Thirsty Monk South!!!

These pictures are not the best or most clear, but fuck it!  I drank good beer in South Asheville after nine pm (actually all of these photos were taken after 11:30 pm)!

In addition to the expected bar stools, Thirsty Monk South has a couch and coffee table area, two dart boards (with plenty of other board games), and a dog friendly patio (also smoker friendly).  I played some cricket with my honey, and he schooled me.  In my defense he was the designated driver.

We are so stoked about good beer in South Asheville, even if we still cannot catch the bus back home.  One step at a time.

Local Food Failure

I thought the local food challenge was going to be easier, but alas I was not able to concoct a meal that was completely local without changing my shopping habits more than I was ready to.  I love Hickory Nut Gap Farm eggs, but I wanted to avoid animal protein for both its ecological repercussions and my changing diet.  I found locally fermented tempeh and locally milled flour, but they both cost more than three times their non local options.  The French Broad Food Coop did have some fava beans from either Jake’s Farm in Candler or Gladheart Farms in Asheville, along with local shiitakes from the Mushroom Co-op, Jake’s Farm’s romaine heads, and Gladheart’s local broccoli crowns.

Although I did not complete the challenge as I wanted to, I did try fava beans for the first time.  I love them (even if you have to twice shuck them), and I devoured my fava shiitake dish (garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil being the non local interlopers).  The next step is to either commit to a CSA share, more homegrown food, or to tailgate market shopping.  Last year we did so well with all our victory garden herbs, arugula, kale, and tomatoes, but we completely dropped the ball for this year.

Congratulations to Small Footprints at Reduce Footprints for once again challenging me to see past my own greenwashing.

Summertime equals Ice Cream

Actually I don’t care what time of the year it is, I always love ice cream, but summertime means that Two Spoons is open later so it’s easier for me to get there.  Our first encounter when they opened last year made me a fan upon my entrance.  The smell of waffle cones greeted me, and my mouth started watering.  I don’t remember what I ordered on the first visit, but on a recent visit I did Cup of Joe and a chocolate flavor (I believe the KMA).  My husband ordered Strawberry and Ginger; my next visit I’m going to deviate from my normal chocolate requisite and order Chai and Ginger.  Two Spoons uses Ultimate Ice Cream, and the flavors are so spot on.  The Ginger was so fresh and clean without being too sweet or spicy, and my Cup of Joe hit my coffee craving right on the head.  As stated previously though, the killer is the homemade waffle cone; I haven’t ever enjoyed waffle cones before so I don’t have a peer to compare Two Spoon’s version but just a whiff will be all the persuasion you should need.  At this time, I haven’t tried any other than scoops and cones, but they also have sundaes and several toppings for build your own gluttony.  Before you smother the ice cream try it plain; ultimate is an appropriate title.  In fact, I’m so spoiled with Ultimate Ice Cream that I don’t even like Breyer’s anymore.

There is a little atrium out back, and the interior has plenty of kid friendly chalkboard painted walls.  Parking is on the street, but the neighbors aren’t that busy so it isn’t a problem.  The hours run from 1 to 9, I think for summertime, but a call might be the best bet.

Change the World Wednesday Challenge from ReduceFootprints

This week the challenge is to be a locavore for at least three (or one full day if you eat min meals) of the twenty plus meals that make up your dining week.  In this town many a restaurant makes it easy; Laughing Seed Cafe has a farm that they source many things from, and many other restaurants either do the same or use local farmers.  Even though my fair city makes it much easier than other places, it is summer, and I love mangoes, which don’t grow in zone 7.  I am embarrassed to say that I don’t know exactly what is in season throughout the year, but thankfully, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project has a friendly chart for the area.

Many a critic of eating local will argue that it is too expensive, and I agree that it can be pricey; however, the trick is to grow it yourself or make friends with someone who does.  My co-worker rents, and she still grows zucchini, red peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, basil, parsley all in containers.  Although this year some unexpected family emergencies gave us a pass on planting our victory (against corporate agriculture) garden, we have big plans for next year.  Alternatively Community Supported Agriculture shares are a great thought for those without the time or the inclination to grow their own vegetables (or the space to raise chickens, cows, goats, etc).

I will post some photos of our local meal, as its content will depend on what Mom has ready for harvest and what the Coop has in stock.

Goodbye Buddha Bagels

With a heavy heart, I report that Buddha Bagels is closed.  Last week when I went in for my weekly bagel pick up, Mystic Journeys was closing so I guess it should’ve clued me to ask if the bagel shop would stay on, but alas it didn’t.  I was not the only surprised customer this morning to read the simple note: “Buddha Bagels is permanently closed.”  Now I have no choice but to follow Smitten Kitchen’s bagel lesson unless anyone knows of a local bagel shop.

Twelve Bones seems to be open later

I have seen the ads for 12 Bones South to be open for carry out til six; today I drove by at 7 and again at 9 and they were open with a fairly full parking lot at 7 (the parking lot was much thinner at 9).  Maybe these later hours mean our neighborhood might finally get a walkable beer drinking destination that (hopefully!) has a dog friendly patio.

Nona Mia

Our first experience at Nona Mia was so quaint; they hadn’t been open too long, and their tables were an eclectic collection of old office and patio furniture.  We had a few different servers, including a kid who asked if everything was okay.  The food was good, filling, and (best of all) cheap.  However, their hours fit their schedule.  The next time we attempted to visit, they were not offering any weekend hours.  

