Skiing and more local tourism

Last week our skiing trip was so much fun, that I almost forgot why I’ve been speaking so disparagingly about Southeast skiing for the past three or so years; I say almost because Sugar Mountain’s Boulder Dash was rather icy so we refrained from Whoopdedoo altogether.  However, Tom Terrific was in fine shape (even though I did lose my edge and wholly embarrass myself on the my first run down).  Even though the parking lot was packed we really didn’t have any trouble with lift lines until around 1:30 or 2p; however, Sugar was doing their best to slow the entire process down by scanning every single lift ticket at every single lift boarding (I guess this would annoy me a bit less if they had a high speed quad).

See the shiny spots on the right? Those are icy patches.

My honey enjoyed half a Frank’s NY Deli club for his lunch; it’s a bit amazing how much stuff they cram onto one hoagie roll.  As much as it costs to go skiing around here, brown bagging for lunch is the way to go as the resorts serve cafeteria (as in middle school cafeteria) fare at higher than cafeteria prices.

Other attempts to spend money throughout the week were foiled; on the way back from skiing, I was craving ice cream, but Ultimate Ice Cream is closed on Mondays.  I decided to wait until Tuesday; we drove across town only to find they had not opened due to the snow event (I guess I might be the only person who craves ice cream when highs are around freezing).  As we were so far out, I headed to Piazza, only to find they were closed on Tuesday (contrary to their website).  The only remedy I could think of was another round of mulled cider and whiskey, so off to Earth Fare for the cider.  I had also planned on buying another jar of Lusty Monk mustard, but the Co-op and then Earth Fare were both out of the original sin flavor!  We took the hint and refrained from dining or drinking out for the rest of the week.

With the weekend, I rode the bus downtown to the Y, and I was feeling so virtuous for using public transit and exercising that I decided I had to try the LAB.  I was crossing my fingers for a sampler; not only do they have a sampler, but for $5.25 you get six pours (probably 2.5 or three ounces, but a friend said surely four ounces).  Currently they have a Belgian white, a pilsner, an IPA, an American ale, a märzan, and a chocolate stout.  I enjoyed the Belgian white and the chocolate stout the most (although I think I might prefer Green Man’s stout), and the märzan was fine.  I was surprised to enjoy the American ale; of course, neither the pilsner nor IPA struck my fancy.  I perused the menu, but I decided not to order anything.  I was interested in trying their artichoke pizza, but I couldn’t think about mascarpone cheese in a savory application.  The interior is just cool; the bar is a huge glossy, amoeba shaped thing in front of the tanks, and their patio will be great for Lexington Avenue people watching come warmer temperatures.

As I’ve said before I have an insatiable weekly craving for Lusty Monk’s Original Sin mustard so I walked to their downtown location in hopes of eating some pretzels and mustard, but they were closed so I walked down the stairs to Firestorm Cafe and Books.  The cafe is cozy and narrow, but they have window seating facing Commerce and Coxe Avenue.  The crowd was mostly hipster; at one point a guy at the table next to me even called someone in their circle of friends so bourgeois (at least he wasn’t talking on his iPhone)!  Even though I balked a bit the $9 price tag, I ordered their philly.  While the sandwich was good, it wasn’t quite deserving of its price, and unlike most sandwiches it comes sans sides.  Although I couldn’t be certain, the seitan looked and tasted like the seitan I buy at the Co-op, the hoagie could’ve easily come from Sam’s (that would be sadly ironic so I hope it doesn’t), and the aioli was probably garlicky nayonaise; on the other hand I did get a good portion of spinach and avocado.  Nothing about this sandwich was stellar, but it was tasty and fairly filling.  At the counter, they had day old baked goods, and I grabbed a super dark cookie for $1.  It was so rich, chocolaty, and minty; the way it tasted after a day, I know it would’ve been divine straight from the oven with the chocolate chips still gooey.  I’ll be back for their baked goods and maybe a wrap.

Do some laundry!

