Hendersonville Epicurean

Holiday Baking Traditions from a German Kitchen - Cooking Class

2009-11-22T12:28:00.004-05:00

Barbara Swell, of Log Cabin Cooking, and Renate Rikkers will be teaching what looks like a wonderful holiday cooking class, Holiday Baking Traditions from a German Kitchen , on Sunday, December 6, from 1:00PM - 4:00PM. Cost per person is $45.

Renate Rikkers grew up near Cologne in Germany's Rhineland region. She continues the tradition of REAL candles on her Christmas trees, and of baking traditional German Christmas cookies, holiday breads, and confections during the advent season. Some of her favorite recipes date back to her grandfather's bakery in the late 1800's. She will show class participants how to create a variety of German holiday baked goods, not just for personal consumption but as special gifts...Saint nicholas (santa shaped) yeast breads, Ischler cookies (almonds, apricot, and chocolate), Zimtsterne (cinnamon christmas stars), Zitronemherzen (lemon hearts), hazelnut meringues, homemade marzipan filled dates and Lebuchen rum balls.

You'll bring home a plate of cookies and Santa bread if they don't all get eaten during class!

Print Page

Small Plate Crawl - Prize Winners Announced!

2009-11-21T14:57:00.002-05:00

This year's first ever After Apples Small Plate Crawl was a resounding success!

Crawl Passports were punched by downtown Hendersonville restaurants over 500 times during the event!! Passports were then collected at participating restaurants and entered into a prize drawing in which over $400 in donated prizes were up for grabs.

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!

Pamala Lawson - Breakfast or Lunch for two at Mean Mr. Mustard's Cafe
Amy Orciani - $25 Never Blue Gift Certificate
David Ellis - One bottle of wine from Flight
Mary Johnston - Two tickets to Flat Rock Playhouse (donated by WTZQ)
Carol Leaman - $50 Cash (donated by Hendersonville Epicurean)
Diane Molnar - 2010 WNC Insider Membership (donated by WNC Insider)
Margaret E. Howe - $25 Hannah Flanagan Gift Certificate
Sally Fleming - 2010 WNC Insider Membership (donated by WNC Insider)
Phillip Agard - $30 Sinbad Gift Certificate
Nancy Deets - $25 Thai Spice Certificate
Barbara Howard - 6-Pack of Red Stripe Beer (donated by One Love Jamaican)
Jennifer Hovendon - $25 Blue Water Seafood Gift Certificate
Jeffrey Smith - One bottle of wine from Flight
(waiting for response from winner) - $25 Mrs. G and Me Gift Certificate
(waiting for response from winner) - $25 Picasso's Gift Certificate

Print Page

Bountiful Thanksgiving Buffet @ Season's

2009-11-21T14:43:00.004-05:00

How Many Turkeys Does It Take To Feed 1,000 People?

Approximately 44! However, Season's at Highland Lake Inn isn't just cooking turkeys on Thanksgiving Day. Chefs will also prepare 700 additional pounds of meat and fish, 100 pounds of stuffing, and 600 pounds of vegetables, for about 1,000 hungry guests on Thanksgiving Day!

The annual Season's Thanksgiving Spectacular buffet will be presented on Thursday, November 26, 2009, from 10:30am to 7:00pm.

The Thanksgiving Spectacular will include such enticing options as: Fall Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey Breast, carved to order with Traditional Brown Giblet Gravy; Maple Glazed Smoked Whole North Carolina Ham, carved to order, and complemented by Cranberry and Orange Chutney; Classically Inspired Beef and Andouille Sausage Cassoulet; Saffron and Chardonnay Poached Tilapia Filet; In-House Applewood Smoked Farm Raised Salmon and Pilsner Poached Peel and Eat Shrimp; Traditional Golden Brown Herbed Stuffing; Garlic and Butter Roasted Yukon Gold Potato Wedges; Vanilla Scented Sweet Potato Soufflé; Maple and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash; Applewood Smoked Bacon & Cider Braised Red Cabbage; Classic Green Bean Amandine in Beurre Noisette; Shoe Peg Corn & Caramelized Leek Pudding; and if you aren’t full to bursting just yet, our chefs have also prepared a variety of vegetables, soups, salads, fresh-baked breads, pastries and desserts, to send you home smiling with satisfaction.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (828) 696-9094 or toll-free (800) 762-1376.

Season's Restaurant at Highland Lake Inn
86 Lily Pad Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina

Print Page

FREE Parent-Child Cooking Class with Mark Rosenstein!

