Local Eats: Fig Bistro

By and large I miss my happy hours. You may have heard me complain about how North Carolina has something against happy hours in the past (complete BS, I say) and you will again. Happy hours are the quintessential time to unwind after work and socialize with pals. Banning them throughout an entire state seems like a good waste of tax dollars and time, but NC seems to have its own methodology for doing things. Anyway, back to the point here, if there were happy hours in this state I would spend nearly all of them at Fig.

Fig is a gem. One of the first places I ever ate at in Asheville and outstandingly one of my favorites, the restaurant always delivers quality food and a wonderful environment. Self proclaimed intimate neighborhood restaurant featuring casual interpretations of New American and French cuisine, Fig is an amazing place to grab a quick bite, business lunch, spiffy dinner or even just appetizers at their lovely bar. I've spent a good deal of time at their bar enjoying meals and can attest to its awesomeness.

Not too long ago, the local paper did a write up on Fig and did an interview with the lovely owner, Traci. In it she spoke of her desire to present French inspired dishes in an unhurried atmosphere borrowing from a Paris brasserie. In my opinion, she is spot on the mark! Next time you are in the mood for a delicious bottle of vino or maybe a sampling of delicately flavored mussels or even a pork schnitzel, head to Fig. Make sure to save room for dessert! And their delicious ice wine...mmm, I love dessert wines. Enjoy!

Local Eats: The Isis

Asheville is definitely a smallish town who thinks it's a big deal (the whole Ashevegas thing is hysterical being a once upon a time true Las Vegan myself). And rightfully so that A-ville should think it's hot stuff. There's a lot going on here these days, with a huge influx of new eateries and restaurants to enjoy. Actually a new place just opened up not too far from me, and thanks to it's beautiful facade I have been dying to try it out. Welcome to The Isis Restaurant.

Located in West Asheville (which is where all the scenesters are popping up), The Isis is both a venue hall and eating spot, having undergone a major renovation from being a movie theater which last showed a flick in 1957. As with all new restaurants, they are still working out the kinks, but I have hope for this joint.

The food was good, not overly memorable, but the presentation was beautiful. The location, the gorgeous renovated building, and the wine list are what will have me returning soon. There is also an amazing patio area, stage where they will eventually have live music, and a fun bar area which I have yet to explore.

If North Carolina would get rid of it's lame no happy hour law, this would likely become one of my favorite spots for happy hour. Their beer list is also equally impressive. Swing on in and give The Isis a try!

Local Eats: The Pump Cafe

The world has a funny look to it when in the midst of a hectic travel schedule, as if wearing hue colored glasses. I certainly felt this way this past week as thousands of miles passed beneath my feet. I went here, there, and every damn crack in between. I can safely say that if anyone told me I could give up driving and flying for a good long while I'd likely thank them for it. Anyhoo, one of the perks of being the road so much is getting to try new foodie establishments.

Near the beginning of my adventures, I had the opportunity to visit the Pump Cafe in Springfield, OR and was pleasantly surprised at the good eats happening here. Nom, nom, nom. The breakfast was filling, hearty, and delicious - that's winning in my book. Needless to say this joint met my standards as a hangover establishment.

The place has a wonderful feel to it, country farm americana, with endless cups of good joe. The place seems to always have a bit of a crowd, but everyone is super sweet and very mellow in their quest for good food. Their counter bar is quite a favorite with locals, from what I hear.

The food was beyond scrumptious and is definitely within the definition of family style. Huge plates for huge appetites, no one goes home hungry from here. Next time you have a hankering for brunch and are near Main Street, Springfield, make sure to give the Pump Cafe a try. Enjoy!

