Storm, two days in a row [Asheville, NC]

[danna]

Storm was one of the better experiences we've had lately.

Lunch on Saturday: I had the ceviche typico, which was snapper that day. It was absolutely what I want in ceviche. delicious, fresh, limey. I also had the small size vegetarian plate with asparagus, israeli cous cous and a few other veggies. It was nice. My husband got the burger, which he was allowed to order rare with no fanfare. It was very good and the fries were fabulous. The came out hot and salty and although fries are just about at the top of my no-fly list, I sucked down quite a number of them. He also got the 3 cheese macaroni. It was good, although we both prefer a more traditional southern mac and cheese casserole type affair, with more cheddar and less bechamel.

Brunch on Sunday: After a conversation with the hostess that would have stumped Abbot and Costello, we ate there again Sunday, although as we finally figured out, it was the same menu as Saturday. This time I had corned beef benedict and husband had scallops and wedge salad. Both good. We also got the breakfast bread basket. It was cornbread, cinamon roll, and biscuit. Each of those items was pretty good although not stellar. I had a nice press pot of strong coffee.

I didn't drink either day (too frickin' hot to drink at lunchtime) but the cocktail list looked interesting and I noticed the bartender prepping huge amounts of fresh lime juice...it smelled great! Service was decent, but probably the weakest part. Both our servers were just a bit inattentive, but no biggie.

You guys need to go immediately and have some ceviche...a perfect light meal for summer. And one day perhaps this fall the beautiful patio will be inhabitable . We drove past a few other restaurants Sunday morning that had lines out the door that are not as good as Storm, which was not booming either day. Go support them!!

In other news...Admiral was great Sat night. The Grove Park Inn charged me $7.25 for a gin and tonic. What do they cost these days in the real world? But...we saved the cost of a beer for my husband because the bartender was so short with him when he asked about the beers on tap that he just declined one. Also GPI now charges $10 to park in the garage and the internet in the business office for guests wants a credit card. That is the chintziest place on earth...but at $119/nt we couldn't resist!

[Sue in Mt P]

Hi, danna,

Ceviche done right is a wondrous thing. Sounds like fun. I know people have their beefs with Grove Park but I love it.

And, if you can stretch and call Charleston the "real world", $7.50 is about right for a cocktail anymore.

[Jeff C.]

Sounds like we just missed you, Danna. We were there for dinner on Saturday night. The good news is the place was BUSY. (We had to wait at the bar for about 40 mins.) Service is always friendly but frequently ditzy. Saturday night's service was also s-l-o-w, but, as I said, they were slammed. We had the mussels with house-made chorizo (also a must) and a lamb burger. (Good, but the toppings are better on the beef burgers.) Great, great, great cocktails. (Try the Ernesto.) I want to try the ceviche...right NOW.

[Scirocco]

Jeff, how were the mussels compared to others you've had here/G'ville? Really want to get back there to try the food. Only had drinks so far which were great.

and Danna, re: GPI, we had dinner on the terrace for my husband's birthday in June and were very pleasantly surprised (we went for the view, not the food). They seem to have stepped it up quality-wise. Only complaint was that the steaks were served a la carte (what my husband had), which seemed ridiculous for the price. My entree (fish) was a complete meal and very reasonable.

[danna]

It's SUCH a beautiful setting there. We just missed sunset ('cause it's so friggin hard to park), but dusk was beautiful, too, and we sat out til full dark and the city lights were on. Glad to hear they are improving. Did you check out the wine list? If so, what did you think?

[Scirocco]

I did. I remember thinking it wasn't very big (especially for by the glass). I can't even remember what I had now, but I think it was at the lower end of the spectrum (since we were spending a lot on food!), but the prices were in line with nicer restaurants. As I recall, they had something like "one of everything", but not a lot of choice within varietal.

Yup, I think that view is by far the most amazing "dining view" in the city (or rather, near the city). It was gorgeous and we had a fabulous time.

It's funny because before you mentioned parking in the garage, it never even occurred to me to try to park there (assumed it was for overnight guests only), but a friend of mine said she parks there all the time and it was free as of a week or so ago when she went last. we always hoof it from the lots. We may be heading up there later today. Will report back if we go.

As an aside, same friend knows the director of food and beverages there and he claims they have been working really hard to bring up the quality of the food (Blue Ridge Dining Room is last to get the upgrade) and reset the prices not so "resorty". I think they are making progress on the food, but the prices don't really seem much better. I have given my friend feedback and she has passed it along to him, so he seems open to constructive criticism.

[danna]

Yep, we always parked in there, usually just going for a drink, so you can imagine my displeasure to show up as a guest and be denied.

That's great that they're working on the food. I don't know what it is about places with views. We stayed at Hyatt Highlands Inn in Big Sur last month and it had the most fabulous views ever. EV ER. I insisted on eating lunch on the deck overlooking the pacific (a view which gives me chills as a type, remembering) over my husband's misgivings...and he was right. It was mediocre to bad.

[Scirocco]

did end up going to GPI yesterday. garage parking for non-guests is $5 for the first 3 hours, $2/hr after that. we'll continue hoofing it! had a delicious cucumber/basil martini last night ($10). So good. and re: drink prices, BE AWARE that ANY food/drink you get at GPI has an 18% gratuity already on the check - even a single drink. several people missed it and tipped again. My friend happened to get a gin and tonic too and it was $6something, but ended up being about $7.25 including tip.

[danna]

thanks for the info. although I don't think I'll let my husband know he double tipped the bartender who was curt with him. :-|