Petsoup and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue lost their washing machine recently so they are asking for help with laundry.  If you can help them out, just drop by their shop at 31 Glendale Avenue in Biltmore and request a bag.  They’ve promised to sub out their least stinky laundry; the bag I got was definitely of the wet dog smell but nothing worse.  If you feel like your linen closet is overflowing, they could also use any extra linens you might have.  If donating in any of the above ways doesn’t ring your bell then consider working an adoption day or spending time with the shelter dogs.

On a more selfish note, I’m so stoked to go skiing tomorrow, and although I haven’t enjoyed Southeast skiing since I skied the 2010 Olympics courses at  Whistler-Blackcomb, I just know I’m going to have a great time tomorrow.  Here’s a picture of my husband (I obtained consent before posting) as we paused while completing either the men’s or women’s Super G course (aka the Dave Murray Downhill; to see the course on the map click on advanced and the course is the trail that runs from the middle left of Whistler Mountain into Creekside).

I am thankful for snow and winter (and the man who taught me to ski).

Fennel Onion Tart

SmittenKitchen gave me the perfect tart recipe because I had everything aside from enough fennel seeds on hand; the onion tart with fennel and mustard was so easy to throw together the morning before Christmas lunch, and I think it’s going to be my 2010 party recipe.  I did heap on more fennel seeds (a tablespoon plus) and cheese (emmentaler in lieu of parmesan) than the recipe called for, although the increased cheese was inadvertent and disappointing the increased fennel seeds were not.  I also thinned out the mustard with a tablespoon of stock because I was using the hellishly hot Lusty Monk mustard.  The final product provided just a hint of the mustard’s bite, and the fennel provided a sweetish counterpoint.

Rezaz Redux

With the in-laws in town we wanted to take eat out and decided a place that takes reservations was required (so Bouchon was out), and I wasn’t feel like risking a non vegetarian meal (scratch the Admiral) so Rezaz came up and stuck.  Even though it was decided the night before I waited until around 11 am to visit make the online reservation, and I was disappointed that our seven o’clock option was out.  My honey called to confirm OpenTable.com had the best information, and we went with a 7:45 table.  Fortunately Rezaz was busy so our tardiness wasn’t an issue.  We were sat sometime shortly after eight in a nice cozy corner table with two banquette seats and two chairs; the banquette is in front of a drafty (even though heavily draped) window so all the plush pillows weren’t much consolation over the standard chairs.  After much perusing and general discussion, everyone settled on their courses.

My father-in-law went with the arugula salad and six hour lamb, my stepmother-in-law chose butternut squash bisque and unfortunately scallops, which the kitchen ran out of, then the shrimp dish, my husband decided on the lump crab cake and the grouper special with a nice dill risotto, and I felt a four course meal was in order after I had eaten a light breakfast and skipped lunch before a late dinner.  In addition to being hungry, I had a bit of a sore throat so I also went with the butternut squash bisque followed by sweet potato gnocchi and the token vegetarian entree, mushroom rotolo.  I didn’t sample the arugula salad as I usually have it, but I did love the butternut squash bisque; it had plenty of cumin, and the squash flavor wasn’t compromised or subdued by the cream (the serving was also a good portion).  I enjoyed the sauteed gnocchi as much as I usually do, and the rest of the table shared the opinion.  My husband stuck with his crab cake because I wanted the gnocchi and he couldn’t persuade his stepmom to order the crab cake; while the crab cake is the same delectable lump, it has been divided (into two good sized portions) with an Asian slaw in the middle.  I really appreciate Rezaz making changes to the menu without getting rid a favorite item completely (although I don’t think another vegetarian entree or two would hurt).  The rotolo was better this time around with tomato sauce packing a nice sweet and spicy punch.  We also received the complimentary bread, but I think four tops get the same portion as two tops; even with not quite enough to go around everyone had some of my favorite fruity bread.