2009-11-19T23:21:00.009-05:00

Terra Summer launches, in December, an occasional series of parent-and-child cooking classes in their state-of-the-art kitchen-classroom (It's amazing! I've seen it) in Mills River! Celebrated Asheville chef Mark Rosenstein will lead the first class on December 5, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Mark Rosenstein, recognized as a top American chef, is well known in Asheville as the owner/chef of The Market Place, which he ran for 30 years. Mark pioneered the “local and seasonal” food philosophy in the area, and remains committed to that belief as a culinary teacher, guest chef, and local community food leader. Now that he has sold The Market Place, Mark continues his inner journey of food through the alchemy of the kitchen and the transformative power of cooking in the pursuit of a balanced and harmonious relationship with life. From earth, through hand, onto the table, nourishing body, mind, and spirit.

Inspired by the colorful vegetables of the season, Mark has designed a creative series of recipes to teach you how to make three delicious dishes for your family with one versatile pumpkin and squash base. The recipes will be revealed upon arrival ... Suffice it to say there will be rolling of dough and whipping of cream and lots of fun for the children!

This first class is FREE!

Registration is limited to 20 parents with their children.
Children ages 11 to 14 are welcome.
Everyone must show up on time!

Go and enjoy leisurely afternoon cooking with Mark: Boost your cooking repertoire, have fun with your child, and see Terra Summer, the new soulful, environmentally-minded summer camp in the Asheville area that teaches children to think through food.

Terra Summer is located at 75 Bryson Road in Mills River.
To register for the class e-mail Sybil Fix at Sybil@terraschool.org or call 828-782-7842.

Print Page

My Three Sons Takes Over Bellifulla Space in Fletcher

2009-11-19T12:48:00.005-05:00

There's a new pizza place in Fletcher. My Three Sons has taken over the space that previously housed Bellifulla Pizza.

My Three Sons
5597 Hendersonville Rd
Fletcher, NC 28732-6616
(828) 684-7700

Print Page

SCOOP! - New "Concept" Restaurant Coming to Main Street!!

2009-11-19T11:45:00.004-05:00

Partners Matt Johnes and Annie Hargus, co-owners of the very successful Hannah Flanagan's Pub on Main Street, are expanding their holdings.

According to Johnes, "Fin" will be opening at 114 N Main Street "just after the first of the year". This is the space previously occupied by long-time Hendersonville landmark, Expressions, directly across Main from the Historic Courthouse.

Fin will be a California/Caribbean themed eatery, occupying street-level and second-floor space in the building. Decor will be blue-yellow-orange, reminiscent of both California and the Caribbean, and feature original works by local artist, Gypsy Hundley.

As a counter-point to some of the upper-scale downtown restaurants, Fin will offer a Seafood-oriented menu of entrees all priced under $10. Fish Tacos will be one of the primary items on the menu - Shrimp, Calamari, Carnitas (pork), etc.

As I told Matt (by phone-he still doesn't know what I look like), this opening is one more pebble in the huge rock pile that is Hendersonville as a dining destination!

Remember, restaurant openings frequently are postponed while last minute issues are worked out. That being said, I can't wait for this one!!

Print Page

NEW - Vue (Wine) Case of the Month Club

2009-11-19T11:00:00.006-05:00

Sign up for Vue's new Wine of the Month Club and you'll receive a monthly mixed case of wine, including: nine luscious reds (three bottles each, of three different labels), and three fantastic whites (all of one label).
Included will be tasting notes, technical info on the wine, and food pairing suggestions. This is an excellent way to explore new wines, most of which will not be offered on their regular wine list in the restaurant.

The first monthly case will follow the same philosophy as their wine list; featured will be family owned, small production wineries, and those using the most sustainable farming practices possible.

The case of the month will cost $149.95 per case, and will be available for pick up at the restaurant. They will also be introducing their "collector's case", which will be available quarterly and will consist of six highly rated different labels, or wines from iconic producers that are hard to find. Membership for the collectors club will be limited, due to the small number of bottles available of these wines.

If you are interested in the case of the month club, email Vue at info@vuewinebar.com and they'll get back to you with all the details.

Vue Wine Bar & kitchen
123 5th Avenue E
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 698-7282

Print Page

Holiday Wine & Food Gala @ Blue Water Seafood 12/7

2009-11-19T10:42:00.003-05:00

Blue Water Seafood and Wine Cellar presents a Holiday Wine and Food Gala on December 7 from 6PM till 8PM.

