New & Notable - July/August 2019

Howard Station - Boone

Taking up space in what used to be a 1940s-era feed store in downtown Boone, Howard Station brought Southern comfort food with a contemporary flair to the High Country in August. Standouts include smoked mac and cheese with barbecue, pulled-pork sliders on brioche, and waffles with barbecue and blueberry-chipotle sauce, which can be enjoyed from one of three floors of the nearly 2,300-square-foot interior or on the rooftop patio. In addition to wine and cocktails, the restaurant boasts a 12-tap system with several local beers, including selections from Booneshine and Appalachian Mountain Brewery. 268 Howard St.; (828) 865-1122; howardstation.com

Madame Roqué’s Meat Emporium & Pickled Curiosités - Hendersonville

If you’ve ever wanted to have a tarot reading or watch a tattoo artist at work while you nosh on traditional Mexican food made with Southern flair, Madame Roqué’s Meat Emporium & Pickled Curiosités has been offering just that odd combo since August. Owned and operated by Jesse and Edson Roqué of neighboring Never Blue, the menu focuses on meat, but also offers vegetarian options. Homemade breads, a rotating pickle bar, and an ample salsa/sauce/condiment station offer fun, customizable opportunities. Drinks highlight tequilas, margaritas, and frozen libations with a few wine and beer offerings. 117 S. Main St.; Facebook: Madame Roqué’s Meat Emporium & Pickled Curiosités

Trent’s Tavern - West Jefferson

This throwback to a public house highlights local history, including two interior murals depicting life in Ashe County and a 1917 photograph of the area before the 1,500-square-foot space was built in downtown West Jefferson. Open since May, the tavern serves beer, cider, wine, and distilled spirits from across the region, including sips from Franklin’s Currahee Brewing, Lansing’s Molley Chomper cidery, and Bostic’s Defiant Whisky. Oversized couches and shuffleboard, Jenga, and other games promote the establishment’s convivial feel. 13-A E. 2nd St.; (336) 422-5534; Facebook: Trent’s Tavern

Orchard Coffee - Waynesville

Helmed by three-time Latte Art World Champion Cabell Tice, Orchard Coffee offers a comfortable, welcoming space to enjoy coffees, loose-leaf teas, and scratch-made baked goods like biscotti, pastries, turnovers, and granola. The art deco storefront, located just off Main Street in downtown Waynesville, opened in May, and belies an interior filled with Danish-style minimalist décor. Drinks feature single-origin Methodical Coffee and regional Hickory Hill dairy products. 39 Depot St.; orchardcoffeeroasters.com