The drink service fouled our server all night long (otherwise she was professional); I started with a hot toddy, but my promised honey never arrived.  I wasn’t too worried about the absent honey because the whisky, lemon, and hot tea worked enough magic on my throat.  The second slip was a bit more of an issue; my father-in-law ordered a vouvray or French chenin blanc, but we received the sauvignon blanc above it on the menu.  To be fair, our server may not have heard him request the “third chenin blanc” and his finger may have appeared to point to both the sauvignon and the chenin blancs; additionally, the mistake was corrected quickly.  The third error was also the one handled the most unprofessionally.  With my tiramisu dessert I thought a glass of Grand Mariner would be delightful, but my server either disagreed or didn’t want to tell me it was unavailable.  After a bite or two of my dessert, I took a sip of my drink only to discover it was amaretto!  When I complained to the server about it she said they were out of my requested liqueur so they replaced it with a comparable substitute.  Again I am not certain if she was being condescending or just indifferent, but while both liqueurs are made with cognac, orange and almond are not interchangeable tastes.  Even if they were similar, I should have been consulted; if I order Bailey’s or Jameson, I want Bailey’s not Carolans or Jameson not Bushmill.

Overall we did have a nice meal, and I am sure the next time we have family in town we’ll consider eating at Rezaz.

Ringing in 2010!

Don’t worry, we’re going to pop the magnum at the neighbors after we stroll down (hoping it won’t be raining), and for brunch we’ll enjoy French toast and PJ before my husband joins my brothers in chopping some wood.  Happy, happy 2010!

Iannucci’s

*******Update*******

Back in October, I thought Hendersonville Epicurean had stated their second location was already open so when I heard the hostess/cashier talking to the applicant I assumed a third location was in the works.  Thanks to Hendersonville Epicurean for inquiring!  Also in good news for those further south, Mike Iannucci is keeping his fingers crossed for an opening very soon.

After Thirsty Monk suggested that I try the tiramisu at Iannucci’s, I put them back on the radar.  I work within walking distance of the flagship location (a second location recently opened in Hendersonville, and it sounded like they may be opening a third location locally), albeit it dangerous with almost no sidewalks walking distance; however, I was without a book so I ran to the library and grabbed something to read with lunch.  The two servers were sharing hostess, buser, and cashier duties (when I worked there earlier in the decade Sundays meant servers also shared dishwashing duties), and I was sat in a roomy booth far from the door; although I should note their foyer provides a buffer to those tables close to the door and appears to offer overflow seating as well.  Being on my lunch break I didn’t really peruse their alcohol list, but if memory serves they have cheap domestic drafts (Killians is the only one I would drink).  I stuck with water, and I ordered the sesame breadsticks with marinara.  I received butter instead, and I don’t recall if I was charged for the sauce or not.  I have been secretly craving sesame encrusted bread; I don’t think the craving will resurface anytime soon, and if it does I don’t think I count on Iannucci’s to cure it.  For my lunch proper, I ordered the eggplant sub, but frankly the menu should read stromboli not sub.  I expected a hoagie roll with eggplant and cheese and possibly some greasy, nasty bagged potato chips and a pickle.  For $6.25 I received a huge stromboli full of thinly sliced and breaded eggplant and cheese and marinara.  If I had paid a bit of attention I’m certain I could’ve made three light meals out of it (I ate my small leftover portion later in the week and was quite satiated even without the assistance of breadsticks and dessert).  As the tiramisu was the impetus for this visit I had to try it, and I ordered a cannoli for my coworker.  I didn’t try the cannoli, but it was rather large and served with slivered almonds; she rated it higher than the Fresh Market’s version.  My tiramisu was fine, but it wasn’t anything special; with its $3.50 price tag, though, I can imagine it will work just fine for meeting my tiramisu needs until I make my own perfect one.

The service was attentive (aside from the missing sauce), and I was actually quite impressed until the cashier (who ended up being the server who hadn’t waited on me) spent several minutes talking to a job applicant after she had started to ring me up.  It wasn’t terribly busy, but they had a flow with many customers seeming to be regulars.

Iannuci’s doesn’t make me nearly as happy as Nona Mia, but its prices and proximity are perfect.

