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Tall Johns

08 Friday Mar 2024

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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

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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!