Chef Patricia’s Personal Recommendations

for Food Adventures in Hendersonville / Asheville

I tend to want to eat global cuisine when I am not cooking so I have listed my finds, they are all worth the drive.

• See Part Two for more great ideas

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Umi Japanese Fine Dining – The best Sushi and Japanese cuisine. We are lucky to have it here! The freshness of the fish and quality of every dish, plus the ambience, makes this a must visit.

Red Ginger –  Elegant Chinese Dim Sum and Tapas in an open-air kitchen. Every authentic creation is hand-crafted and delivered on small plates. Since its right in Pack Square, Asheville I take the time to walk the city after a great meal.

West 1st –  The best Wood Fired Pizza ever. The whole wheat hand crusted pizzas are so perfectly thin and crisp and the toppings are incredibly fresh! I always keep it simple and have the Margherita but a close runner up for me is the Mushroom. The pizza paired with the West 1st house salad and *you only need a half order is a complete meal! Fantastic ambience and excellent service, everything is handcrafted with organic Ingredients you simply must try it!

Hendersonville Co Op – If you haven’t visited this treasure it is so worth the trip! My recommendation goes beyond the obvious meaning the grocery selection! What I regularly drop -in for is the delicious prepared foods and yummy salad and hot bar. The daily specials are healthy, original and so delicious. They have created a nice in-door space for dining and when your finished go check out the huge selection of organic prepared foods. Bonus there are numerous Gluten free options.

Mountain Juicery  – These juices are addictive! Each juice, smoothie and elixir are sourced locally and made fresh daily. So much attention to detail has been put into the recipes, I have never had such amazing combinations and I have been around the globe. A huge bonus is the kind and knowledgable staff, if you have a specific health issue they are quick to help with recommendations, so amazing!

Wild Ginger  – The best Vietnamese. The Pho is a must but if you can’t eat that much just have a cup of Broth it is packed with flavor. For me a cup of Broth and an order of Spring Rolls is the perfect meal! Entrees are great as well try the Miso Glazed Salmon or Stir Fried Vegetables in Coconut Milk.

Lee’s Asian Market –  For all things Asian this is the place to go (in the same location as Wild Ginger). Stock up on Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime leaves and all kinds of hard to find and interesting produce. Rows and rows of noodles, sauces, snacks and gadgets. Frozen fresh noodles, dumplings and more!