Will be in Asheville this weekend and was wondering about Rezaz for dinner one night. Haven't been there before but have heard good things about it. Any comments or other recommendations? Thanks!

Rezaz is OK, but not the best place in Asheville. It's hit or miss.

I would recommend Salsa's, Fig or Zambra. Salsa is very casual, a little crowded and noisy, but the chef is a genius and the Carribbean food is beyond compare. Fig is quiet, a little more formal (and more expensive) and leans French, Zambra is Spanish/Morrocan tapas fusion with lots of great Spanish wines.

Litespeed--Thanks for suggestions. Have been to Zambra but not Salsa or Fig. Do you have web or other contact info for them? Thanks!

I don't think either have websites, but the phone #'s are:

Salsa 828 252 9805
Fig Bistro 828 277 8889

I think I'm going to blow my Grove Park Inn gift certificate this weekend (on a room...not dinner)...let's hope we both have good culinary luck in Asheville this weekend.

I agree w/ Litespeed...Salsa's is a lot of fun - very imaginative food w/ a long list of specials each nite. However the place is tiny so plan to get there early or wait. Fig is also pretty small - be sure and call for reservation. It is a whole different type of restaurant - wonderful food - leans towards French cuisine with prices to match.

I wish I could decide as easily for myself about Fri night. As much as we love Salsa and Zambra, we would like to do something different. I love Fig, but Jeff doesn't, he also disliked Mela, and we both give Marketplace and Table "eh" reviews.

Anything going on this weekend? We probably shouldn't have chosen St. Patricks day, but if we don't use the GPI gift cert. soon, it will be next Jan. probably before they are willing to let us have a one-night stay.

I wish Hector would hurry up and open Modesto.

litespeed...here are some other ideas for you...
Limones
Stoney Knob in Weaverville - not that far and consistently good - call for reservations - ask for "red room"
I saw that Jack of Wood is doing some thing for St. Pat's.
Have heard good things about the burrito place on Biltmore near the Wine Market.

Leah, I will be at GPI week after next with a group of about twenty. Would Stoney Knob be appropriate for a group?

you may call ahead and see if they'd let you take the whole red room up...it's a neat room w/ a fireplace (gas log) and cool decor but otherwise you should probably look into some other options - Savoy has a room on the side - that comes to mind immediately.

Thanks, Leah. I love trying new spots in beautiful Asheville.

So -- we had a great weekend in Asheville, and at GPI. Did eat Friday night at Rezaz, after hearing some 'California bluegrass' at Stella. Rezaz was very good -- we were both pleased. Of course, given our day-to-day dining options in East TN, pretty much anything surpasses our expectations!

On to Chicago for five days -- and how many meals??? We'll add these other Asheville restaurants to the list for future trips. Who is Hector, and when is he opening Modesto?