New & Notable - Summer 2022

(Left to right) The Trashy Vegan; Gemelli; Eldr.

Gemelli  Asheville
Fans of Strada Italiano and its neighbor, Social Lounge, rejoice! The newest project of Chef Anthony Cerrato has taken shape as a gathering place with a unique Italian menu in the Westgate Shopping Center. Breakfast through lunch, Gemelli will introduce itself as an Italian coffee shop complete with authentic baked goods alongside more filling options, all made from scratch. For dinner, the restaurant will transition its ambiance to that of a European wine bar. Those looking to enjoy the full-service menu can expect quite the selection, from shareables, soup, and antipasta, to thick-crust pizza, pasta, and spiedini—meat and veggies on skewers between slices of focaccia—or, if there just isn’t time for a sit on the patio with a coffee or cocktail, a grab-and-go counter promises authentic and gourmet options galore. 70 Westgate Pkwy., (828) 565-6111, gemelli.restaurant

The Trashy Vegan Asheville
After the staggering popularity of Asheville’s The Trashy Vegan food truck, a brick and mortar store has arrived in West Asheville. While the food truck itself may no longer be making the rounds, its animal-free options aren’t going anywhere. Operating under the same title as the food truck, The Trashy Vegan is a casual restaurant that delivers just what people from across WNC have come to expect from the name—tasty vegan burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, fries, and sweet treats. Alternating specials will catch the eye of anyone who ventures into the storefront, as will new sandwiches, small plates, and a beer and wine selection. To thank the community that has supported The Trashy Vegan thus far, a percentage of sales will be donated to highlighted local organizations on a rotating basis. 697 Haywood Rd Unit E; (828) 412-3026; thetrashyvegan.net

Eldr Asheville
At Eldr, clientele will find something simultaneously new and familiar. Run by the same faces known for Over Easy, an Asheville favorite that closed its doors permanently to the protests of locals and tourists alike, the menu features new American cuisine with an Appalachian twist. Whether taking a seat or taking a meal to go, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all on the docket, though those who stay for a spell will find themselves immersed in the Nordic-inspired space. Seated in North Asheville’s Grovewood Village, a quaint cottage wood with white marble countertops, a blue tone bar, and a clean, simple aesthetic will house a coffee and tea program, hyper-seasonal and veggie-heavy dishes, a pizza oven, and grab-and-go options, plus craft cocktails, natural wine, and beer on tap. 111 Grovewood Village Rd; (828) 407-1400; eldravl.com