New & Notable - Fall 2024

Luminosa.

LUMINOSA Asheville
Located inside the newly-minted Flat Iron Hotel, this regal restaurant’s motif states “Modern Appalachian Meets Italian Inspiration,” which is personified by a wood-burning oven and grill delivering home-made pastas, pizzas, meats, and an array of locally sourced vegetables. Both executive chef Graham House and chef de cuisine Sean McMullen grew up in Western North Carolina. “We feel really fortunate to have such a great opening team. Our beverage manager, Sarah Charles, has been a force and we love working with her, she’s truly created a progressive and modern beverage program,” House notes. Popular menu items include the bone marrow tater tots, lemon pizza, and “gnocchi with gorgonzola fonduta, spigarello, green oil, and pea shoots that our pasta chef Cara is making, is such a standout.” Enjoy delicious cocktails (zero-proof included) along with an extensive wine menu, and locally brewed beers. 20 Battery Park Ave Floor 1; (828) 271-9808; luminosaavl.com

WINE & ROSES Asheville
Nestled within Zelda Dearest, Asheville’s hottest new boutique hotel, is the intimate and upscale parlor bar, Wine & Roses. Indulge in a curated beer and wine selection or coyly designed craft cocktails, and an ambience and vibe inspired by the hotel’s namesake. Sip on cocktails like The Sayre (Monkey 47, lemon, orange blossom, egg white, and orange bitters), The Fitz (Four Roses, demerara simple syrup, angostura bitters, orange, and Luxardo cherry), and the Gilded Girl (Casamigos Reposado, orange curacao, apricot juice, and lime juice). The inside bar personifies the elegant and whimsical aesthetic associated with the Roaring 20s, complete with chandelier and a painting of Zelda Fitzgerald. Or, step outside on the patio and enjoy the zen created by two fire pits. 150 S Lexington Ave.; (828) 514-2489; zeldadearest.com 

Wine & Roses; Mount Mitchell Cafe and Eatery

MOUNT MITCHELL CAFÉ AND EATERY Burnsville
Situated in Mount Mitchell State Park, only a few hundred feet from the mountain’s peak, this restaurant is nestled at the highest point east of the Mississippi. Open from May through October, it comes after an elaborate, five-year, nearly $3 million refurbishment. Melissa and Leigh Howell run the restaurant and are experienced restaurateurs, having owned Pig & Grits in Burnsville for the past decade, and worked the park’s concessions stand, as well. Expect a menu rife with carefully curated sandwiches, trout, a kids’ menu, and gourmet soups and salads, while enjoying resplendent and panoramic views from this mile-high establishment. 2388 North Carolina Highway 128; (828) 536-9400; mountmitchellcafeandeatery.com

ECUSTA MARKET & CAFE Hendersonville
According to Charlotte Beck, who represents market/cafe owners Robert & Emily Gunn, the shop and eatery, expected to open in October, will provide “a community gathering space with wholesome food, quality ingredients, and artisanal products from trusted farmers and makers in Western NC and surrounding areas.” The Gunns certainly have experience in the hospitality industry—Robert was formerly with Chai Pani Restaurant Group, and Emily with Wicked Weed Brewing. Beck says there will be an “expansive house-made bakery program, locally roasted coffee, seasonal breakfast and lunch selections, and a curated selection of local beer and wine.” There will also be a prepared-foods section and plenty of grab-and-go items that are geared toward trail enthusiasts. The Ecusta Market & Cafe will be located within the Lennox Station development at the head of the trail. 877 Lennox Park Dr.; ecustamarketandcafe.com