The Joy of Food in Asheville

Guests often ask us 'what's your favorite restaurant?'. I start rattling off a few, but then it's hard to know when to stop! There are SO many choices. Recent guests have raved about Salsa's, Bouchon, Rezaz and Mela (mother and daughter had lived in India for a year and they went back to Mela a second time during their stay!) . Tupelo Honey is always a favorite and has a new South Asheville location.

Last night we experienced Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian restaurant up the street that is fabulous! The prices are low, the ingredients fresh and the atmosphere is lively. One of the house specialties is the Eggplant Parmigiana, which is terrific. A fun evening with great food. Eric Scheffer recently closed Savoy and opened this new gem.

Asheville never has a shortage of good restaurants, and we love to dine out when we can and enjoy a glass of wine... or shaken beverage. Typically if we have a free evening, we head to Limones. It's always delicious and they have some yummy margaritas -- try the Blood Orange margarita. Bill's favorite drink there is the 'creamsicle'. No, that's not the name of the drink, but it's an flavorful orange cocktail that reminds Bill of creamsicles as a kid. They may be confused if anyone else tries to order it that way, so the actual name is Paleta de Naranja: Vanilla Vodka, Cointreau and fresh squeezed orange juice, shaken & served up. We experimented for months to replicate the recipe at home and I think we've got it!

One way to get a good sampling of what the area has to offer is to try the new walking Food Tour. There are two tours -- Downtown and the Biltmore Village area. There is a great deal now being offered for B&B guests. Starting April 1st, the standard pricing for the Food Tour will be $39 per person. However, the promotional price for Hill House guests will be $29 per person. What can be better? Great restaurants, sharing the experience with some other folks and getting in a good walk! Think about it next time you're in the area.

Okay, time to eat...