Nightbell and Cúrate are featured on national blogs
Zagat Charlotte has released a new list of the 8 Hottest Restaurants and Bars in Asheville. They list several spots that are worth the drive from the Queen City to Asheville.
“Tree-covered mountains, tranquil creeks, stunning waterfalls: the natural beauty is reason enough to get in the car and drive to Asheville. There are dozens of breweries and a thriving restaurant scene as well. It’s lovely year-round, but with bright pops of orange, red and yellow covering the surrounding slopes, fall in the Appalachians is the most alluring season of all. Here are some killer places to eat and drink in the Blue Ridge’s coolest town.”
Nightbell is listed as #2, second only to sister restaurant Cúrate Tapas Bar. Chef Katie Button and Félix Meana have created a special restaurant and lounge for lovers of inventive food and drinks.
Nightbell’s drunken fried chicken, spiced with cardamom, star anise and pimentón with a seasonal beer syrup. Photo by Evan Sung.
- Cúrate
- Nightbell
- Smoky Park Supper Club
- Wedge Brewing Company
- Biscuit Head
- The Bull & Beggar
- French Broad Chocolates
- 12 Bones
“The latest concept from Button and her husband/partner Félix Meana, Nightbell gives classic American fare a modern twist (think drunken fried chicken, soaked in buttermilk then spiced with cardamom, star anise and pimentón with a seasonal beer syrup). Set in the second floor of an old building, the stylish space features both restaurant seating and a cozy lounge.
Insider Tip: Cocktails and dessert are not to be missed.”
On Huffington Post, a list complied with Thrillist proclaims “The Next Portland: 4 Cities All the Cool Kids Are Moving To.”
The purple LaZoom tour bus and Sister Bad Habit are common sights in Asheville. Photo from Flickr/Clark Mackey
Asheville is #4, “Hopefully you’ve heard of Asheville’s impressive beer offerings by now, — if you haven’t, a word on those — and its crop of trendy, one-word restaurants (Cúrate, Chiesa, Nightbell). The local, handcrafted retail stuff can be found at Garage 34, Asheville Goods, Brian Boggs Chairmakers, or, if you’re specifically after indie wedding supplies, Hitched Handmade. Like Portland, this southern city has some weird stuff, notably nuns on oversized bikes chasing purple buses.”
If you agree with these lists and love the food and drinks at Cúrate and Nightbell, make sure to vote in the James Beard Award nominations! Chef Katie Button is up once again for Best Chef – Southeast and Nightbell for Outstanding Bar Program.
