Alex Halsey's Profile
Brunch for folks concerned with 'ambiance' in Asheville
I agree with Posana. Lovely space, with an option to sit outside. Very good food.
Stone Bowl Korean Restaurant opening in Asheville
Exciting! Thanks for the tip. I don't get down that way much, but would make the trip to check it out.
Your best lentil soup recipe?
I've had success with the Hearty Lentil soup recipe from Cook's Illustrated (easily Google-able). I substitute turkey bacon for the pork bacon, and it's still very good. Freezes really well, too.
Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro, Asheville
We went early last Monday night. Were seated outside promptly, and given food and drink menus. There was hardly anyone inside (we had peeked in), and only one other two-top outside.
Maybe it was the heat making me peevish, but after waiting for nearly ten minutes for someone to take our order, and no one coming, we got up and left.
Headed to Posana for wonderful cocktails, and then to the Noodle Shop for some great food (as always).
I'd have to hear that they have improved their service before I would head back to Storm. There's a big difference between "leisurely" and "absent."
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Posana Cafe
1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Avery Creek's Pizza and Ribs, Asheville, NC
This place was recommended to me, but it's out of the way (I'm in North Asheville, and don't get down to Arden often). Has anyone been? Is it worth the trip for the ribs? (I'm not too interested in the pizza.)
Thanks for any feedback.
AH
The Junction, Asheville
Had drinks and snacks there the other night. The patio was lovely, and the drinks were inventive without being too silly, and also tasted great. Had fried green tomatoes with a shrimp remoulade. A tasty snack. I'm looking forward to going back and would definitely recommend it as a drinks destination
Usual Suspects: Asheville, NC
Has this place closed? I saw an ad in a local free paper (Verve) announcing a new restaurant, and the address given is where Usual Suspects. Anyone have any info?
AH
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Usual Suspects
791 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Asheville: Flossie's Hot Spot on Riverside: What is it?
Bar? Nudie Bar? Have driven by many times but can't figure it out.
Anyone?
Thanks.
AH
Best Sandwhich in Asheville
I like the proscuitto/taleggio panini at Rezaz Enoteca. Served with lentil salad. mmm. That's one rich sandwich, though!
Toddler-friendly dinner in Charlotte, near the Westin?
Thank you for all of your suggestions. We went to Jolina's for lunch. I would say it was just okay. We had spinach quesadillas, which were fine, and my husband had what he called the worst, most watered-down margarita he'd ever had. Oh well. But it served its purpose.
For dinner we went to Ratcliffe's, where we had a wonderful meal with great wine and friendly, professional service. I would definitely return.
Thanks again!
AH
Barefoot Contessa choc/sea salt cake w/caramel?
No, I haven't made it. I'll follow your link. Thanks!
Toddler-friendly dinner in Charlotte, near the Westin?
That's helpful--thank you.
FWIW, price would be medium, vibe casual (would have to be, with this toddler!). Pretty flexible about cuisine.
Toddler-friendly dinner in Charlotte, near the Westin?
Okay. I don't know Charlotte at all. I'll be visiting there from Asheville this weekend and need somewhere for an early dinner Saturday night with three adults and one toddler. Any ideas? Would prefer not to eat at any of the major chains . . .
Thanks for any advice.
AH
Barefoot Contessa choc/sea salt cake w/caramel?
Thanks for all of the info and ideas. Now if it ever cools off I'll start baking again!
Barefoot Contessa choc/sea salt cake w/caramel?
I read a reference to this cake in a magazine interview with Giada De Laurentiis. I looked on the Food Network website but could find no reference to it.
Does anyone know if this recipe is in one of the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks? If so, which one? (I'd camp out at Barnes & Noble and read indices, but don't have that much time . . .)
Thanks for any info.
AH
Sweet Potato pancakes in Springdale, UT
A couple of years ago I was in Springdale and had delicious sweet potato pancakes. The restaurant was fairly upscale.
I know this is a long shot, but does this ring a bell for anyone?
