{Apologies in advance for the crappy cell phone camera pics. I’m working on that.}
It all started with Kelby suggesting that we sign up for the Downtown Food Tour. Who was I to say no?
In true Fergie fashion, I was late to the tour because I arrived at the Baltimore Airport exactly 4 minutes after the cutoff for baggage check, so I had to catch the next flight. Lucky for me, the owner of the food tour company, Chris, went above and beyond to stay in touch with me throughout my travels and to make sure that I met up with the group as soon as I touched down. I ended up only missing the first stop! I jumped in just as the group was hitting The Chocolate Fetish. What a delicious introduction to Asheville. The Salted Caramel Truffle was major (as VB would say).
The head chocolatier giving us the inside scoop
Next up was a trip to Northern Italy at Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro. The owner was so knowledgeable in the origins of the cuisine and even the history of the building the restaurant was in. We tasted a pork ragu (de.li.cious.) along with an Italian wine. After a morning of travel drama, the day was definitely shaping up.
The owner of the restaurant schooling us on the vino.
Our next stop was to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria for…what else? Pizza and beer, baby. Apparently Asheville is a pretty big brewery city. We munched on fresh hummus and pesto pizza while the brewmaster fielded questions from the beer aficionados in the group. I.e. not me. Although, I must say, for someone who can count the number of times she has had beer on one hand, the beer they served us was pretty darn good. It was a local brew and very light. Wouldn’t it be great if I could remember the name? Yeah, no dice.
Pesto Pizza and Black Bean Hummus
The remnants of my tasty, unidentfied beer
Did I mention that this was a walking tour? Such a treat. Downtown Asheville is positively charming and eclectic and there is no shortage of unique boutiques and fun eateries to check out. Just one example was the next place on our tour: The Gourmet Chip Company. I loved the concept! Chips are my weakness (alongside gummy candy) and the idea to top different varieties of chips with gourmet toppings was right up my alley. It was a pleasure to hear the owner of the company tell the story of how she brought the idea to fruition.
The creative genius behind the chips
Heaven in a paper cone. Did I mention that she even serves some with chocolate-coated bacon? #boss
Last but not least, we wrapped up our 2 1/2 hour eating extravaganza with a stop at The Spice & Tea Exchange of Asheville. This was definitely bliss for a foodie like me. Spices and gourmet salts galore! This pic of just one corner of the store says it all:
I went a little nuts buying salts and such, but I was in my element. I copped a Black Truffle Sea Salt that I just can’t wait to try with mashed potatoes.
By the time I got back to the hotel to meet up with my buddies, I felt like I had become intimately involved with the Asheville food scene. Even though, it was only the beginning…
Check out my Yelp profile for reviews on the places that I had the pleasure of dining at while in town. Asheville ain’t no joke!
