Culinary passport S am p lin g world c u isine — witho u t the f u ll - b od y scan Asheville has its share of regionally representative cuisine. But should you want to expand your horizons beyond trout, grits and fried green tomatoes, there are a multitude of options at your disposal, many of them based in the traditions of far-off climes. This small mountain town has a lot of stickers on its suitcase. Himalayan? We’ve got it. Spanish tapas? That too. Indian street food? You bet. Here’s a quick guide to where to find global flavors in the neighborhood.
Pho F u sion
Pho Fusion, the first all-Vietnamese restaurant in Asheville, specializes in exactly what you might guess: steaming bowls of pho, the traditional noodle soup. Though chef Tru Phan toys with other specialties, it’s the restaurant’s namesake that draws in repeat customers. Try the eye of round pho, piled with mung bean sprouts, basil and cilantro from the fixings bar. Beyond the food, don’t expect to find any traditional or fancy decor. This spot is for the foodie that relishes finding the diamond in the rough. Hidden beyond a flea market of Oriental rugs, soaps and ornaments, Pho Fusion is a noodle-filled Narnia in the rear of the wardrobe. 45 S. French Broad Ave. 575-2212.
R e z a z and E noteca
For a taste of the Mediterranean, head over to Rezaz in Biltmore Village. If “Mediterranean food” brings visions of dolmas and pita bread to mind, chef/owner Reza Setayesh’s take on the sun-drenched foods of that region expand those horizons. Setayesh serves his mezze platter enhanced with muhammara, a Syrian hot-pepper dip. His astonishingly good paella is spotted with braised rabbit and smoky chorizo. What’s more, the service is spectacular. The restaurant’s wine bar, the Enoteca, offers the same high-quality food in a slightly more casual environment. The menu includes a wide array of cheeses, cured meats and housemade spreads that can be combined to make a custom antipasti platter. Or, go for a panini with a side of truffle frites, then finish your meal with housemade gelato. 28 Hendersonville Road 277-1510 rezaz.com.
J er u salem Garden caf é
Should your prefer your Mediterranean food with classic flavor — and a little wiggle — visit Jerusalem Garden Café near Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Not only can you have your traditional hummus and baba ghanoush with warmed pita, you can eat it while sitting on floor cushions in a tent-like room surrounded by belly dancers. 78 Patton Ave. 254-0255 jerusalemgardencafe.com.
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