A few Hendersonville Updates (NC)

[Scirocco]

Just a few updates around Hendersonville....

Sq 1 and Flight are both for sale, but currently still open.

Kelsey's has closed - no shocker there (at least for me). Never went, no desire to go.

Umi's Hibachi location is close to opening (on 25 near Bay Breeze). It doesn't look like much on the outside, but I've seen pics of the inside and it's surprisingly pretty. It is supposed to offer what Umi has plus the hibachi angle. am hoping the two locations won't cannibalize each other.

Vue is now "Bayou Roma" which is owned/run by the former Cafe Calabria folks which used to be in that same spot. I am a bit skeptical about this one....Italian and Cajun together? Seriously? I guess the chef is Italian and the owner is Cajun. My other concern is that I went to Cafe Calabria back in the day and it was completely boring food. But, I also had it near the end of its run and I guess that person is not longer involved with this location. ? But, all that said, my friend tried it the other day and was pleasantly surprised. So, I'm willing to give it a shot.

Joey's Bagels (on 191 near 25 in the old gas station/convenience store). Been waiting and waiting and waiting for this one to open!! looks like maybe they are getting close??

Southern Appalachian Brewery (on Locust just off of 7th) has live music a lot on the weekends (maybe every weekend?), is open on Sundays (YAY!), and offers libations for the non-beer drinker (me) plus some goodies from Underground Baking Co. (double yay!). Basic environment, but very nice addition to Hendersonville.

Not really Hendersonville (downtown) or new, but my husband and I tried Sol Y Luna in Laurel Park the other night and really enjoyed it. It's the old Blackwater Grille/Ling's location. Nice fresh ingredients. Same family who owns Papas 'n' Beer. A little different menu. Lots of families with kids (we were there on a Friday night), so not for "date night", but a much nicer atmosphere than Papas and of course their great deck, which used to be dog friendly so I'll assume it still is, but I would ask first to be sure. Service still a little hit/miss, but good overall (at least ours was). I really want to try their drinks - they look good and are cheap. Also, they do a table-side guacamole prep (which I witnessed at neighboring table) and it looked really good. Prices are very good.

[caiogirl]

I went to Joeys this morning. They are working out the kinks for sure but over all it was good. I had an everything bagel and it was soft and chewy, the cream cheese was fluffy and tangy. Years ahead of the crap they pass off at Bruggers...

[Scirocco]

My friend's everything bagel had JUST come out of the oven. If I wasn't going to the dentist right afterward, I would've gotten one of those. Figured my hygienist appreciated that I didn't. lol

[danna]

You know, back in the 80's when I was in college, i used to ride up to Kelsey's on Sunday w/ parents and /or boyfriend. They had a good brunch buffet. All I really remember about it was the fresh squeezed orange juice which was all-you-aren't -embarrased -to-keeping-asking-for with the buffet.

[jnwall]

What happened to West First Pizza? We had heard how good it was and were looking forward to it but it was closed and dark.

We ate at Square 1 and Flight, however, and thoroughly enjoyed both, although Flight was better.

[Scirocco]

West First should be open. Were you there on a Sunday or Monday? (they are closed those days) And yes, it is great!!

And more updates....went to Umi Hibachi and had a mixed experience. They have done a great job with the interior. It's very warm and pretty. We went for lunch and they had a very limited menu. Basically a hibachi grill plate with various protein choices, a noodle dish with various protein choices and a curry. If they want a steady lunch crowd I think they need much more variety (and I'm usually the one saying that menus need to be simpler). But, that said, my hibachi steak was very good and plenty of it. My husband enjoyed his noodle dish, but my friend thought it was a bit bland. I haven't seen a dinner menu yet. Am hoping it's more expansive. Oh and they were originally going to offer sushi there too, but ran out of space.

Joey's is now OPEN! YAAAAAAY! A NY bagel is a beautiful thing. Am trying them tomorrow, so will report back.

The brewery is offering LOTS of live music. Thurs - Sunday for sure and maybe Wednesdays, I can't remember. Usually Avery's hot dog cart is there on Saturdays (except this one - they will be on vacation) and this past Friday they had the Biscuit Wagon there serving homemade biscuits. Seems like they are really offering a lot besides their brew!

[danna]

biscuit wagon? tell me more. Joey's bagels....So, if I went north on 25 I'd run into 191? Like out past Pappas and Beer?

thanks.

[Scirocco]

Yup - 1500 Haywood Rd (aka rt 191), it turns off on your left before Papa's. if you were heading to Papa's (going North on 25), 191 is on your left at that light just past Rite Aid. Turn left onto 191 and Joey's is on your right like one block down (it's actually behind the Opportunity House and SunTrust Bank). here's their website (and they are on Facebook too). I'm looking forward to trying them today!
http://www.joeysnybagels.com/

re: Biscuit Wagon, don't much about them (didn't get to go last Friday), but I like the concept! couldn't find a website, but they are on FB.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Biscuit...

"Beer and biscuits, pies and pints"? I'm listening!! lol

[Jeff C.]

Beer & biscuits? Hell, why not...

Also: How dem bagels?

[Scirocco]

forgot to mention that the brewery operates under a "membership" status to take advantage of some liquor loopholes. But, it's a whopping $1 for membership, so won't break the bank. :)

Saw on FB today that the Biscuit Wagon will be there this Sunday! (4pm - they run out) They also serve Underground Baking's "Brezels" - soft pretzels with various flavors.

here is the brewery's website: http://www.sabrewery.com/

bagel play date is at 2:30, so will report later on today...

[Scirocco]

Ok, bagel report. I liked them! Very typical of bagel place selections... your usual suspects - onion, everything, cinnamon raisin, etc, etc. About 10 flavors. They have about five cream cheese flavor choices and have a good selection sandwiches (Boar's Head meats). Nice colors and space inside (hot though today).

They have only been open since Monday, so still in the sorting out stages. Service was not super slow, not super fast. There is still a little confusion going on, but it's not too bad. I try not to be too harsh on places that have just opened. A couple of major things they need to do and not sure how these got overlooked....there are beautiful big signs for all the lunch stuff and drinks. Not one sign saying how much a bagel is, one with cream cheese, a dozen, etc.....!! And no signs telling you what the cream cheese flavors are.

I thought my bagel needed just a touch of salt - tasted a little flat to me, but I haven't had a real live NY bagel in so long, I may have forgotten what they are supposed to taste like! But, it had great texture and I liked that the cinnamon and raisins on mine were running through it and not just stuck on the outside (some place do that).

There was a steady stream of traffic, so that is very good for them!

[Jeff C.]

Boiled or baked? (Crucial.)

[Scirocco]

boiled (and baked, of course). absolutely. if it's not boiled, it's not a bagel!! :-)

[Scirocco]

update: just had the blueberry one and it was PERFECT. no clue why the cinn/raisin tasted a bit flat. ??