Tag Archives: restaurant

A book lunch and a story of culinary community

24 Tuesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Last night we had the honor of experiencing a “Night of Culinary Legends” at Chai Pani in downtown Asheville.

This dinner celebrated the book Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality by Molly Irani. Alongside her husband Meherwan, they dreamed and brought to fruition the amazing Chai Pani empire that started right here in Asheville.

If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you know Chai Pani is one of my favorite restaurants here. If you’ve visited Asheville, I’ve probably taken you there for dinner. Sometimes the wait can be long. Really long. But it is always worth it. The experience feels a little magical, and the food is some of the best you’ll ever put in your mouth. Last night was no exception.

The dinner was curated by three different chefs from the Asheville community. Matt Dawes from The Bull & Beggar, Taylor Montgomery from Montgomery Sky Farm and of course Nick Barr from Chai Pani. Each chef brought us a part of a story, offering courses that built on one another.

We started with a Sunburst Sev Puri. A delicate, crispy shell filled with smoked trout, mango, chili and topped with trout caviar. The blast of flavor in your mouth made it impossible to do anything but smile.

From there, dishes like rabbit and pistachio pâté, bhel puri, and guinea hen roulade continued to unfold the story, each one adding something new, something unexpected.

It wasn’t just dinner. It wasn’t just a book launch. It wasn’t just James Beard chefs preparing us food that highlighted their skills.

It was an evening that brought people together. Sitting at tables with strangers who quickly became friends. A room full of Asheville’s food lovers coming together to celebrate someone who helped shape that love.

Molly read an excerpt about the hurricane and how, in the middle of so much loss, the city came closer together than ever. She writes, “Like a forest, the roots of our trees are interwoven, we rely on each other to stay standing.”

That line stayed with me.

The whole evening made me appreciate this little city where I live. A place where you can just be yourself. Where things matter like great food, good beer, jaw dropping landscapes. And where art and culture are embraced and elevated, no matter your medium. We sipped hot chai and ate chilly chocolate baravois and basked in the warmth of the room, filled with people who had gathered to celebrate our culture, delicious food, and an amazing woman who showed us that gathering at a table over food is so much more than eating a meal.

Molly wrote a book, but she gave us a community.

p.s. Buy the book! I know you’re going to love it! https://www.amazon.com/Service-Ready-Story-Restaurants-Hospitality/dp/B0FJPTH2MQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2471Z6K00RJGQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wZ-f5F9OVNgIsZdIhLkOUPaUjSmLh4BoiJ_0w_aUZGI.MuGR-msLYJR6nLpCihvDDNfKdEbrkxvWpLjw-NmXXWM&dib_tag=se&keywords=service+ready+molly+irani&qid=1774357041&sprefix=Service+Ready%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

Tall Johns

08 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in Restaurant Reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Nestled amidst the vibrant culinary landscape of Asheville, in the heart of Montford, lies Tall John’s, a hidden gem that never fails to impress. This establishment prides itself on offering meticulously crafted classic dishes, tailored to satisfy diverse palates. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted with an ambiance that exudes warmth and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

I am consistently delighted by Tall Johns. Their menu is a testament to culinary excellence, boasting a carefully curated selection of dishes that are as inventive as they are delicious. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, expertly crafted to tantalize the taste buds and leave you craving more. And believe me, I am always craving more!

One standout dish that never fails to captivate my palate is the steak tartare, served with crispy saltines that add the perfect crunch. Paired with a freezer-cold martini that maintains its icy chill from start to finish, it’s a combination that never fails to impress.

But the culinary delights don’t stop there. The burrata with winter citrus, and pomegranate, and the glazed beets with goat cheese are both masterpieces of balance and texture. At the heart of every creation lies the secret ingredient – the infusion of fresh herbs. A crunch of mint with the tartare, or soft dill sprinkled on the beets. These harmonious blends transcend mere culinary artistry, transforming each bite into an unforgettable experience, elevating each dish to new heights.

One of the highlights of dining at Tall John’s is the opportunity to sit at the bar overlooking the bustling kitchen, where you can witness the artistry and precision of the culinary team as they prepare each dish with care and precision.

What truly sets Tall John’s apart, however, is the attention to detail evident in every aspect of the dining experience. In our city known for its culinary prowess, Tall John’s stands out, offering an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.

**Elevate your dining establishment to new heights by inviting Gina to indulge in your culinary creations. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your menu and impress one of the influential voices in the food community. Contact us at gmdimartino@gmail.com to arrange for Gina’s visit and get your restaurant the recognition it deserves.

Rancho Lewis | Charleston

27 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

I was so excited to get to try Rancho Lewis this week in Charleston. Chef and Pitmaster, John Lewis, has already been made famous for his bbq restaurant, Lewis, and this new restaurant, “a place where West Texas, Chihuahua, Mexico, and New Mexico meet” did not disappoint. It was busy when we arrived. They don’t take reservations, and the wait time was estimated to be about an hour. The courtyard was lively. Rancho Lewis has a small outdoor bar so you can get delicious margharitas while you wait. We promptly ordered a few and sat down to enjoy. They were strong and fresh and deliciously flavorful. To our delight, the wait ended up being only 15 ish minutes and we were ushered inside to our table. The Texan ranch style decor transported us to a different world. The attention to detail creates a relaxing and immersive atmosphere, from Mexican Equipale Barrel Chairs, longhorn cattle skulls, to lovely Mexican artesania paintings.

We started with freshly made chips and Queso Asado. Crispy and warm chips dipped in creamy and smooth queso. Hint of smokiness and a dash of spice. We raided the self serve salsa bar and tried all the different kinds available. All fresh and perfect with the most delicious hints of spices.

For the main entree I ordered The Lloyd Lewis. The Mesquite steak was grilled to perfection and it came served with cheese, & onion enchiladas, a side of Spanish rice and refried beans. We also enjoyed the Chicken Tortilla Soup, the Christmas Burrito and chicken enchiladas. Every dish was even better than we had anticipated.

As our drinks from the outdoor bar were nearly gone we ordered the So Far So Bueno to share. It came in a big clay bowl filled with tequila, citrus juices, and sparkling grapefruit. It was so refreshing and delicious and beautiful.

The evening finished with a big dish of sopapillas. They came with a delightful little instruction page that laid out how to bite of a corner and pour in a bit of warm honey and enjoy! The honey had a touch of smokiness, was warm, and complimented the chewy fried dough pillows perfectly. Dinner with friends is a beautiful thing. We laughed until we couldn’t breathe. We shared delicious food and had the best conversation.

I do recommend Rancho Lewis if you are ever in the Charleston area! A Tex-Mex experience you won’t regret!