Proposing in Asheville this weekend

[boyleschris]

We come to Asheville a lot and dine casually -- Early Girl, Salsa's, Corner Kitchen, etc. Never actually been to a "romantic/fine" restaurant in town. Any places you'd recommend for proposing to my girlfriend? We're not big on seafood, but we'd be open to anything else. Doesn't have to be as stiff as Gabrielle's or Horizon's. Just want a place with better than average food and atmosphere. Thanks!

[boyleschris]

Hi all. I proposed Friday at Zambra. It was cozy, romantic and still casual (which is more our style). She really liked the place...and she said yes. The food and wine made the evening equally enjoyable. We started off with the crusty bread and dipping sauce, then had steak tacos with lime and butternut squash. Next, we had the pork spring rolls and capped the meal with the petite "Painted Hills" filet with potatoes. The only misfire was a "Mexican" Caeser salad, which was so fishy we sent it back. Dessert was great, too. We had a brownie with goat cheese swirls and cream cheese ice cream.

[cackalackie]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[hungry in carrboro]

Congratulations! I'm glad you reported back to update us!! :)

[danna]

Yea! Congrats, and thanks for the report.

[Jeff C.]

Best of luck to you both!

[mcap]

I proposed to my wife in Asheville, although we hiked to the top of a mountain and I proposed there. For dinner that night we went to La Caterina Trattoria - good food, good wine, and live Italian music.

Other suggestions would be the Boathouse Restaurant on Lake Julian. It is outside downtown a bit, but is a nice place on a lake. Good food also...

Savoy is romantic - and take NANCY's advice - call ahead, prepare, and make it special.

Good luck, and congratulations.

Good luck!

[NANCY]

No matter what you choose ~ here's some suggestions. Call the restaurant and reserve a special table - take advantage of the view or privacy. Have a vase with a single stem of her favorite flower. Have a chilled bottle of champagne ~ or whatever your favorite at the ready. Make sure a camera is available and have somebody take pictures.

A group of us stumbled into a proposal at Sante several months ago....he had done everything above, except the camera. I had one and was able to record the happy occasion for them. They loved it.

[miss piggy]

You might consider proposing off an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (very nice this time of year) or in the gardens at the Biltmore Estate - and then going to a nice dinner afterwards. For dinner, I would suggest Fig, but I'm not so sure about doing the actual proposal there - very small, so everyone in the restaurant would know what was going on. Unless you want it that way! But for me it would be nice to have that moment shared just between the two of you. Congrats!

[TSQ75]

A friend of mine proposed to his wife at The Laughing Seed 6 years ago. They still go there everytime they're in Asheville.

we're in Durham

[Jeff C.]

I like Laughing Seed, but it is too crowded, noisy, and casual for a proposal setting. Gabrielle's would be my pick because it is quiet, intimate, the service is stellar but unobtrusive, and the food is always superb. (It is also one of the most expensive restaurants in Asheville, but, hey, this is a once-in-a-lifetime special event, no?)

[TSQ75]

agreed...but it should be a place they love, one they'll come back to, one that will mean something to them...even if it's a taco wagon in a shopping center parking lot :)

[boyleschris]

Ah, the taco wagon. Seriously, one of the best meals I've ever had was from a taco stand in Sante Fe. Some really good ideas here. Even if some of these places don't make the cut, we'll have to try them on future visits. You guys are awesome.

[danna]

Spots that strike me as romantic are Fig, Zambra (must be in one of the alcoves w/ pillows in the back of the restaurant), and - despite the food- the terrace at Grove Park.

[jbyoga]

The Terrace at Grove Park is super romantic for sure - Congrats!

[leahinsc]

Fig, Rezaz's....

[Spreadhead]

The Terrace at Grove Park is a nice setting, especially this time of year.

[meatn3]

I agree! Plus it will be a great place to revisit each anniversary. I met my sweetie there, and we always revisit on that date. Very romantic...Best wishes & many joyful ( and flavorful, this is CH) years together!

[kpl_in_avl]

I'd recommend Southside Cafe (unassuming on the outside, romantic and upscale on the inside) or Savoy (great service and feels like a place to propose). Best wishes!