GOOD MORNING, FRIENDS
Today’s podcast and newsletter both include reviews of food from Zella’s Deli, Blackbird Restaurant, Storm, Benne on Eagle, Well Bred Bakery, & Manicomio, as well as new brunches available from La Bodega by Cúrate & Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, and a sneak peek into the Steven Goff’s Tastee Diner!
ZELLA’S DELI
Chef Mike Reppert (Left) working the line at Zella’s Deli on opening day. It’s an Italian style deli (as compared to Jewish, Polish etc), like the one’s that Mike grew up with in New York. The name is inspired by Mike’s grandmother, and I could tell from talking to him, that this venue is a real passion for him.
ABOVE: I got the chicken cutlet sandwich, which was very tasty, and I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
THE BLACKBIRD
Chef Mike also owns the Blackbird Restaurant on Biltmore Ave downtown, which is a favorite spot for Paddy Riels and I to go for one of our Asheville Food Tours “lunch junkets.” The last time we went, I got the biscuit ‘n’ gravy “pot pie” and Paddy ordered pork and mushrooms panini, and we shared, like we do.
We both enjoyed both of these offerings very much, and the biscuits ‘n’ gravy was the perfect thing for the cold, drizzly day that it was that day. The panini was so good that he and I were talking about it a week later! I can’t wait o go back and get it again!
BRUNCH AT LA BODEGA BY CURATE
From Facebook: Just in case you hadn’t heard, La Bodega by Cúratee has now opened their wine and pintxo bar, and they are serving brunch Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 3 PM! They served us a smattering of what they’ll offer at a recent soft opening, and everything was fantastic! I ordered the oxtail with french fries, and it was insanely delicious! The kitchen sent out a special savory pastry dish that they called a “snail“ and it was likewise very delicious! The wine bar is upstairs from the marketplace, on S. Lexington Ave., right where The Nightbell used to be. They are open from 11 to 3 and then 4:30 to 10, Wednesday through Sunday. Treat yourself! 🔥
You can see more pictures and read the menu on Facebook, HERE.
BRUNCH AT UKIAH
From Facebook: BRUUUUUNCH! I had an amazing brunch at Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse yesterday. I got the chicken karraage and waffles, Bruce’s biscuits n Japanese sausage gravy, and an Americano. It was allllll really great. The biscuits n gravy were particularly tasty. If you’re fan of biscuits n gravy, as I am, you’re going to love this version! The coffee is from Bean Werks in West Asheville. I highly recommend this brunch, happening every Saturday & Sunday at Ukiah!
You can see more pictures and read the menu on Facebook, HERE.
AWARD WINNING MEATLOAF
SANDWICH ALERT!!! Chef Jay Medford has added his award winning meatloaf sandwich to the menu at Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro!!! I got one to go the other day and it was as awesome as always! Go get. 🔥🔥🔥
WELL-BRED BAKERY
I love lemony things. I love Well-Bred Bakery. They have a new(ish) location, inside the Grove Arcade. I went there, I got a lemon bar, it was awesome. Recommend. End of story.
THAI STYLE PIZZA from MANICOMIO
Manicomio pizza has been teaming-up with various restaurants to bring us some really unique “Pizza of the Month” specialty pies! So far they have partnered with Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Little Bee Thai (above). Get some while you still have a chance, and check back monthly to see what Jon and the crew have waiting for you!
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Good Morning, Friends...