Addition to Asheville

Over Thanksgiving, my parents celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. We were together in Asheville for the holiday and chose to explore a restaurant new to town. Chestnut, from the same great folks who bring us the Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village is another great culinary addition to downtown.

When we visited they had been open for only 1 month but they were already full of interested diners. The atmosphere is a hip, casual rustic modern look making the most of the great old building where they are housed. We were sure to make a reservation and were seated right away, although I would not have minded waiting at the bar!

We started with two great cocktails, a dirty martini featuring olives stuffed with Three Graces Dairy goat cheese (we tried to bribe the server for more) and the house version of an Old Fashioned. Both were well made and unique in flavor.

For starters we shared the lobster bisque, the beet salad, and the lobster risotto cakes. The bisque was creamy with generous amounts of lobster meat and the lobster risotto cakes where lightly fried shaped into cute pears. Each delivered in flavor and portions. We complemented our choices with the bread basket a not to be missed treat of (mostly) house made breads.

 For entrees we were lucky enough to have several people at the table, so I had the joy of sampling much of the menu. The entrees proved to be substantial and flavorful. Two of my favorites were the filet and a halibut special. The halibut was light with a smooth butter sauce to complement its delicate flavor.

 Although we could not hold another bite, we made room for the chocolate souffle. It was well worth loosening our top buttons.

I cannot wait to cozy up again in Chestnut's space. It is a worthy addition to downtown Asheville's restaurant scene.