Reduce your tax liability with Brother Wolf!

From a Brother Wolf Animal Rescue email:

Because you cared.

For animal rescuers, there’s no better feeling than to be able to say “Yes, we can help.” To a family who can’t keep their pet because of financial, medical, or housing issues; to a caring person who found an abused, abandoned or lost animal;to a shelter worker who wants to give one special dog or cat another chance. There’s only one way we can do all of this: with the support of friends like you!

This year, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue has made amazing strides.With your help, we have…

- Found homes for 212 CATS and 556 DOGS,almost triple the number from 2008. Among them, a black lab puppy named Zax rescued from a high-kill shelter, shown in this video meeting his new family!
- Transported over 75 puppies to rescues in the northeast
- Assisted local families in spaying and neutering over 150 pets and promoted trap-neuter-return of feral cats
- Opened our no-kill shelter Pet Soup to house dogs and cats awaiting a foster or permanent home and to operate our Thrift and Gift Shop
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are volunteer run and exist solely on the help of our wonderful supporters! When a sick, injured, or special needs pet comes along who requires a little extra TLC, we rely on your gift to give that dog or cat every chance for a healthy, happy life.

We can’t do it without you.

Your 2009 tax-deductible gift can do so much….

$25… PROVIDES TESTING FOR HEARTWORM OR FELINE LEUKEMIA
$55… WILL SPAY OR NEUTER ONE CAT OR DOG
$75… HELPS OFFSET WELLNESS EXAMINATION AND PRE-ADOPTION FEES
$100… COVERS AVERAGE FOOD AND BOARDING COSTS
$500… CURES A DOG INFECTED WITH HEARTWORMS
$800… PAYS FOR LIFESAVING TREATMENT OF A PUPPY SICK WITH PARVO

As a special thank you gift for your donation of $20 or more, we’ll send you a copy of our tights & tails 2010 calendar, a gorgeous collection of images by photographer Laura Grant featuring some special Brother Wolf pets and the lovely ladies of Asheville’s own Bombs Away Cabaret.

Don’t forget to donate before December 31stand get your tax-deduction for this year!

Mela

Despite the snow, my mom was determined to celebrate our family’s December birthdays Monday night.  Due to all the various and sundry idiosyncrasies of our eleven member party, we struggled to find a restaurant that would work.  The last outing was at Zambra, but it was deemed too costly even though everyone could have found something to eat there.  Bouchon was my choice, but just like last year they were too crowded.  The forty-five minute wait wouldn’t have been an issue by itself, but they don’t accept reservations even for large tables, and they don’t have adequate accommodations for waiting patrons (the entire space is tiny so tables rather than waiting area gets priority).

With everyone parked around Bouchon, we walked down the street to Mela where they afforded much more space for waiting.  My brother miscounted our eleven top, so we had to commandeer another table to make enough room.  Our server dropped by and announced rather than take a drink order she would just bring everyone water.  We took a while to get settled because my grandfather and uncle were none too enthusiastic about eating Indian food, but by the end of the night they had quieted their grumblings.  I must confess I shared their reluctance to dine at Mela, but mainly because I had made a big pot of chole dal on Saturday and had plans to eat it for lunch over the next few days.

After much review and questioning and explaining (by members of the party not our server), everyone found a dish.  The kitchen kindly reduced the spices mentioned in my grandmother’s chicken (although both chicken dishes including the off the rack one came out about five minutes after the rest of parties), and overall, the food was enjoyed by all.  My uncle and cousin both ate the lamb kabobs, and they were a bit overcooked.  The pakoras and samosas were enjoyed by everyone; I especially enjoyed the spice of the cilantro sauce and the sour edge of the tamarind sauce.  I ordered the baingan bharta (roasted eggplant served in a tomato and onion sauce); the rice served on the side was cooked perfectly, but I missed the eggplant taste and texture in the main dish.  It was a bit spicier than I wanted, but when I added the raita I had no problem devouring it (aside from the three massive, hard tomato wedges).  The garlic naan was fairly greasy, but it was also delightfully garlicky (I didn’t try the goat cheese naan).  The table was too crowded and long for me to be able to try everyone’s dishes, but what wasn’t eaten on site was carried off in to-go boxes.

