(Left) Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails; (right) Point Lookout Vineyards
Continental Lounge - Asheville
A commitment to locally sourced ingredients informs the menu at Continental Lounge, the newest endeavor of Chef Vijay Shastri, formerly of Asheville’s erstwhile Flying Frog Café. Comfort foods like meatloaf and short rib burgers are served in a fast, casual setting. Drinks include beer, wine, liquor, and boozy slushies. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were added in August. 77 Biltmore Ave.; (828) 575-2500; continentalloungeavl.com
Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails - Black Mountain
Specializing in seed-to-fork style comfort food, the charming Atlanta restaurant opened its second installment in May in the Monte Vista Boutique Hotel. The on-site garden provides over 90 varieties of heirloom vegetables, as well as additional outdoor seating. Enjoy a craft cocktail, sweet potato shrimp fritters, or blackened Scottish salmon served on a bed of goat cheese grits and garlic spinach. 308 W. State St.; (828) 669-8870; miltonsblackmountain.com
Point Lookout Vineyards - Hendersonville
Less than 10 miles from downtown Hendersonville, this winery and event venue produces at least 10 wines and seven types of mead. Since June, visitors have enjoyed libations under the open-air pavilion or in the tasting room, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering long-distance views; its kitchen serves bites like charcuterie and flatbread pizzas. 408 Appleola Rd.; (828) 808-8923; pointlookoutvineyards.com
Sauced - Waynesville
Located in the former Tipping Point Tavern, Sauced brought pizza, tacos, and taps to Waynesville’s Main Street in June. Inventive appetizers, such as grilled avocado with pico de gallo and spicy aioli, and tacos, like the el pastor (roasted pork with pineapple), stand out, while a modest wine list and 15 rotating taps (half of which are local) bring merriment to table. 190. N. Main St.; (828) 246-9585; saucedwnc.com