After a grueling day of traveling the interstate highway system, we headed straight for a late lunch at Nona Mia’s.  Even though it was a weird time of day, around 2:30 pm, there were three or four other tables and a fairly steady stream of to-go and dine customers continued throughout our meal.  Our service was handled by three (mostly two) servers, and it was attentive without being overbearing.  We had a Caesar salad (including an anchovy) and bruschetta for appetizers; the salad was dressed well, and the dressing is delicious.  I would prefer smaller croutons, but they were in proper portion to the greens.  I chickened out and gave my anchovy to my honey; he reported it was a good quality specimen.  My entree, the Farmhouse pizza, was ordered with dinner in mind, and my husband ordered the meatball sandwich in order to compare it to Frank’s NY Deli.  The pizza is well topped, and oh the focaccia crust is so good.  Unlike one of the major pizza chains, it is tasty without being grease soaked.  I was able to get two lunches and dinner out of the pie (I shared two slices with my husband and two of the meals were supplemented with good sized salads).  The meatball sandwich was serviced on normal sized sandwich bread with a side of pasta salad.  According to my honey, the meatballs were not overworked and fell apart in his mouth.  Like everything we have tried, no single ingredient overpowered the rest.  I tried the pasta salad which had firm lentils, mini-shells, tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette, and it was good enough for it to be an appetizer not just a side.  By the way, his comparison to Frank’s ended up with neither sandwich winning outright.  Both have good taste, price ($7.95), and sides; Nona Mia wins on the delectability of the  meatballs and the balance between the other ingredients.  Frank’s wins with size and cheesy, tomato-y comfort food goodness.  I enjoyed a glass of the house prosecco (I believe it is Lunetta, although my memory does fail frequently).  It wasn’t overly dry, and I thought the stemless flute glass was a generous portion (although looking at the cost per bottle of about $10 compared to the $6.50 I paid for the glass it should be a heavy pour).

On our way out we noticed that Saturday dinner service is back, but please don’t except to show up and sit down.  Nona Mia has a following without much square feet, although they have added a few tables to their front sidewalk.

 

Festival Season begins

We are starting it out with The French Broad River Festival.  I was digging the line up, then my honey said it was only sixty dollars for the early bird tickets!  I love the campground up there, and we are definitely planning to hit the hot tubs.  Another plus is Bearly Edible; I can’t wait to wolf down some pesto mozzadilla and $1 grilled cheese.

A few weekends prior, we will warm up with Asheville’s Earth Day celebration.  Its free and could involve no driving if the bus service has extended hours, and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Laura Reed & Deep Pocket will be there, for free!

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

French Broad Chocolate Lounge is one of the best reasons to eat downtown.  They have a variety of truffles and desserts, including a few non-chocolate selections; I love the single origin collection, but my favorites are the cafe au lait, French lavender, Kentucky bourbon, and hazelnut.  Being in Asheville, there is even an entire vegan collection.  They also serve beer and wine, and the lounge has large marble topped tables with overstuffed chairs for savoring your selection of truffles.  The hours are great for after dinner rendezvous or a relaxing indulgent afternoon; sometimes there is live music to help with the ambiance.  With their convenient location on South Lexington behind Pack Square, there is no reason not to end your downtown experience there.

 

Laughing Seed Cafe

In the interest of full disclosure, my husband does work at Laughing Seed Cafe.  However, I can say without an ounce of bias that their soysage is so delicious that anyone, including avowed carnivores, will absolutely love it.  Although it has been years since I have had any sausage, I solemnly pledge their soysage patties taste better than Jimmy Dean.  The best part about that is you can actually eat a Laughing Seed soysage patty knowing that it doesn’t contain any nasty artificial franken-food.  Being such a fan of brunch and those soysage patties (which only appear at brunch), I think brunch is the absolute best meal to try at Laughing Seed.  You can enjoy a Bloody Mary or a Dark and Stormy (my hands down favorite drink on their drink menu), and of course, you can have whatever Green Man Ale is on tap (I recommend the gold or Belgian gold, or Imperial Stout).  If you go for lunch or dinner in lieu of the brunch, do not miss out on the pakoras or the fresh cut french fries.  I love their Asian Fusion salad which helps make up for the fried pakoras.  However, skipping dessert is not an option.  Even if you have to forgo beer, do not leave without dessert.  I could never live without cheese; however, the vegan desserts are heavenly.  Recently, they had a vegan chocolate peanut pie that left nothing to be desired as far as creamy chocolaty divinity.  Those looking for more healthful desserts can always have a smoothie from the smoothie menu.

Although the menu is paramount, Laughing Seed must be complimented on their beautiful ambiance.  The best place to sit is the atrium like area that overlooks Patton Avenue; unfortunately, most of these tables are for four or more, but if they are not on a wait, you should definitely ask to sit there.  A huge skylight is defused by a large plant that rests on a huge, hanging platform.  The hostess stand has a nice water feature that also enhances the two tops in the bar area.  The front tables get to look out onto Wall Street, especially in colder weather with the patio out of commission.  

Just like Frank’s NY Deli, this is another awesome local business that provides health care to its employees; Joan and Joe really care about their employes, and I am quite happy with my husband working with them.  They show their love by throwing not one but two wicked awesome employee parties a year.

Laughing Seed Cafe is a true gem of the Asheville restaurant scene.

 

Laughing Seed Urban Spoon