Cheers! Dawn Ford, left, and Julia Bentley enjoying the chocolate martinis they had for dessert after dinner at Frogs Leap Public House in Waynesville, N.C. We weekended at the beautiful mountain home of Julia and Gary Bentley in Waynesville.
A weekend at the mountain home of friends in nearby North Carolina automatically meant a couple of things to us. First of all, the guys would play golf, of course. Secondly, the women would visit some cute shops in Waynesville and Asheville. But most importantly, meals at a few choice restaurants would play a large role.
Throw in rounds of a hysterical box game, Balderdash, on both evenings and you’ve pretty much got a description of the entire weekend.
In order of our preference, here are some eateries we would recommend you check out on your next visit to our neighboring state to the east. Some we picked for the excellent food, others for their charming ambiance. But all were a delight and featured the most friendly servers we’ve seen in a long time.
Best food of the trip
Alan and I think that, hands down, this distinction has to go to the Chef’s Table, located at 30 Church Street in downtown Waynesville.
Here’s what you are looking for.
Julia and Gary Bentley go to the Chef’s Table quite often and always order the “deconstructed lasagna,” which consists of two small pieces of beef tenderloin, spinach, Vermont white cheddar Parmesan cream sauce, tomatoes, onions and hand rolled pasta sheets.
I adored the grouper piccata that I ordered.
Chef Josh Monroe developed his menu with wine pairings in mind, and the eatery has won numerous awards, including some from both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines.
I loved the bottle of pinot grigio that Dawn and I split for dinner.
Follow the signs.
Speaking of signs, we thought this one was hilarious. It’s located in the section of town known as Frog Level, due to its historical propensity to flood.
Seen on Commerce Street in downtown Waynesville. Ha.
Great outdoor eating experience
We received a lunch recommendation from the proprietor of a pottery shop and headed to Panacea Coffee House and Cafe at 66 Commerce Street in Waynesville. This is a daytime option only, as the kitchen closes at 4 p.m.
You order at the counter and your food is brought to you at Panacea. The large warehouse-style space is welcoming.
We chose a picnic table overlooking Richland Creek.
You can see the creek better in this picture of Dawn.
We all ordered hummus. Dawn and Julia had theirs put on a salad. It was delicious. You also can choose from sandwiches, paninis, wraps and soups.
Ha. We tried to observe the rules.
We spent some time in The Kitchen Shop on Main Street in Waynesville. Here, Dawn gets friendly with a giant Pillsbury Doughboy.
Friendliest service
Service everywhere was great, but the top of the heap was found at Frogs Leap Public House, located at 44 Church Street in Waynesville. Operated as a “farm to fork” concept, you really need a reservation at this popular local eatery — especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cool signage.
The fried pickles were to die for. Unfortunately, I ate so many of them that I couldn’t finish my delicious Mussels Mariniere, which were served in a bay shallot thyme Chablis butter broth. Boo.
Alan, however, had no trouble finishing his dessert!
It was Kentucky oatmeal spice cake with salted caramel ice cream.
The guys joined us on Sunday for a little shopping and dining in Asheville.
A place called the ScreenDoor was fascinating for its sheer variety of antiques and other things to buy. It’s located at 115 Fairview Road. (Julia and I may or may not have left with a few things!)
Alan did NOT buy this horse!
Coolest interior space
We really enjoyed an uber fashionable spot called Posana, located at 1 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. The most unusual thing about Posana is that it is totally gluten free. The doughnut holes we ordered, the avocado toast, even the pancakes.
Here’s our gang at Posana. From left, Gary and Julia Bentley, Dawn Ford and Alan Carmichael.
Here’s Posana’s very cool interior.
I think I had the best brunch order: a quinoa bowl. It was delicious. The others had regular brunch fare like omelets and pancakes and eggs with bacon.
The mimosas and Bloody Marys definitely passed muster, as well.
So that’s our weekend of eating and drinking. If you have any other suggestions about restaurants in Asheville or Waynesville, please put them in the comments. We are planning another trip there shortly.
I am still full!
Dawn: Me, too! (But ready to do it again, of course!)
Sounds like a great weekend! Glad to hear about Posana’s since we are in Asheville some.
Thank you for the Waynesville recommendations. Those will come in handy very, very soon!
In Asheville, we love Posana and its contemporary style. Other downtown dinner favorites are Cucina 24 (tops our list), Rhubarb and Chestnut, plus The Admiral is a short Uber ride for those up for a little adventure — culinary and otherwise. Farm Burger is awesome for burgers, fries and onion rings; French Broad Chocolate Lounge for treats worth waiting in line for; and Junction for an inventive brunch menu. Weekend lunch (sadly, no brunch menu) at the Grove Park Inn’s Sunset Terrace is a must for the view alone.
Scott: Thanks so much for those suggestions. We are going back to Asheville in April for a Jackson Browne concert and we will make our reservations at some of those spots! Cheers!
Returning to Waynesville in July for a girls’ trip.
Chef’s Table is one of our favorites,too. So many great places to eat.
I love North Carolina food. Lived in Goldsboro for 4 years. I think it still might claim the most golf courses per capita than any other state.
Curate (john fleer)
Chai Pani (amazing Indian street food)
Hole (donuts)
Previous 3 were Asheville
Canyon Kitchen In Cashiers is another John Fleer fantastic experience
Katie, Fay, Mickey: Thanks for your comments.
Scott: Thanks for the suggestions.
Love this blog! My great-grandmother Mary Etta Leatherwood came from Waynesville, but I had never been there until two years ago when I visited with my parents and my sister Brooke. I was completely captivated and esp. remember the shop Twigs and Leaves. Gorgeous hand-crafted items. I want to go back!
That’s interesting, Carol! We really like Waynesville, too, and look forward to going back later this year.
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives