Asheville, NC, getaway

[baron1]

Taking a mid-winter break next month and travelling to a chalet in Asheville, NC, to kick back with fireplace, hot tub and mountain scenery. Plan to eat out in Asheville once a day. Coming from the Nashville, TN, region, what shouldn't we miss restaurant-wise in Asheville? Not looking for elegant, just different from the usual fare I can get any day back home.

[susantrader]

We just decided to go this weekend, but we'll have our 8 yr old son with us. These restaurants all sound great, but perhaps more for adults. Does anyone have suggestions for some casual kid-friendly places with good food and reasonable prices? It should definitely not be fancy.

[pilches]

None of them are fancy. I would have no problem bringing my 10-year-old to any of them.

[danna]

I agree. Nothing suggested here is formal or stuffy. As much as I love the Admiral, it's dark ironic dive-bar atmosphere plus creative food might be weird to a kid. Or it might be the coolest thing ever...it's been a while since I was 8. If they were to have the smores on the dessert menu, it might be kid-heaven.

Otherwise, White Duck and 12 bones seem the most casual, but I'm not sure if either are opened for dinner. (??)

[notsoacademicfood]

If you like Middle Eastern or Greek food, I've become very fond of Palmyra Bistro lately. Their Gyros and Shawarma are great. Plus the bill out the door is cheap. Should have no problems with kids there.

[dingey]

Early Girl and Homegrown are also both really good in the nouvelle-southern style cuisine. May not be terribly different from what you can get back home, but delicious (and more affordable) alternative to Tupelo Honey, where there's often a loooong wait.....

[leahinsc]

Downtown: Zambra, Cucina 24, Curate, Posana Cafe, Storm Rhum Bar and the Junction
Grove Park Inn - Horizon's and drinks by the fireplace
Biltmore Village - Fig and Corner Kitchen
West Asheville - Admiral
Dessert: Chocolate Fetish or sit and have dessert at Chocolate Lounge

[janderson1]

OP, check out French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Waking Life Espresso (Great coffee), and Dobra Tea House

[Ciaobound]

yes to all of the above but I am no so keen on Sunny Point....if you happen upon one of our food trucks....brake hard! El Kimchi, Gypsy Queen, Pink Taco Truck--all tremendous. Table is also quite good for dinner. Curate is my current favorite, hands down. Happy Eatin'!

[caiogirl]

The Junction (Dinner is awesome, brunch on Sat and Sun is very good).
The Admiral (Dinner)
Curate (Its awesome)
Zambra (dinner cocktails)
Sunny Point (breakfast/lunch)
Tupelo (breakfast/lunch)

[danna]

I'd like to add in The Junction in the river arts district. I've decided White Duck is more about a cool vibe than great food, so if I want to hit the funky RAD, I'm headed to The Junction. Now open for lunch on Sat and Sun i'm happy to report.

I had the smoked salmon and poached egg on grits cake on SAturday and every component was just right. That's house hot smoked salmon, not the often-icky, usually- purchased cold smoked kind.

Otherwise, Jeff's list minus Limones, plus Zambra and Sunny Point would be my list.

[Jeff C.]

Oh, yeah! Sunny Point...but only for breakfast.

[danna]

or lunch, right? I take it dinner isn't too hot? I only went for dinner once.

[Jeff C.]

Actually I order breakfast for dinner there, so I'm sure I would probably order breakfast for lunch, too! (In other words, I haven't a clue about the lunch fare.)

[janderson1]

danna my husband I I think the junction has really gotten better lately. We also like white duck a lot and have never had any issues with their food. what exactly do you think so bad?

[danna]

I didn't come anywhere CLOSE to saying White Duck was "so bad". I like it OK, and I think the Bankok shrimp taco is just spectacular. Everything else I've had there has ranged from good to so-so to not-so-good (jerk chicken). I'm just saying that while I think it would be successful to some degree on the strength of the food, it would not be such a phenomenon if not for the eye-catching menus, comfortable eating spaces in and out, and general hip vibe.

[Littleman]

Admiral would be my choice. Enjoy your visit.

http://theadmiralnc.com/

[Jeff C.]

12 Bones for BBQ.
White Duck Taco for nuevo tacos.
Storm Rhum Bar for drinks and nibbles.
Curate for tapas.
Limones for upscale Cali-Mex.
The Admiral for eclectic neuvo-southern.

[JB BANNISTER]

You won't go wrong with Zambras. Go take a look at their website.

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Zambra Spanish Wine Tapas & Cuisine
85 W. Walnut Street, Asheville, NC 28801