Thanks.
AH
Asheville - Buddha Bagels, closed or moved?
Hmm. I went by at 12:30 pm today. There was a sign on the window that said that they were closed, permanently, effective immediately. At Greenlife, which usually stocks their bagels, the bagel case was empty.
I liked their bagels, but I can't say that I'm surprised that they closed, although I obviously don't know the full story behind the decision.
Sugar-citrus hard glaze for cake
Hi,
My late grandmother used to cover her hazelnut torte with a wonderful glaze made of lemon juice and confectioner's sugar. It hardened on top. I tried it, but ended up with a syrup that went into the cake. Nice, but not what I'm looking for. I want to see the glaze and have forks go through with that satisfying icing feeling.
Any tips? Was my ratio off?
Thanks for any advice.
AH
Asheville: roast duck from Picnics--worth the cost?
I have houseguests and a baby and want something low-impact.
Asheville: roast duck from Picnics--worth the cost?
That's a $30 roast duck. I was thinking of getting one and making my own sides. Has anyone ever tried it? Does it feed four people decently?
thanks!
AH
Kosher-style replacement for oyster sauce?
Not sure if this should go in Home cooking, but here goes: I'd like to make a recipe for Garlic Beef with Broccoli (from Nina Simonds A Spoonful of Ginger). It calls for 6 Tablespoons of Oyster Sauce. Is there anything I can use or make instead to approximate texture or flavor?
Doesn't have to be true kosher--kosher-style in fine.
Thanks.
AH
Thai chiles in Asheville?
Hi,
I'm looking for Thai chiles. First problem, I don't know what they are. Are they dried or fresh? What color? How large?
Second, where in Asheville can I get them? I've tried Greenlife but they didn't have any.
Third, if I can't find them, what's an appropriate replacement?
Thanks for any help.
AH
Cucina 24 (Asheville) - join the fan club
I've been twice. Excellent all around. The olive oil cake is superb. I also enjoyed their specialty cocktails. Haven't tried the pizza--is it good? Hard to pass up those pastas for pizza . . .
Question about two Asheville restaurants
Thai Basil in Grove Arcade, and Bavarian Lodge on Weaverville Highway--are either of these any good? For Thai Basil, I'm not looking for super-authenticity (I've never been to Thailand so would not know the difference), just not-too-greasy, good balance of flavors, and good curries.
Thanks!
AH
Ukranian borscht recipe from old Saveur?
Thanks so much! I don't remember if that's it exactly, but it looks good. Now I just have to wait for it to get cold here . . .
Small Mom and Pop bakery Asheville/H-ville
I don't think you'd call it Mom and Pop, but Carolina Mountain Bakery has some great stuff. I've only been a few times, but I've been very happy with their rye, onion rye, pumpernickel, and mediterranean bread. I've also enjoyed their doughnuts.
They do have coffee cakes, but don't seem to have meringues. Here's a link:
http://www.goasheville.com/ashevillebakery/index.html
Kamui Den, Ave. A
Thanks for your reply, Pan. But I moved away (to North Carolina!) before I could try it. Maybe on my next visit north . . .
Novice baker seeks cake yeast in Asheville
Found a recipe (bagels from scratch!) that I'd like to try, and the author recommends using cake yeast if you can find it. Anyone know where I could find this in Asheville?
Thanks (and wish me luck on the bagels!).
AH
Mail order Hebrew National salami?
My Internet searches are coming up empty. Any idea where I can get this mailed to me? I'm in Western North Carolina.
Thanks!
AH
Stovetrotters - Asheville - Biltmore Village
I stopped in for lunch, too. In fact, leahinsc, maybe we were there at the same time! I was there yesterday and sat alone at the bar/counter--very pleasant, with a nice view of the kitchen area. Can't add anything else to leahinsc's review because I ordered the same thing she did. Thought it was very tasty, a good-sized portion without being grossly large (I never like being given a trough of food). Service was friendly and professional. I would definitely go back, either for lunch or to try their dinner.
