I enjoyed the service and the server was very good with the timing and my small requests were met with a smile. I have high expectations of service in a finer dining restaurant and they were met her. That was the highlight along with appreciation of a good wine list.
I do not understand why places store red wines in the dining area out in the open that are subject to temp changes of the dining room and kitchen. Maybe its space issues, they do have cold storage for the whites, which is nice. The aspect of reds being OK at room temp is not true if its 80 degrees inside. I have seen this time and again in the South and really frustrated when it is met with the idea that its OK. My bottle was fine though, but would be cautious to order it here when the temperatures rise.
The appetizer list is nice and the grilled romaine appy is popular, which we had. It was not grilled in my opinion, it was steamed on the grill under cover, then the nice apple wood bacon added to it. Which is a nice touch and compliment. I heard a server say it was all grilled at once, that was not true and obvious, because it had no bacon fat or grill marks that I could see. A little too much Balsamic glaze was a common comment I heard and agreed with. It was a tasty glaze though and while I did enjoy the plate, it will be noted to not have as much on it, the next time I eat there. Yes, I will be back, there are wines I want to try!
Short note on the focaccia bread, too much rosemary and sage, but very nice baked. Butter is a good quality also, which is appreciated and too many places miss this aspect.
The duck is a miss here, sorry to say. very flavor less and no hints of that fat I look for with the skin. It is roasted nicely, but I suspect it is parboiled before roasting. That or a lesser quality duck source. While being tender, it really missed the mark on flavor.
What was extremely disappointing to me, was that it was served in a bowl and plopped on a bed of mash potatoes, which was not expected or appreciated in any way. Maybe I did not read that on the menu, but the potatoes distracted away from the duck. They also had that glaze issue again, maybe it was a berry glaze or balsamic again. Tasteless skin, mashed potatoes clinging to every bite, was not good. The potatoes were good on their own and very creamy. ( mashed red potatoes )
I do not drink nice red wine to be eaten with mashed potatoes. I order and drink it with my entrée meat or main item on my plate. I do order vegetarian dishes also, it is available here and it seems to be a nice varied selection.
The steak was cooked well and easy to eat, it is the 1855 quality of Angus beef, which is from NE usually.
The house made pasta is good and sauce done well. Easy to eat and enjoy.
So why only 3 stars? Nothing stood out as a showcase plate, the meats are not from local or regional producers. I expected more local famer market fare and while the menu and website states the chef/owner shops the local markets daily, what farmer markets are they talking about. Not here in Waynesville or Asheville as I know of.
They say they have a their own herbs, which are not showcased in my opinion.
Also, clean the place up, I don't care about it being a simple and small space that is a little worn and dated. Get the stacked chairs and extra tables out of the dining room, the wear and age of them distracts from the meal. Also, put away the xmas lights, caulking gun and misc. items out of the men's bathroom and stored on top of the cabinet.
I don't mind the homey simple feel, but make it tidy and have some semblance of order. Clean the walls and baseboards also, get back the fresh and clean feel that could be easily obtained. Be that favorite worn shirt that everyone has.
Maybe then and with some self critical examination of the plates and a source for better duck!, the place can re-capture some awards newer than 2006. Get rid of those, until a new one is earned.
I will come back though. read more