Their Chefs will prepare some small plate items to enjoy while guests sample wines from five different wine distributors. Guests will be treated to twenty five wines from around the world.

Holiday food and wine gifts will be offered for purchase along with gift cards, Blue Baggers Club bags and memberships, cedar plank packages, and more! Special discounts will be offered for the wines.

The cost of the event is $15 per person. Please call 828-697-0503 to reserve a spot. Blue Water Seafood and Wine Cellar is a full service restaurant and oyster bar, wine shop, and retail and wholesale seafood purveyor.

Blue Water Seafood and Wine Cellar
532 Kanuga Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28739-5226
(828) 697-0503

Print Page

Third Annual Gingerbread Cookie Contest!

2009-11-19T07:00:00.003-05:00

Just In Time For The Holidays

Narnia Studios of Hendersonville announced the third annual, Gingerbread Cookie Contest, just in time for Christmas.

"Bakers of every age are encouraged to create their best gingerbread man or woman, boy or girl! We are looking for the most artistic creations the entrants can cook up," said Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios.

"There are four categories: traditional, unusual, teamwork and a special category created by bakers 13 and under", added Hughes.

The rules are simple: they must be 100% edible and the deadline is December 1st. "We will announce the winners during the first night of our Christmas Open House on December 4th and 5th and have all the cookies on display throughout that weekend.

The top winner in each category will be awarded a $50.00 floral gift certificate from Narnia Studios. For more information, call Hughes at 828-697-6393. Narnia Studios is located at 315 N. Main Street in downtown Hendersonville.

Narnia Studios
315 N Main Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 697-6393

Print Page

Patron - Now Serving "California Style Mexican"

2009-11-18T13:48:00.003-05:00

Alternate title: Patron Redeemed.

The sign says, "California Style". What does that mean?

That's a tough one. With increased migrations of American and expatriate Mexican populations comes the blurring of lines between regional and even national cuisines. American and Mexican, "styles" are increasingly blending and overlapping.

One writer puts it this way:

"What distinguishes Tex-Mex, New Mexico-Mex, California-Mex or Arizona-Mex - the Mexican cuisines of the Southwestern border states - from each other? Each area varies in the use of favorite ingredients. Texans favor cumin (comino in Spanish) and beef, New Mexicans excel in their abundant use of chiles and corn, Californians go nuts for sour cream and avocados and Arizonans tend towards flour tortillas and dairy-rich dishes using creams and cheeses. This is not to say you won't find green chile dishes in Texas or cumin-laced sauces in California - the Mexican pantry is the same for all these regions - but each region does enjoy putting it's own personal stamp on flavor combinations."

What you have to watch out for are restaurants, especially outside the Southwest, using nontraditional ingredients, such as grated American-style cheese, "nacho" cheese or tomato-based sauce substitutes for Mexican chile-based sauces or mole. You'll know it when you taste it - something isn't quite right.

Lucky for Mexican food lovers, traditional ingredients are becoming more readily available, making it easier to find authentic tasting Mexican in many areas of the country, including WNC.

When I think of California Style Mexican, I think of Southern California in particular, which means avocado, sour cream, fish tacos, fruit salsas and big, fresh tostadas - crispy tortilla (flat or bowl-shaped) piled with beans, shredded chicken or beef, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

(Example - NOT served at Patron)
So what happened at Patron? The sign (see above) also says, "Under New Management". That's true, but it really should say, "Under New Ownership". According to two different sources, Patron has new owners, but the staff, both front and back of the house, are the same.

That makes the change in the food all that more impressive. Same staff, vastly improved - much more authentic - food.

The usual complimentary Tortilla Chips were delivered with a not-so-usual Bean Dip - delicious flavor, followed by a little bite of heat in the back of your throat.

Along the side wall, close to the large, separate bar area, is a Salsa Bar. I was especially happy to see both red and green Tomatillo Salsas along with four other dipping salsas and sauces.

(Green Tomatillos - add tart flavor)
Well executed Flautas ($5.95) are one of my favorites. Patron's didn't disappoint. Crispy (fried) flour tortillas wrapped around chicken (choose chicken, shredded or ground - heaven forbid - beef). As you can see, the Floutas are served with generous portions of rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream and a little pico de gallo on a bed of lettuce.

Chock full of chicken, these Flautas were very good. Two made their way home with me for a snack the next day.

