I prefer beginning vacations to ending them. At least this week I’m tapering off vacation by having gone from Asheville to Blairsville, where Hubby and I are helping my dad celebrate a big birthday ending in 0. I’m so glad we live close enough to my parents to do things like that.
After Battery Park, Hubby and I wandered about and ended up at the Asheville Sky Bar, which is on a series of balconies over the World Coffee Cafe. We enjoyed some pink drinks and the beginnings of a lovely sunset.
We then wandered down the hill and through some more streets and passed by Curate, which our innkeeper had said we wouldn’t be able to get into without a reservation. We decided to give it a try, and while the tables were full, there were places available at the bar, which allowed us good dining and entertainment as we watched the busy kitchen.
Our wine was a fantastic Albarino, the 2013 Arcan from Rias Baixas. It had a similar fruity profile to the Godello we had Monday but with a saline backbone that helped it pair well with the food. The highlights were (copied from the menu):
Salada de Tomate y Atún
kumato tomato salad w/preserved spanish bonito tuna, black olives, drizzled in extra virgin olive oil & reserve sherry vinegar
Berenjenas la Taberna
C’s note: an unexpectedly good combination
Gambas al Ajillo
the number one tapa in asheville, sautéed shrimp and sliced garlic
And some pretty awesome meatballs, which weren’t on the online menu, but which are called Albondigas.
I’m glad we decided to give Curate a try. It’s hard to compare it to Zambra, where we ate on Monday, because the menu styles are different. I would happily return to either.
I do want to give a shoutout to Lynn and Ron of the 1900 Inn on Montford, which is the only place we’ve ever wanted to stay in Asheville. The breakfasts are amazing, the rooms wonderful, and the house itself absolutely charming.
Asheville is one of my favorite places, and I can’t wait to get back.