burger.  Sides are extra and we chose French fries but they do offer options of pork rinds or hushpuppies.  However, the guy at the counter said their fries continue to be voted best in town, and I can see why.  An excellent spot if you want quick tasty food. Continue reading →