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Restaurants to look out for in 2013

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Jason Sandford

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

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You love food. We love food. Food is special everywhere, but it’s really something in Asheville.

If you want to know why Asheville has the foodie reputation it does, just have a look at this list.

Our 2012 totals: 16 closings, 21 openings, and 14 new eateries coming this year.

Happy eating, and here’s to good food and drink in 2013!

COMING SOON

Pho, Neapolitan pizza from the White Duck team, barbecue from an Admiral chef and more:

SevenSows

Seven Sows Bourbon & Larder: A foodie supergroup of notables from Blind Pig, Zambra and Pisgah Brewing joins up to bring us old-school southern food, bourbon and bacon. It’s our pick of 2013 restaurants to watch. Look for it next to Mamacita’s downtown.

Pizza Pura: The new project from Ben and Laura of White Duck. Yeah, we’ve got our eyes on this one! Coming to the RAD.

Oyster House Brewpub: The Lobster Trap operation branches out into West Asheville.

kitchen643

Kitchen 643: Used to be Pineapple Jack’s. West.

Cecilia’s Kitchen (creperie): Coming to North Asheville.

BoBo Pho: The name says it all. Coming to Lexington Avenue.

Farm Burger: Coming to downtown Asheville in the Leader Building.

Zia Taqueria: The former Delores and Jose’s in West Asheville gets a new start. Check out the Zia Taqueria logo already being painted on the front.

The Bull & Beggar: From one of the stalwarts of The Admiral along with a former contributor to Table, a new restaurant in the RAD.

Buxton Hill Barbecue: The forgotten south side of downtown is poised to explode with new businesses and restaurants, with this eagerly anticipated BBQ joint part of the renaissance.

DoughDough: Near the new Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter, a chef-driven spot for deli items, wine, cheese, cooking lessons and more.

Biscuit Head: Breakfast, brunch and lunch with gourmet biscuit creations. I feel like this one is a winner right out of the gate. Location TBD.

Stirhaus: LAB chef opens a stir-fry based venture next to the LAB. Downtown.

Yet-to-be-named bar & charcuterie in the old Blue Water Seafood location. Charlotte Street.

2012 OPENINGS OF NOTE: Coffee, Latin food, Italian and more 

WickedWeedjpgWest Asheville Lounge and Kitcken (WALK): Beer, pool, tacos, killer blackened chicken sandwiches and more, right across from The Admiral. Love! West Asheville.

Wicked Weed Brewing: Not just some of the best-reviewed local beer in years, but lunch and dinner, too. Downtown.

Biltmore Coffee Company: Downtown across from Pack Place.

Sabor Bustaurant: New at The Lot: Latin flavor–on a bus! Downtown.

MG Road: India-inspired cocktails and great munchies (try the spicy eggplant) in a chill, inviting spot. Downtown.

Bomba: The new one from Hector Diaz serves coffee, doughnuts and sandwiches. Downtown.

The Isis Restaurant & Music Hall: Fine dining in West Asheville? Yes, and it’s delicious.

Native Kitchen: New Swannanoa brewpub wants to be Swannanoa’s answer to the Bywater.

Creekside Taproom: Burgers, nachos and wings on the East Side.

Mr. Frog’s Soul and Creole: Displaced by the renaissance on The Block, this tasty spot from Vijay Shastri closed on NYE–and will be missed.

The Imperial Life: Casual yet sophisticated bar/charcuterie above Table. Downtown.

Latin Flavor: Well-reviewed Latin fusion eats. East Asheville.

Asheville Sandwich Company: The name says it all. West.

Chestnut: American cuisine in a gorgeous space on Biltmore Ave. Downtown.

The Blackbird: Popular Black Mountain restaurant moves uptown to the new Aloft Hotel.

Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar and Grill: Burgers in East Asheville, in the old Province 620 location.

Strada Italiano: Family drama at Fiore’s didn’t stop the debut of one of Asheville’s best Italian restaurants. Downtown.

French Broad Chocolate Factory & Tasting Room: Another effort in the South Slope renaissance. Downtown.

Aqua Cafe & Bar: Soup, sandwiches and chicken tenders in the former Fiore’s. Downtown.

Magnolia Ray: New Orleans-inspired food in the former Baja Cafe location. North Asheville.

Puebla1

Puebla (re-opened Swannanoa restaurant): Mexican food and a menu that offers more than just cheese, rice and beans. West Asheville.

R.I.P.: 2012 CLOSINGS

Eat local and support the restaurants you love.

Fiore’s

Never Blue

Province 620

Palmyra Bistro

Books & Breadboard

The Cupcake Corner

Viva Deli

La Carreta (new Weaverville location is now open)

The Magnetic Field

Baja Cafe

Pineapple Jack’s

Solace

Blue Water Seafood

Greenlight Cafe

Mr. Frog’s Soul and Creole

Mamacita’s Baja Cantina

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Jason Sandford

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

  • 1

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7 Comments

  1. James Fisher January 2, 2013

    Also opening soon: Livi’s Pantry in Reynolds Mtn development. Missy Miller, former Luella’s partner, opening it. Groceries and bistro with beer , wine, coffee, bakery, etc.

    Reply
  2. joey January 1, 2013

    Don’t forget WALK. They were voted best new restaurant of 2012

    Reply
    1. Jennifer Saylor January 1, 2013

      Fixed!

      Reply
      1. joey January 1, 2013

        Feb 2012

        Reply
        1. Jennifer Saylor January 1, 2013

          Seriously, thanks for that one! Going there now b/c you made me hungry for their food!

          Reply
  3. Jason Sandford January 1, 2013

    Also don’t forget about the restaurant coming to Riverside Drive by Matt Logan, owner of 5 Walnut. He’s building it out of shipping containers, and he’s working w chef Nate Allen on the food.

    Reply
  4. Jason Sandford January 1, 2013

    Province 620 turned into Juicy Lucy’s, a pretty dang popular eatery there on Hendersonville Road.

    Reply

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