PIC chose one of Patron's Lunch Specials: Enchiladas Verdes ($5.95). These two corn tortillas were stuffed with chile verde, then topped with ranchera sauce and melted cheese. They were served with the same pico de gallo and copious amounts of rice and beans as the Flauta dish.

Patron's version of chile verde was what it should be - tender, flavorful pork, tomatillos and seasonings.

ALL Mexican restaurants should have Flan on their menu. It's one of the benchmarks I use for ratings. This flan, although tasting perfect, was a bit curdled toward the bottom. Of course, that would have been the top when cooked. I didn't mind the texture, but flan should be smooth as silk all the way through.

Our server sweetly delivered the flan with two spoons, assuming PIC and I were going to share. NOT. Remove one spoon and enjoy!

This meal did, in fact, redeem Patron in my book. Are they serving true "California Style" Mexican? I'm not completely convinced, but it's definitely what I'd consider more authentic Mexican.

Patron
300 Freeman St
Hendersonville, NC 28792-2941
(828) 692-2025

Print Page

7 Days Left to Order Your Thanksgiving Pie!

2009-11-17T18:03:00.002-05:00

Mountain Pie Company
3400 Asheville Highway, Suite Two
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828) 693-0501

Print Page

Feasting With Artists @ Inn on Church Saturday 11/21

2009-11-17T16:52:00.003-05:00

“FEASTING WITH THE ARTISTS”

The Inn on Church Street’s manager, Michelle Briggs, announced the first of a series of monthly luncheon seminars called “Feasting With The Artists”.

Briggs said the Inn is delighted to feature floral artist, Barbara Hughes, at our November luncheon seminar, Saturday, November 21st from Noon - 2:00PM. Barbara will demonstrate various floral designs with a concentration on Thanksgiving and Christmas arrangements,” said Briggs.

Many of the designs will be door prizes for lucky luncheon participants.

Cost for lunch, seminar, glass of wine, tax and tip is $20.00 per person and reservations are required. Call Briggs at Inn on Church Street: 828-693-3258.

Inn on Church Street
201 3rd Ave W
Hendersonville, NC 28739-4307
(828) 693-3258

Print Page

Prize Drawing This Week!

2009-11-16T22:28:00.003-05:00

Almost all After Apples Small Plate Crawl Passports have been collected.

The drawing for 15 terrific prizes will take place on Wednesday the 18th, or Thursday the 19th, after the last few Passports have been picked up from participating restaurants.

Looks like quite a few of you crawled "off Main Street" restaurants and will be entered in the drawing twice!

Prize winners will be contacted by email. Good luck!

Print Page

Tuscany Tasting @ The Purple Onion 11/17

2009-11-15T21:18:00.005-05:00

Tuesday, November 17th, The Purple Onion will be hosting a tasting of wines from Tuscany. They'll start with two whites, Orvieto and Vernaccia. Then move on to some Chiantis with great ratings and prices, a Rosso d’ Montipulciano and Viticcio vin Santo to finish up.

There'll be nine wines in all. Richard Mckinney of Tryon Distributing will be returning to “enlighten” tasters on the selections he's chosen. Seating is limited to 32 so reserve your space soon.

The price for the evening is $45 (plus tax and gratuity) which includes a taste of 9 different wines, Italian cheeses, antipasto and pasta, all chosen to complement the wines.

Call The Purple Onion at 828-749-1179 for reservations.

The Purple Onion
16 Main Street
Saluda, NC

Print Page

Hug Me!

2009-11-15T13:19:00.004-05:00

PIC and I stopped for breakfast at the Arden Cracker Barrel this morning before taking care of some errands at the Target Shopping Center.

On either side of the Barrel's front door were fresh-looking plantings of Cabbage (I think) and Pansies. The Cabbage plants were so beautiful, they just made me happy. So happy, I almost wanted to give them a hug! Instead, I took a picture to share with you. Click the picture to get the full effect.

Print Page

Mezzaluna Bricks it's Face

2009-11-15T13:07:00.002-05:00

Spotted this Mezzaluna curb-appeal face-lift going on yesterday, Nov. 14th. They're wrapping dull, unappealing posts with brick, creating an aged-pillar look. Nice.

Print Page

Dinner With Your Farmers @ Laurey's Thurs 11/19

2009-11-14T17:48:00.002-05:00

Laurey's sent out this announcement about their next Farmers Dinner:

"This coming Thursday, November 19th, our Farmers dinners continue at 7:00PM.

This round we will be joined by apple farmers, goat cheese makers, and a salmon fisherman. All three will be here, dining with you on food that they either grew, made or caught.

