Xpress invites readers to share their favorite local dining spots. This week, John Meyer writes about the West Asheville eatery, West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen, or WALK.
For fans of the Asheville food scene, I am writing to whet appetites, so to speak, about a place that might be (as yet) flying a bit under the radar. West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen, or WALK, is a casual place in “East” West Asheville on Haywood Road and has a neighborhood pub kind of feel.
In addition to the pub food and drink choices and its regular “Taco Tuesday” feature (which is very reasonable and packs the place every week), it boasts an exceptional Sunday brunch and daily specials that are noteworthy. Last week I had a coconut chicken curry soup and butternut squash/goat cheese ravioli that really hit the spot and rivaled something one might find at some of the higher-end establishments in town, at probably half the price.
Kitchen managers Jeff Barcelona and Jack Wedthoff both grew up in Asheville and then traveled extensively, which is evident in some of the culinary influences that give local favorites an edge in their specials. Recent variations on some standard seasonal fare have been a pumpkin Parmesan basil ravioli, lamb shanks with a rosemary/root veggie braise, and a blue cheese portobello soup.
WALK is the kind of a place where the kids can have mac ‘n’ cheese, and the adults can have the Carolina bison steak and poached pear/ Humboldt fog salad, all while a soccer match is playing on the telly.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.