Local Eats: The Asheville Public

It's been nearly six months now that I've been bumbling around Asheville and I have yet to do a local review. Bad food blogger, tsk tsk. To make up for it, here is a recent spot I tried out for brunch one lazy Saturday - The Asheville Public. Reviews on Yelp were mixed, not a good sign, but the other half wanted to give the place a fair shot so we went and sampled. And in all honesty, I don't think they deserve the lousy two stars awarded to them on Yelp. They are at least a three star joint. The decor is delightful, a mix and match of old diner and modern deco, and the food portions are more on the French style than the American style (good for the waistline). The location is sweet if you want to avoid the congestion of tourist-clogged downtown Asheville, and next door is the hippie flea market for any shoppers wanting to walk off their brunch.

The shining star of our brunch - their Porky Bloody Mary. Yum, yum, yum. Every once in a while I am blessed in enjoying the beauty of a damn good bloody mary and The Asheville Public definitely serves up one of the best I've had in ages. They are on their A-game with their bloody marys, especially with the added pork fat rimmed glass salted with old bay seasoning and scrumptious beef jerky spear keeping the tomato juice happy.

I opted for their huevos rancheros while the hubby had the steak and eggs. Even with the portions being more on the demi side, the dishes were fairly good without being stellar. The huevos rancheros consisted of refried black beans, topped with a poached egg, and various garnishments all sitting within a (in my case, stale) tortilla cup.  The steak and eggs were tasty, however the menu advertised hashbrowns while oily breakfast potatoes were what ended up on the plate. And both of us were hungry again within a few hours, so take note not to go expecting a belly-full. All in all I'd try their brunch again and maybe swing in for a dinner or two as well before I write them off. If for their swanky diner decor more than anything. Enjoy!

MyLivingDays

Many of you wonder what I do with my time besides bake. Funny thing is, I actually do quite a lot that doesn't involve an oven and a taste tester. One of my most recent endeavors has been exploring other areas of writing beyond the foodie realm, specifically submitting work to share on MyLivingDays. A brilliant forum for sharing news, stories, lifestyle tips, foodie exploration, and just about anything else you can dream of, MyLivingDays has become a creative outlet of sorts for me. Easy to use, share, and comment, MyLivingDays coins itself a midlife magazine for those seeking to take a departure from other busy, confusing social media platforms. A close friend is one of the co-founders and has done me the wonderful service of reminding me that there is an entire world of stuff to write about, if I would simply put down the measuring cup for a while. We all have our vices, right?

Here are a couple pieces I recently contributed. Check their website frequently for updates as they are soon to launch a small suite of social tools. Feel free to join and contribute to the voice of the masses!

Family Trumps Oktoberfest
Fall Into Great Food
The Elephant Called Grief
Tips: Navigate Airports Like A Pro

Enjoy!!

Farmer's Market

When all else fails and life seems too complicated to face, head to the Farmer's Market. Or at least that is one of my life mottos. Honestly, it works. So far it hasn't let me down.

So why the Farmer's Market for a pick-me-up? Well, a lot of it has to do with the ebb and flow of the place. I enjoy people watching, local produce, and any reason to snap off a few shots. These reasons combined with the fresh aromas of whatever is freshly roasting/baking/being assembled are plenty enough for me to spend a few lazy hours wandering around the stalls. 

The last time I was at my local Farmer's Market I discovered these beautiful pink pearl mushrooms. Delicious! 

Prices are reasonable, if not cheaper than the local grocery store, plus the produce is typically straight from field to table (win!). 

My goal is to stock up on everything while I can as our Farmer's Market only runs on a seasonal basis, harvest already upon us. For instance, these lovely melons. 

If I'm lucky, I'll have a few moments to put in some fall starts to keep the garden going as long as possible. If nothing else, it'll give my feathered ladies another treat, little spoiled fatties! 

Local Eats: Red Agave

Back in the day when I used to reside in Las Vegas, I had a habit of having nights out on the town where with the assistance of kind friends we would seriously indulge in our love of food. Quality was top priority, including the vino, and we had the most deliciously sinful and exquisite dinners. Even though I no longer have the restaurant mecca that is Las Vegas as my foodie ground, getting to know Eugene's local fine dining has been a pleasure and recently with the great company of the Dude. Last night's foodie adventure: Red Agave Restaurant & Cantina. Always a show stopper, in my book. And one of the very few places in town where you can order a Roma (if I'm not mistaken, they invented it!) or a Log Cabin, complete with hunks of bacon as garnish. 