You'll get time to hear their stories. We call them "Dinner and Conversation" because you'll probably sit with people who will, probably, become your new friends and, I'll bet, you'll have conversation with them during your, YES, dinner!

Call to make a reservation if you would be so kind. 828-252-1500. Dinner is 37.00 + tax. Please add 12.00 if you'd like wine or beer. Dinner starts at 7:00PM."

I'll post any further details as I get them, but if you'd like to know who the farmers are, menu details, etc., give Laurey's a call at 828-252-1500.

Laurey's
67 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801
828-252-1500

Print Page

Travinia Italian Kitchen - Reader Review

2009-11-12T19:45:00.004-05:00

We visited Travinia on Wednesday, 11/4 and were impressed with the decor, service and food.

My wife had the Pasta with Bolognese and said it was the best she has had. I had a Rigatoni with a Shortrib Bolognese that was rich and very "beefy". Excellent preparation. Our guest had the Chicken Parm and the portion was huge, took half home. My Caesar Salad was very well done, the server was attentive, with Pepper Mill and freshly grated Parm-Reg on hand for both salad and entrees.

While we all stuck with basic pasta dishes, there are plenty of other great sounding items on the menu. Martinis were half off that night and the server did a good job of explaining the different types and making suggestions. I had a Dirty Martini and my wife had a Pomegranate, both were well chilled and very good.

We were also visited by the GM who went out of his way to make us feel welcome. We are new part-time residents of Arden and will definitely go back to Travinia. Their pricing would make this a mid-level night out but certainly a step up from Carrabas or Olive Garden. Highly recommend!

John - St. Petersburg, FL and Arden, NC resident

Travinia Italian Kitchen
Biltmore Park Town Square
264 Thetford St.
Asheville, NC 28803
828-684-8060

Print Page

Take This Survey - Help Plan Hendersonville's Next Crawl!

2009-11-12T17:49:00.010-05:00

The first ever After Apples Small Plate Crawl 2009 is history!

Despite the rain, wind and flooding, everyone had a terrific time! Kudos to Hendersonville's downtown restaurants - the food was incredible!

What Hendersonville Epicurean is hearing loud and clear from both patrons and restaurateurs is, "do it again!" Please help make our next Crawl even better by completing the After Apples Small Plate Crawl 2009 - Feedback Survey

Print Page

Restaurant Crawl - ON Today!

2009-11-11T10:29:00.002-05:00

To my utter happiness, people are still registering for Hendersonville's first 23 restaurant, Small Plate Crawl that happens today from 11:30AM to 9:00PM.

Our crew is getting ready to head out for an 11:30 meet-up:

Cash (w/backup Debit Card), ID and Camera in pockets (no purse today) - Check!
Passport - You bring yours, I can't :(
Raincoat - Check!
Umbrella - Check! In the car for back-up
Wet-weather Walking Shoes - Check!
Appetite - Double Check!

See you at the Crawl!

Print Page

Be excellent to each other - Party on dudes!

2009-11-10T19:00:00.009-05:00

Those great lines from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure define, in my mind, tomorrow's After Apples Small Plate Crawl.

Yes, there's a good chance it's going to rain on us as we crawl, but we'll all be in it together - tasting, toasting, sharing, laughing.

Three more menus came in tonight:

Champa Thai and Sushi

Thai Spring Roll $2
Chicken Satay $2
Pork OR Shrimp Gyoza $3
Yummy Rangoon $3
California Roll $4
Bangkok Chicken $6 (Fried chicken breast w/house sweet chili sauce served w/broccoli on spring mix)
Coconut Chicken OR Shrimp $7 (Stir-fried w/pineapple, mushrooms, bell peppers and water chestnuts in a sweet coconut sauce)
Thai Seafood Eggplant $8 (Chinese eggplant stuffed with shrimp, scallop, crab and water chestnuts, sauteed in a house garlic sauce)

Desserts:

Tempura Cheese Cake $3
Mango Sorbet $2
Mochi $2 (Japanese style ice cream, green tea or mango flavor)

Daddy D's Suber Soulfood

BLT Sandwich & Fries $5
1 Pork Chop & 1 Side $5
2 Chicken Wings & 1 Side $4
1 Chicken Breast & 1 Side $5
1 Chicken Leg OR Thigh & 1 Side $4
Bowl of Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup & Grilled Cheese $5
Bowl of Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup & Salad $4.50
Small Cup of Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup $2.50
½ Club Sandwich & Fries $4
3 Sides $5.50
Small Greek Salad $3.50
Chicken Livers & 1 Side $4.50
6 Grilled Tiger Shrimp & 1 Side $5
1 Piece of Fish (White or Catfish) & 1 Side $5

