THE PODCAST
Chef Tom LaFauci, joins me from Twisted Laurel Downtown Asheville, and we mostly talk about some of the exciting Food Holidays happening in July, and we are very briefly interrupted by Sarah, the events coordinator at Twisted. At the end of the show, there is a supplimental segment in which I am joined by my wife Dawn to recount some of our culinary adventures together!
00:00 - 01:33 INTRO: Hi Tom.
01:34 - 17:07 JULY FOOD HOLIDAYS PT 1: Penuche? (Gesundheit.)
17:08 - 17:53 MANNA SPOT: Please Donate to MANNA Foodbank.
17:54 - 35:12 JULY FOOD HOLIDAYS PT 2: National Culinarian Day
35:15 - 37:33 OUTRO: Oopsie…
37:34 - 54:31 SUPPLEMENTAL: Wait Until You Get To Know Dawn
THE NEWSLETTER
MOTHER BAKERY: On Fridays I often treat myself to breakfast at Mother Bakery, and when I'm feeling especially froggy, I jump at the Croque Madame, which is an insanely thick slice of toasted brioche, with Parisian ham, a sunny side egg, carbonara béchamel, parmesan, and chopped chives.
It's one of theeeee most delicious things I've ever eaten in my life. Not kidding. It's that good. Calories? What are calories? 😂😂😂
OLD EUROPE: I go to Old Europe Pastries more than any other cafe, restaurant or food venue of any kind! (Yes I do keep track of where I eat and how many times I go to each place on a giant Google sheet.) The other day I got a large cappuccino and a slice of Rigo Jansci, which is chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache. It was insanely delicious, and just happens to be gluten free, so if you're GF and in the market for something decadent and satisfying give it a try.
Thanks, Old Europe! I've been a big fan ever since I moved here in 2005.
MIYAKO HOUSE: Just wanted to let y'all know that our good friends at Miyako House are now open on Sundays 11:30am - 9:30pm.
And also... they have great spring rolls.
ASHEVILLE PIZZA SOUTH: Y'all, it's time, once again, for Chef Drew Peterson's Pizza of the Month from Asheville Pizza South, and this month (July) he's really outdone himself with one of the most complex, deeply flavorful, and delicious pizzas -- or anything -- I've ever had. It's inspired by Tom Kha soup, and as always, I'll let the chef describe it himself...
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July Pizza of the Month: Tom Kha Za
Taking influence from the delicious Thai soup, Tom Kha. The base is thick, creamy, salty, sweet, and tangy coconut milk base with mashed potato. Then roasted chili flakes seasoned Bok Choy. You can choose chicken of tofu for the protein. Red peppers and mushrooms. After the oven it gets a garnish of green onions and cilantro.
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And yes, I couldn't stop myself from eating a piece (or two) before I even took a picture! 😂😂😂
As usual, this particular pie will probably not be available by the time you read this, so be sure to follow Drew on Instagram, so you’re always informed at the beginning of every month!
LA BODEGA: I went into La Bodega by Cúrate last week and got my current favorite salad in downtown, and met with one of my all-time favorite people in Asheville. The salad is the small green salad, with optional fried shrimp.
The person was Jeff Anderson, my long-time friend, and newest member of the La Bodega management team! ❤️
ASHEVILLE FOOD TOURS: Before every tour, I get myself a cappuccino at one of my favorite cafes in downtown (I have several favorites), and if I’m lucky, Paddy joins me! He likes to get himself an iced vanilla latte, and we talk about food and food tours, which is our favorite subject! This picture was taken at the Times Bar Cafe, which is one of my Cafe of the Year winner for 2023.
Whether you’re visiting town, or you live here, please come take a food tour with me!
“Stu was very engaging as a guide. He was very knowledgeable about the Asheville food scene plus the history of the city. We enjoyed the walk between restaurants and his funny quips. It was fun to try so many different cuisines; the variety of food was fun to experience. The restaurants and atmospheres of each was so different and fun to explore.” - Heidi F.
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Episode 158: National Penuche Day