Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Here’s the post from the Ask Asheville blog. It’s unclear exactly what the Curras Dom restaurant owners need in order to remain open, but it sounds like the tough economy is dragging them down:
Starting a business and making it work in this current economy in Asheville is difficult. Money affects everyone. When people are getting laid off and jobs are being lost, people cut back on their spending. It starts with the consumer, then hurts businesses, then the employees are left without a job. Here is some sad news in Asheville: Curras Dom on the North side of town, Woodfin area, may be closing their doors on January 3rd if a miracle does not happen. This is devasting to us as we have seen the labor Marco and his wife have put into this place. This is one of our top 3 restaurants when going from North Asheville’s Ingles on Merrimon Ave through Woodfin to Weaverville NC.
Curras Dom is a great restaurant about 1 minute past Beaver Lake on the left hand side in North Asheville. Many of us remember when it used to be HB’s Drive In and you could order your food from your car while parked in front. Marco Garcia and his wife Amy have put a tremendous amount of effort into establishing their business in the area. They have been in operation for 2 years and guests love the dining options. Reynolds Mountain is just up the hill and lots of development is planned in the area. YMCA also just recently opened nearby. Altura Asheville is also starting on their development and planning on bringing in the new year with some large construction projects. Big area expansion is expected to take place in the next year and a half.
Nope, Curras Dom is still there and with great food. To past blogger: this place beats Stoney Knob hands down. It is consistantly the best food and service I have had in Asheville. Its pricey…yes. and not a supersized plate like you’ll get from quantity pushers, but the quality can’t be beat. I’ve never left hungry…but then again I always have a great dessert there.
It’s the same story every couple of months for the past year or so…Ownership cries poor till some angel investor coughs up a small loan which is used to repay old debt. Let’s see who the sucker is this time.Borrowed more than they could afford and income truly limited by tiny dining area. Sad…makes me wish for HB’s! Nothing like cheap chili dogs and greasy rings. Adios Curras.
Avocado margarita was amazing. Place is beautiful. Service was good. Desert was good too. However, dinner food was way overpriced and serving sizes were tiny. Vegetarian options were not exciting, or good. My pregnant wife wanted to go up the street to Stoney Knob afterwords because she was still hungry from her tiny $20 single stuffed pepper. Only the mega-upscale half-timers from Boca Raton can save this place. It doesn’t stand a chance against the likes of Salsas, Chorizo, La Paz, or the best place on that side of town – Stoney Knob, without a serious improvement in menu.
Will be sad to see it go, always enjoyed the great food. I agree, support the little guy. For those who haven’t, get some great food before its gone. On a brighter note, a new restaurant – Kathmandu Cafe is slated to open right next to the Thirsty Monk and I hear its going to serve fabulous Indian street food ala tapas, small plates, and also some Nepali favorites. I love the additions to Asheville’s food scene, its just great to have so many choices. Any more info out there on this?
OH NO! Get thee to Curras Dom, it is fantastic. Forget Papas and Beer, they have plenty of business… support the little guy. The lunch at Curras iis fresh and absolutely divine. Try it and you’ll be hooked!!
I have to say – I was not impressed with this place. Food was okay, service could be lousy at times. In this economic climate you cannot survive if you are mediocre.