Sampler Desserts $2 Each

Cobbler: Blackberry, Apple or Strawberry
Carrot Cake
Pound Cake
Banana Pudding

Mona Lisa

Cheese ravioli alle noci $2.70
Gamberoni al forno $3.80
Maccaroni meat sauce $2.70
Farfalloni al pesto $2.50
Mozzarella e pomodoro $3.80
Meat balls $1.70
Veal mona lisa $3.50
Egg plant $3.00
Pizza cheese $1.50
Shot tiramisu’ $2.00
Spumone di gelato $2.00

All taxes included
Buon appetito

See you tomorrow - RAIN OR SHINE!!

Print Page

More Crawl Menus & News!

2009-11-09T20:38:00.011-05:00

If you make it to nothing else this Fall, be sure to make it to Hendersonville's first ever After Apples Small Plate Crawl - Wednesday November 11th, 11:30AM to 9:00PM!

Chefs at TWENTY THREE (23!) downtown Hendersonville, NC restaurants have put together FABULOUS Small Plate Menus, showing off their cuisine and talent.

Ten Crawl menus were published in this "Don't Miss This! Chefs Outdo Themselves For Hendersonville Crawl" article. Here are three more:

Mrs G. and Me

Small House/Caesar Salad $2.50
Cup of Soup $3.00
Hot Crab Dip $4.00
Chicken & Dumplings $5.50
Meatloaf* $5.50
Shrimp Scampi* $6.00
Salmon Cake* $7.00
Crab Cake* $8.00
Bread Pudding $2.50

*includes small portion of starch and vegetable, the Chicken & Dumplings is a meal in itself

Mezzaluna

BEEF BRACIOLA
Rolled Flank Steak with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs in a Light Tomato Sauce
$8.00
PUMPKIN STUFFED RAVIOLI
Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Stuffed Pasta with a Browned Sage Butter and Parmesan
$6.00
SAUSAGE STUFFED BANANA PEPPERS
Hot Banana Peppers Stuffed with Sausage and Italian Bread Crumbs Topped with Marinara
$6.00
OLIVE OIL POACHED TUNA CROSTINI
Tuna Poached in Olive Oil Topped with Chopped Olives Egg and Onion on Grill Bread
$8.00

Black Rose Public House

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli $6.00
Spinach and Artichoke Dip $4.00
Fried Calamari with Sweet Chili Glaze $4.00
Mini Shepherd's Pie with Garlic Herb Crostinis $6.00

NEWS!

Mrs G and Me has decided the response is so incredible, they are going to open from 11:30AM to 9:00PM instead of just during dinner hours.
Blue Water Seafood has lowered the price on two of their items: seared sea scallops with cauliflower puree - reduced from $8 to $7 and fried oysters with pickled onion and apple aioli - reduced from $6 to $3

MISC

Chefs have confided in me that they are going to try to sneak out and try Plates at other places in town! The menus are that good.
Credit/Debit cards are fine, but you might want to consider CASH. It will be faster and you won't have a fistful of receipts to contend with.
The Passport is NOT REQUIRED - You DO need the Passport if you want to enter the Prize Drawing.
Crawl from restaurant to restaurant with your PASSPORT, purchasing whatever Plate strikes your fancy. Buy Plates at 5 or more restaurants and you're eligible to enter your Passport into a Prize Drawing. Include a restaurant that's more than one block off of Main Street in the 5 and DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING!

Prizes

$50 Cash (Donated by Hendersonville Epicurean)
2010 WNC Insider Membership
2010 WNC Insider Membership
Free Breakfast or Lunch for Two at Mean Mr. Mustard’s Café
Dinner for Two at Hannah Flanagan’s
$30 Gift Certificate for Sinbad
$25 Gift Certificate for Never Blue
$25 Gift Certificate for Mrs. G and Me
$25 Gift Certificate for Thai Spice
$25 Gift Certificate for Blue Water Seafood
$25 Gift Certificate for Picasso’s
Bottle of wine from Flight (must be 21 or older)
Bottle of wine from Flight (must be 21 or older)
Six Pack of Red Stripe Beer (Donated by One Love Jamaican) (must be 21 or older)
Two tickets to Flat Rock Playhouse (Donated by WTZQ)

Presented by Hendersonville Epicurean

Sponsored by WTZQ 1600AM timeless favorites

Event Logo design by evoke - joelmathison@hotmail.com

Print Page

Travinia Italian Kitchen Opens in Biltmore Park Town Square

2009-11-08T22:46:00.007-05:00

Travinia Italian Kitchen is the latest upscale chain eatery to open (earlier this month) in Biltmore Park Town Square.

