2 Quick Recommendations for Asheville, NC

We spent a nice long weekend in Asheville and tried a few new places. I don't have time for a full review, but I have to recommend 2 places you MUST try when in Asheville.

For a weekday lunch (between 11am-4pm), 12 Bones Smokehouse cannot be missed. Our friend, the great Dr. K. Frazier, recommended it to us and now we're hooked! If you like any kind of BBQ (ribs, chicken, beef, turkey and pork - with a variety of sauces - blueberry chipotle, vinegar, mustard or tomato based) and 'southern sides' (collards, bread pudding, jalapeño grits, mac&cheese, mashed sweet 'taters, etc) you'll find something not only to eat, but to crave for DAYS to come!

You may find a line formed outside their door (in the River Arts District, next the the French Broad River), but do not despair, once you smell the delights you'll be fine waiting in line. Remember, they are ONLY open Monday-Friday so make it a long weekend to Asheville and enjoy some AMAZING BBQ!


(my plate, which I finished! - pulled pork sandwich, collards & bread pudding and ice tea - Paul had the smoked beef brisket with jalapeño grits, tomatoes & okra and a generous slice of cornbread - with key lime pie for dessert)

For a more intimate and upscale setting, dinner at Fig (also a recommendation from Dr. Frazier) was perfect. After checking out the menu, we could not miss it (duck is Paul's favorite). I highly recommend securing a reservation as it is small, bistro setting with a bar but no space to "wait". The service was refreshingly helpful, prompt, but not overbearing. Our server was happy to make wine recommendations and helped us choose a decedent chocolate dessert (they also have an intriguing celery tart).

Paul had the duck (of course) which was cooked to perfection. It was served with winter vegetables. He started off his meal with the Chef's creation of the day, "eggs with toast." Sounds simple right? Well, the eggs were whipped into a airy mousse with chives and luxurious truffle oil and small croutons. WOW. I wish I had gotten the same thing! I began my dinner with a white bean soup - which was delicious by all accounts - but after trying one bite of Paul's I felt a bit remorseful! My dinner was the pork filet (tenderloin) over a bed of whipped sweet potatoes. Super yummy!

Hmmm, that was quite a bit longer than I anticipated, but I had to share our 2 favorite meals in Asheville!