We started off our foodie adventure with a few tapas: Ahi Ceviche and Seared Scallops with Dungeoness Crab Hash. If you hadn't picked up on it yet, I fell off of my vegetarian band wagon for this one. I can't tell you the last time I had a scallop, let alone a buttery, heavenly one. It was decadent! On a funny side note, if you look really hard you can see my dinner mate in the spoon's surface (kind of Escher-esque).

And the Ahi Ceviche tasted fresh, complex with the avocado sauce, and definitely is a new favorite of mine.

For dinner the Dude went with the Anderson Ranch Lamb Birria while I jumped into a plate of Poblano Chile Relleno. Both were astoundingly good, although the mole sauce that came with my dish was extra amazing. We paired up the meal with a bottle of tempranillo and had a grand old time of things. My advice: don't miss the opportunity to dine here. Whether it be an early dinner, a birthday celebration, or a late night snack over drinks, Red Agave will delight your taste buds. Enjoy!

My Favorite Pasty

 I said pasty...not pastie. There is a difference.

One hides your tender parts and one is a delicious flaky pie filled with goodness. Obviously I think we know which one I'm speaking of.

I've been lucky enough to know the owners of Cousin Jack's Pasty Company since it's infancy (even spent a short while as one of their roommates). And out of all of my favorite local eatery companies, Cousin Jack's just may be my favorite.

Being a vegetarian, I love that Cousin Jack's offers a wide variety of pasty selections: wild mushroom, harvest vegetable, broccoli and cheese...hell there is even a fruit filled one. For the meat lovers they offer pesto lamb, steak and ale (made with Ninkasi brew), and a few other delicious flavors. Currently, I'm in love with the wild mushroom pasty served with a trio of different mustards. Mouth-watering goodness here!

Word out on the street is that a food cart is in the near future for these guys. That means I can get my pasty fix more often!

As it is now, you can order a case directly from them or buy them in your local store by the two-pack (check out their listing of where to buy). If you are out and about in the Whit, stop by their warehouse and pick up a few pasties directly from Dave & Kim. It's easy as pie (hehe). You can thank me later for suggesting it.

Homemade Yumm Bowls

If you live in Oregon, you've likely discovered Cafe Yumm. Therefore, discovering Yumm Sauce. This, my friends, is a little jar of magic. Put it on anything, ANYTHING, and taste the rainbow of flavors.

I literally have friends who have this stuff shipped across the country to eat. And it's worth every penny.

On a rainy day, I bet you most Oregonians contemplate having or making a Yumm bowl. While the restaurants serve delicious bowls, I prefer to make my own with all of my favorite ingredients. The concept is simple. Start with a bed of cooked rice and some type of beans, add your favorite fresh veggies and condiments, top with Yumm Sauce and presto - homemade yumm bowl!!  Listed below are the steps for one of my staple meals. Enjoy!

Homemade Yumm Bowls

• 3 cups cooked white rice (basmati, jasmin)
• 1 jar Cafe Yumm sauce
• 1 can black beans, rinsed 
• 1 small can sliced black olives, rinsed 
• 1/3 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced 
• 1 container fresh or store-bought salsa 
• 1 container sour cream 
• 1-2 large mushrooms, sliced 
• 1/4 head red cabbage, diced 
• Shredded cheese of your choice
• *nice additions: shredded carrot, cucumber, tortilla chips, field greens, brown rice, quinoa 

Start with your rice and beans, adding equal amounts to the bottom of the bowl. Next add the other various items you've selected (veggies, etc.). Finish with your Yumm Sauce, salsa, cheese, etc. Voilà- delicious Yumm bowl!