The first North Carolina location for Travinia owners, Mark Craig and Kevin Cox, it's the fifth in the Travinia chain. Craig and Cox also own Arizona Steakhouse and the upscale version of that venture, Arizona's.

“We chose to expand to Biltmore Park Town Square because Asheville is such a thriving scene for the restaurant industry, and we feel with its variety of uses, this development will attract a wide array of consumers,” said Craig.

They've got a nice patio facing the courtyard (similar to 131 Main) that sports two big flat-screens and heaters.

Travinia Asheville has a Facebook Page, but besides gathering "friends", I'm not sure anyone's home.

If you get there before I do, let me know what you think.

Travinia Italian Kitchen
Biltmore Park Town Square
264 Thetford St.
Asheville, NC 28803
828-684-8060

Print Page

FREE Chili @ Mountain Pie 11/14 - 15

2009-11-08T10:09:00.001-05:00

Print Page

Don't Miss This! Chefs Outdo Themselves For Hendersonville Crawl

2009-11-05T07:30:00.018-05:00

If you make it to nothing else this Fall, be sure to make it to Hendersonville's first ever After Apples Small Plate Crawl - Wednesday November 11th, 11:30AM to 9:00PM!

Chefs at TWENTY THREE (23!) downtown Hendersonville, NC restaurants have put together FABULOUS Small Plate Menus, showing off their cuisine and talent.

Crawl from restaurant to restaurant with your PASSPORT, purchasing whatever Plate strikes your fancy. Buy Plates at 5 or more restaurants and you're eligible to enter your Passport into a Prize Drawing. Include a restaurant that's more than one block off of Main Street in the 5 and DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING!

RSVP/REGISTER with your best estimate of how many will be Crawling so the restaurants can be ready.

When I saw some of the menus, I told PIC we'll have to bring a cooler!

Inn on Church Street

ALL SMALL PLATES $4 each, TRY ALL 5 FOR $18

Vegetarian Black Bean Cake
Topped with Pico De Gallo and Cilantro Sour Cream served with a side of Organic Greens
Fried Green Tomatoes
With Wilted Greens, Jalapeño Pimento Cheese and Crispy Vidalia Onions, served
on a Bed of Cinnamon Tomato Sauce
Homemade Chicken Breast Salad On Mini Toasted Ciabatta Served with a small side Salad
Curry Chicken Crepes - Poached Chicken Breast Bound in a Mild Curry Cream Sauce and Rolled in Basmati, Rice Crepes, Topped with Dried Fruit Chutney, Toasted Almonds and a Dollop of Yogurt
Grilled Rueben Sandwich
Hand Sliced Oven-Roasted Corned Beef, Griddled Sauerkraut, Slice of Swiss Cheese and Homemade Thousand Island Dressing on Mini Rye bread served with a small side Salad

Sinbad Restaurant

Seared Sea Scallops with lemon, basil and brown Butter $4.00
Petite Lamb Moussaka with Marinara sauce $4.00
Garlic/rosemary marinate grilled lamb chop with feta/Mint sauce $4.00
Lamb’s lover: Shank and Moussaka $8.00
Lamb, chicken or shrimp curry with rice $6.00
Chicken’s lover: Almond, kabob and curry $6.00
Mini mezze: hummus, baba, falafel and tabouleh $5.00
Sampler of home made ice creams and sorbets $3.00
Sampler of home made desserts: baklawa and mousse Cake. $3.00

Blue Water Seafood Co & Wine Market

seared sea scallops with cauliflower puree $8
fried oysters with pickled onion and apple aioli $6
fried pickled okra with horseradish cream sauce $2
shrimp cocktail $4
key lime pie $3

Mikes on Main Street

Appetizer - Sweet Corn Nugget Basket $ 4.99
Soups- Homemade Cream of Asparagas $ 2.59 cup
Homemade Balack Bean wtih Ham $ 2.59
Sandwiches - 1/2 Homemade Chicken Salad $ 4.99
1/2 Homemade Egg Salad $ 3.99
1/2 Homemade White Albacore Tuna Salad $ 4.99
Michael's Homemade Pimento Cheese Sandwich $3.99
Sandwich & Soup Combo Plate $ 6.99
Homemade BBQ & Shoestring Frie Basket $6.99
Dessert- Homemade Creamcheese Pie $ 3.99

