PHOTOS Golden Fleece restaurant holds soft opening over weekend in Asheville

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Golden Fleece Slow Earth Kitchen, the latest eatery by restauranteur Giorgios Bakatsias, opened quietly this past weekend in the former Grovewood Cafe space right next door to the Omni Grove Park Inn.

Bakatsias, a warm host who chatted up diners the night I visited (Friday), told me he has opened more than 100 restaurants (Kipos, Parizäde, Village Burgers, more) during his career. In North Carolina, he’s known for several restaurants he’s opened in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. He’s also been nominated for a James Beard Award in the best restauranteur category.

The menu at Golden Fleece is described as “rustic Mediterranean,” and there’s a definite Greek flavor to it all. The wine list and cocktails were spot on (how about a Brooklyn with Rittenhouse Rye, Sutton Cellars Brown Label, Luxardo Maraschino, Scrappy chocolate bitters) but me and my guest sampled perfectly charred bread, roasted potatoes doused in duck fat aioli, an earthy vegetable paella, a fluffy cloud of tzatziki and crispy brussel sprouts. Smoked trout, braised leg of lamb and wood-fired rotisserie chicken filled out the menu, with plenty more offerings. We ended it all with a flourless chocolate torte resting on a bed of chocolate soil. All delicious.

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