Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
By Jennifer Saylor
Just opened: New gastropub King James Public House just opened with former Zambra chef Steve Goff in the kitchen. If you’ve eaten at Zambra, you know that makes this new pub worth a look. Check it out on Charlotte Street. (Intimate and delicious are two quick words to describe.)
Also newish: Korean House, the Korean restaurant that took over the former Aqua Cafe location downtown. Nothing but sold reviews for this restaurant from one of the co-owners of the tasty Stonebowl Korean in South Asheville.
Drinks and dancing in Asheville at last? The Nightbell, the new nightclub and late night dining spot from the Curate team, are now saying the new club will open Wednesday, Feb. 5. Looks like Asheville’s long hunger for a real nightclub is about to get sated in European style.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm meat…at the grocery store: According to Ingles, about 42 stores now carry locally sourced meats from the Fairview farm specializing in grass-fed beef and pastured pork.
Get yer Rosetta’s at Ingles, too: The downtown vegetarian cafe already had its peanut butter tofu available at Ingles, and now offers its veggie burgers at 95 Ingles stores.
Short Street Cakes adds pies to its menu with “hand pies,’ hand-formed turnovers filled with fruit and spices. Unsurprisingly, they’re delicious. Short Street (West Asheville near the RAD) also offers King Cake and King Cupcakes through Mardi Gras season.
New Asheville Sandwich Co.: The tasty sandwich shop on the west side (State Street) is not only moving to the former Digable Pizza location, it also just opened a new location at 491 Sardis Road, inside Roadrunner Market.
The Barleycorn’s new website: Another new gastropub, this one in the former Burgermeister’s location, has a new and attractive website. Other restaurants please take note: props to the Barleycorn for a simple site that includes clear access to hours, the menu, and a way to like them on Facebook.
Hi-Wire serves English breakfast: Soccer fans and breakfast fans alike take note. This South Slope brewery is showing soccer games on Saturdays–and also feeding sports fans in European style with a full English breakfast.
For only $6.95, feast upon a freshly made meal of eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and toast! There’ll be a veggie option or two, as well, in addition to hot coffee and tea. For only a few bucks more, at $9.95, get any Hi-Wire year-round or seasonal pint to help wash down breakfast!
Here’s the soccer breakfast schedule for the next couple of weeks:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1Barcelona v Valencia Manchester United v Stoke City Stay for the USA v Korea game at 5 pm! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8Liverpool v Arsenal (7:45 am) Chelsea v Newcastle (10 am)
Blind Pig events to look out for: Zodiac, an event with chefs from Zambra, Ben’s Tune Up and The Southern, happens Sunday Feb. 16, on Valentine’s weekend. $70. Tickets are
here.
Chinese New Year celebration at Ben’s Tune Up: The Asian-fusion restaurant rings in the new year with a Chinese buffet, “firecracker toast” and more:
Enjoy the first ever Ben’s Tune-Up endless, banquet-style CHINESE BUFFET, martial arts demonstrations, parade and performance by the Asheville Second Line (https://www.facebook.com/AshevilleSecondLine), a firecracker toast, and ninja star giveaway and throwing competition.
Instagram pic of the week: Follow
@punk_wok (Asheville chef Elliott Moss’ account for his Monday night MG Road Asian restaurant pop-up) for a glimpse into the mind of a chef. You’ll also see Punk Wok ingredients (dried squid, whole octopus, Rappahannock oysters) and previews of
Punk Wok menus to come.
Restaurant-lovers tip of the week: Rosetta’s. Dessert. Case. Vegan, vegetarian or carnivore, you deserve to see if you’ll agree with me that this is the most underrated and under-the-radar dessert case in town. Decadent cakes by the slice, puddings and more. If you’ve never tried it, check it out: Rosetta’s is more than late-night fuel and PG tofu.
Who’s got the best chai in town? My money’s on Chai Pani: I find Kathmandu’s watery and Mela’s a little short on flavor. What’s YOUR pick? And all y’all coffee shops that just nuke a mug of Oregon Chai? Please, just take that off the menu already.
Asheville Sandwich is a truly underappreciated gem. Their food is phenomenal. The fact that they have survived hidden away on State St for so long suggests to me that they will go gangbusters up on Haywood proper.
Check em out – you will not be disappointed.
Dobra for chai. Duh
I miss Rosetta’s peanut butter cookies!