Hannah Flanagan's Pub

crab dip tarts $3.00
Baby sweet potato and butternut squash pies $3.00
Reuben bites $3.00

Mean Mr. Mustard's Cafe

Chef Brian's soup of the day served with fresh-baked focaccia bread. Cup $3.50 Bowl $5.50
The Roast Beef Richards
Thinly sliced roast beef topped with braised red cabbage, bleu cheese crumbles, crispy onions, seasonal exotic greens, with basil mayo on fresh-baked fococcia. $4.25
The Walrus Chicken Salad Sandwich
Diced chicken breast with red grapes, almonds, raisins, and cilantro served with tomato and greens on fresh baked focaccia bread. $3.50
A Night at the Opera Salad
Fresh sliced pears, roasted pecans, crumbled bleu cheese, shaved carrots served on mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. $3.50

Mountain Deli

Baked Goat Cheese in Marinara Pool with Toast Points $4.95
Hummus Plate with Warm Pita Bread and Accompaniments $6.95
Mini Corned Beef on Marble Rye with Deli Mustard $3.95

Thai Spice

Crispy Spinach $4.95
Organic baby spinach breaded and fried served with pineapple dipping sauce
Signature Crispy Roll $3.95
Family Style Crispy Roll served with plum sauce and special pickle
Apple Salad $7.95
Fresh Granny Smith apple, carrot, tomato cooked shrimps and roasted
peanut flavored with lime dressing
Chicken Panang Curry $7.95
Special Thai Curry with lemongrass aroma served over jasmine rice
and ground peanut on top
Vegetarian Pepper Steak $7.95
Stir-fired our signature crispy tofu with light brown sauce and pineapple

"TRY ALL for $29"

Picasso's

Italian Panini Sampler $4.50
Two sample size Panini accompanied by your choice of side
Trio de Salade $4.00
Choose three Broccoli & Roquefort Salade ~ Carrot & Pineapple Salade ~ Mediterranean Potato Salade ~ Greek Pasta Salade ~ Picasso's Chicken Salade ~ Tuna Salade
Quiche $4.00
Spinach Feta & Mushroom Served with fresh fruit
Pumpkin Walnut Soup $2.00
Trio dei Dolci $3.00
Chocolate & Raspberry Tulips, Piccolo Bigne Alla Panna, Petits fours

Never Blue

Shrimp and Grits $4.75
fresh coastal SC shrimp sauteed in house-made spicy tasso ham gravy served over smoked cheddar cream grits garnished with fried spinach
Warm Tomato Salad $3.25
fire roasted, greenhouse Campari petit tomatoes, dusted with hauloomi cheese and fresh basil drizzled with champagne-shallot vinaigrette
Billy Bread $3.00
warm baguette slathered with house-made herbed goat cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, and baby arugula with garlic infused evoo
Mussels $4.50
fresh curry-coconut broth steamed mussels served with fried pita for the juice
Churrasco Beef $4.75
chimichurri marinated beef tenderloin with black beans and saffron basmati rice topped with Chilean pebre salsa
Black Bottom - White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie $2.00
Milk Chocolate Double Fudge Peppermint Brownie Parfait $2.00

ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE PRIZES

• $50 Cash (Donated by Hendersonville Epicurean)
• 2010 WNC Insider Membership
• 2010 WNC Insider Membership
• Free Breakfast or Lunch for Two at Mean Mr. Mustard’s Café
• Dinner for Two at Hannah Flanagan’s
• $30 Gift Certificate for Sinbad
• $25 Gift Certificate for Never Blue
• $25 Gift Certificate for Mrs. G and Me
• $25 Gift Certificate for Thai Spice
• $25 Gift Certificate for Blue Water Seafood
• $25 Gift Certificate for Picasso’s
• Bottle of wine from Flight (must be 21 or older)
• Bottle of wine from Flight (must be 21 or older)
• Six Pack of Red Stripe Beer (Donated by One Love Jamaican) (must be 21 or older)
• Two tickets to Flat Rock Playhouse (Donated by WTZQ)

Presented by Hendersonville Epicurean

Sponsored by WTZQ 1600AM timeless favorites

Event Logo design by evoke - joelmathison@hotmail.com

Print Page