I really, really enjoyed the food here.
Reservations are released at 10am on Wednesdays for the following week and are highly encouraged. I snagged a spot for Wednesday at 5:15pm for the bar. If you cancel your reservation late, you will be charged $30 per person (you can reserve up to max 4 in your party).
Although I had made a reservation for 2 people, due to circumstances out of our control, my cousin couldn't make it in time so I ended up going to dinner by myself. I arrived promptly af 5:15 and explained the situation to them and they were very kind and assured me that everything would be okay. They sat me at the bar, where I was immediately greeted by the bartender and given a menu to review.
The food menu is small but mighty! There is a variety of food options, and the dishes are explained thoroughly to you before you order.
I wanted to try everything! But, ultimately decided on the following:
Oysters ($16) - these were served as a pair and came with a raw quail egg and small string of sea grapes on each half shell. The oysters tasted fresh, the yolk from the quail egg tempered down the saltiness and gave it more body, and the sea grapes brought a light salty crunch back at the end.
Tuna Kinilaw ($29) - 8 thick pieces of raw tuna that were served carpaccio style; the flavor reminded us of Bò Tái Chanh!
Spring Onion and Zucchini Noodles ($38) - a heaping mound of egg noodles served with julienned carrots, green onions, and zucchini powder (I think). It also included a cooked egg on top that was cut into two.
Duck Adobo ($45) - Pan seared duck breast cooked medium rare, served over a sticky omelet (it reminded me of boiled rice and potatoes that got blended into a glutinous, sticky consistency), and brown sauce with a side of pickled garlic. This dish came with white rice.
For drinks, I got the Adobo Martini ($14), Pandan Daqiuri ($14), and Burnt Rice Martinez ($15). All three cocktails were unique and tasted wonderful!
I finished off the night with the infamous cheese ice cream. It was a lactose intolerant person's worst nightmare (but I regret nothing!!!!). Grated cheddar cheese atop a scoop of vanilla/cheese ice cream. The concept may sound off putting, but the salty/savory/sweet blend of the ice cream and cheese was delicious!
I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was there. The open kitchen concept reminded me of when I used to help my parents out at their restaurant, the food felt like home because it was Asian comfort food, and everyone was so friendly!
I was able to box up my leftovers and share with my cousin when she finally got in.
Overall, an amazing dinner. I would stop here again if I ever come back to Asheville! read more