Asheville Wine and Dine

Looking for a Local Egg Poacher…Suggestions?

avlwinedine — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:16:42 +0000

“How would you like your eggs cooked?” my server asked.

“Poached medium, please.” I replied.

“I’m sorry, that is the only way we do not prepare our eggs,” she said with a magnolia smile.

“Why is that?” I asked.

“Truthfully sir, I will never ask my cook to do that[poach eggs], it’s a pain in the butt.” she replied sweetly, drizzled with a bit of sternness.

“I’ll settle for scrambled,” I said reluctantly.

Really? It’s a pain in the butt. Really? Hmmm. Back in the day, we called it doing your job! Cooking for myself, in general, is a “pain in the butt,” that’s why I leave it to the professionals. You know, the people that actually get paid to “poach eggs.” Poaching eggs is not too bad when you compare it to a real pain in the butt job like this one:

Basically, most tasks are a pain in the butt, until you have mastered the task. It’s your job to master your craft, whether it’s short-order breakfast cook… or whatever that person halfway in the elephant’s butt’s job is.

Hey, I think I’m going to open up a breakfast joint, and refuse to cook everything, after all cooking is a “pain in the butt.” Today’s special is a cage- free egg dropped in your shade-grown-Costa-Rican coffee. I think I can handle that. I just need a catchy, appetizing name. HEY, seriously, I might be onto something here. An egg poached in coffee. Eggs Java, anyone?

(reviewed dining establishment’s name withheld to protect the inept)

Enjoying Hot Chocolate, Pineapple-Orange Cake, and Friendly Owners at Artisan Coffee & Wine Bar

avlwinedine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Black Mountain has just been blessed with the opening of the Artisan Gourmet Market/Coffee and Wine Bar. A full review will come at a later date. For now, please enjoy the photos. The owners are as warm and friendly as the atmosphere. The hot chocolate and locally baked pineapple-orange cake were an excellent combination for a gloomy day. It made me think of the sunny ski slopes of Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, that I will be schushing down at the end of the month.

Photos by Pro Realty Pix

Jane and Susie enjoy a cup of coffee

St. Paddy’s Lunch at Jack of the Wood

avlwinedine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Adelaide and her Grandma celebrating St. Paddy’s Day

Blogging live from Jack of the Wood in downtown Asheville. The fish and chips look amazing. And of course they are serving up a few traditional Irish dishes like Scotch Egg, Shepard’s Pie, and Corn Beef and Cabbage. So get your GREEN ON and join me for a pint of Green Man Ale (actually, I don’t drink, but I can sponge off your buzz).

Stephanie and her daughter, Blakely, celebrating at Jack of the Wood

Ahh, perfect timing: my fish and chips have arrived. Next stop will be a visit to the new Artisan Coffee and Wine Bar in Black Mountain.

The Artisan Coffee & Wine Bar Has Opened its Doors in Black Mountain

avlwinedine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:26:00 +0000

You can read all about it in the Citizen Times article and MountainX article. I plan on checking it out tomorrow. You can also follow them on Facebook .

Pack’s Tavern menu has been posted on their Facebook Page

avlwinedine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:40:00 +0000

The dust is still flying as the construction crew carves out downtown Asheville’s newest bar/restaurant/event space.

The answer to the long-awaited question “what are they” going to cook up has been answered with images of their menu on Pack’s facebook page. (I’m excited about the Trout Cakes, for starters!)

What’s up with the space formerly occupied by the new Old Europe?

avlwinedine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:20:00 +0000

I really miss sipping a mocha latte and nibbling on a raspberry-topped Ricardo Torte while typing away on my laptop, enjoying a warm summer evening on the cobblestone patio of Old Europe cafe (where it once stood) at the corner of Walnut and Lexington.

I heard from a reliable source that someone took a serious peak at it recently. I hope my favorite summer typing venue opens up again. Has anyone heard anything?

Pack’s Tavern Is Opening With Asheville Affiliates Party benefiting Asheville Community Theatre

avlwinedine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:28:00 +0000

(reposted from Affiliates’ Invitation)
The Asheville Affiliates present our first fundraising event of 2010 – Spruce Street Speakeasy to benefit Asheville Community Theatre (ACT). Join us on Thursday, April 8th from 6:30-9:30pm at the Century Room at Pack’s Tavern (20 S Spruce St).

Pack’s Tavern is a brand new venue in Asheville and we are so excited to be hosting their first special event. The Goodies will help us set the mood as we have fun and raise funds for ACT. Please remember to bring cash for the raffle and silent auction. Swanky attire is encouraged!

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and include food, beer and wine. Advance tickets can be purchased at ashevilletheatre.org, or guests may RSVP to cindy@ashevilletheatre.org or call 828-254-1320 x23.

Shh! Visit the Spruce Street Speakeasy Facebook page for a secret event password.

Special thanks to event sponsors Pack’s Tavern, ImageSmith, WNCW, M@IN-FM, Castell Photography, Allison Evans, and The Goodies.

The mission of Asheville Community Theatre is to provide entertainment, enrichment and education through the practice and celebration of the theatre arts. www.ashevilletheatre.org