Remember how I mentioned that I had a fun weekend planned? Well, I went to Asheville!
The reason for my trip was to practice ashtanga with David Williams at the Asheville Yoga Center but that was such an amazing experience that it deserves its own post. I was excited about my Asheville trip not only for the yoga but also for the food. Asheville has an amazing dining scene.
Here’s a look at what I ate during my quick trip to Asheville.
Friday night dinner at Curate. A relatively new Spanish tapas restaurant that has been receiving national recognition.
The director of front house operations, Felix Meana, actually spent five years working at elBulli before moving to Asheville to help develop the Curate concept. If you’re not familiar with elBulli the story of the restaurant is worth a read.
My favorite thing about Curate was the open kitchen. Most of the seating is at a long bar that overlooks the kitchen. I was entertained all night. This also creates tons of dialogue between the diner and the staff and I received so much great insight on food and wine selections.
Another feature of Curate is their attention to dietary restrictions and food allergies. Items on the menu are marked if they are vegan/nut-free/gluten-free/lactose-free.
Escalivada Con Anchoas – roasted red bell pepper, onion and eggplant drizzled in 30 year sherry vinegar dressing and topped with Spanish anchovies. The peppers, onion and eggplant were pureed and served with toast points.
Vieiras con Pimiento del Piquilo Maestro Julian – seared scallops with roasted red pepper sauce served over roasted piquillo peppers. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the roasted pepper was wonderful.
A slice of carrot cake from French Broad Chocolate Lounge. I think that I stated out loud “I love cake” at least three times while I was eating this.
Pre-yoga breakfast was a green smoothie from Earth Fare – bananas, strawberries, apple juice and spirulina (getting started on that green smoothie challenge early!).
Lunch today at Chai Pani, my favorite Indian restaurant in Asheville.
I had the Kathi Kabab Roll – chicken seared with tandoori spices in a griddled wrap with onions, cilantro, rice, roasted lentils and chutneys. I had a salad on the side with a cilantro lime vinaigrette.
Afternoon treat was a vegan oatmeal raisin cookie and a soy latte.
And now it’s back to Charlotte!
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten this weekend? I have to say it’s the cake although the scallops are giving it a serious run for them money! What can I say, sweets win every time! 😉
