Dinner at Rhubarb in Asheville

While the dining room at Rhubarb was packed on a weeknight, the bar was readily available with a cozy corner table near the front window. The menu offers Southern fare with a twist and a whole bevy of local cheeses.

Entrance to Rhubarb

The bartender was happy to answer our questions about the menu and we had some mighty fine eats.

Fried Hominy with Lime and Chili - Great item to share

Berber Pie - I had no idea what a Berber Pie was. Turns out to be a hand made savory pie. This one was stuffed with Rhubarb Jam, Benton's Prosciutto, and Spiced Onions. So tasty!

Roasted Sunburst Trout stuffed with  Fennel - Delicious local fish

Local Cheeses with Rhubarb and Chutney

The menu tends to change seasonally and with the variety of large and small plates, everyone should find something to make their taste buds happy.

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

We had a delicious breakfast at Early Girl Eatery. The farm-to-table establishment is laid back and sunny. The breakfast menu contains all of the traditional Southern favorites (and Benton's bacon!), but also features vegetarian and vegan fare.

Enjoy the pictorial.

Early Girl Eatery located in downtown Asheville

Early Girl supports a whole host of local producers

Wildflowers, salt, and raspberry jam

Traditional country breakfast

Breakfast scene at Early Girl

Since we arrived on a weekday and after 8 AM, we were easily able to snag a table. I've heard tales of lines on the weekends.

Two Chocolate Places in Asheville

We experienced two mighty fine purveyors of chocolate while we were in Asheville. Our hotel included a turn-down service and provided us with two delectable and exquisite chocolate bites from The Chocolate Fetish. The package enticed us to drop by the shop for another free sample. We did. These guys were definitely artisans. We took our free sample and then loaded up on some of their other temptations. The sea salt caramels were my favorites.

We discovered the French Broad Chocolate Lounge after dinner one night. We thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to get dessert here, but it's after 9 o'clock." Lo and behold, this joint is open until 11 PM on weeknights! And contains all types of ways to enjoy chocolate - chocolates, brownies, cakes, ice cream, drinking chocolates, and the Mudwrestler (ice cream, local nitro stout beer, and espresso). And the Lounge was packed. We opted for a couple of chocolate milkshakes.

Artisan chocolate and a late night lounge - gotta love Asheville.