My main complaint with Mela was our server’s obnoxious and pushy up-selling and my really bad dark and stormy.  My husband and brother ordered two appetizers and some naan to share with the table, and she questions if five orders will be enough; they corrected her to the two garlic and one goat cheese they had requested.  At the other end of the table, she attempts the same thing with my mom, but my mom wasn’t forceful enough in her correction so the server repeated how the two orders of garlic naan my mother ordered would be insufficient to feed the table, not twice, but three times (with my mom refusing each time).  I finally injected that we had ordered enough food to share with the table.  When my uncle received his lamb kabobs, which are an appetizer that he chose to have as his entree, he complained that he had not ordered rice and didn’t want it, but the server said it was included with the dish.  When the bill came it was obviously not included with the dish.  As I didn’t pay the bill, I have no idea how much I was charged for my dark and stormy, but I received a rocks class with dark rum and something not nearly gingery enough to be the stormy (I assume it was ginger ale from the soda gun).  I only ordered the drink after seeing ginger beer on the menu; if they had no intention of using the ginger beer someone should have let me know.  Otherwise the service was okay; she mostly kept the water and other drinks filled, and the buser kept excess dishes off the table.

While the food was tasty, I do not share the amazement of other locals, and I don’t anticipate returning anytime soon due to the unprofessional service.  Asheville has many, many great restaurants so I don’t see any point in settling.

I love snow!

Our dog loves snow too!

Mayfel’s

To celebrate my little brother’s graduation, we ate lunch beforehand.  With two vegetarians in the party, it was decided that downtown Asheville would be better than Black Mountain (the ceremony was at Montreat).  Much like many a downtown restaurant in which space is at a premium, Mayfel’s doesn’t have much room to wait, and it seems to pretty much always have a wait.  Fortunately, our wait was promised to be ten minutes, but we were set before my brother could park the car.  The atmosphere is Southern kitschy and energetic, with copper wire spirals holding blackbirds and Mardi Gras masks and bright walls adorned with serving platters.

In lieu of the Bloody Mary bar, I started with Bell’s Porter ($3.50 which is a reasonable price for a good bottled beer), but for the sake of appearances I only enjoyed one.  My main course was the eggplant panini which consisted of eggplant (without any breading!), red onion, goat cheese, and tomato on a crusty sourdough bread and served with choice of white fries, sweet potato fries, and coleslaw (I believe the third was coleslaw).  The sandwich was a thick portion, and I received plenty of fries.  I requested white fries, but I received sweet potato fries; my grandmother pointed this out, and our server said the kitchen already had the correction working.  It also comes with sweet pickles, which my mom applauded.  Mayfel’s won her over when she asked about the grits before ordering the Blue Plate; their grits are yellow stone ground grits made with heavy cream and butter (two of my mom’s favorite ingredients for pretty much any dish).  Our server mentioned that many customers don’t like their grits, thanks to people not eating real grits.  My mom and my Nanny Goose raised us on real Southern food, and I still love my grits (even if I cook them with veggie stock and water); but I despise that Cracker restaurant which serves tripe (like instant grits) in the guise of Southern food.  Everyone’s portion was hearty, and we all cleared our plates (I took half of my sandwich to go).  My brother’s shrimp and grits was a large bowl of grits with several good sized shrimp topping it, and his girlfriend had a large plate of huevos rancheros with plenty of beans on the side.   Bravo to Mayfel’s for letting my ever fussy grandmother picnic (her religious convictions prevent her from spending money on her sabbath).

Although the weather prevented it, they also offer outdoor seating with a great view of Pritchard Park as well as a late night patio where one can enjoy drinks and live music (I don’t know if you can get to the patio from the main dining area, but the patio entrance is off of Wall Street).