Artisan Catering & Deli has swapped one space for two more.
The breakfast and lunch spot recently moved from its Merrimon Avenue space to concentrate on expanding its Sand Hill Road location.
Ambrozia Bar and Bistro will take its place, serving modern American cuisine as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Chef/owner Sam Etheridge, who works occasionally with the Blind Pig Supper Club, will bring the restaurant to 1020 Merrimon Ave. Etheridge owned the first Ambrozia Cafe and Wine Bar in Albuquerque, N.M.
Etheridge lives in north Asheville, so he hopes to create a neighborhood eatery. “This way, you don’t always have to go downtown,” he says. “It will be very similar to the downtown style, food-wise.” He hopes to open the restaurant this spring after renovating the space to include a bar.
The menu will include seasonal “twists on American comfort food using modern techniques and ingredients,” he says. Think Cheerwine-braised beef short ribs with collard-green pesto.
Out on Sand Hill Road, Artisan Catering & Deli has expanded into two neighboring spaces, doubling its seating to serve almost 90 guests. Dinner service could begin as soon as this week, according to sous chef Vinnie Dioguardi. “We’re really doing it up big for this area because there’s nothing out here,” he says. “This is a good opportunity for us to let it all out.”
The dinner concept will be called The Dogwood Lounge, and it will serve pub fare and beer, initially. Come spring, cocktails and wine will be on offer, Dioguardi says, in addition to outdoor seating. The menu includes burgers and nachos as well as mini crab cakes and a cheese platter.
Artisan Catering & Deli and The Dogwood Lounge are located at 1390 Sand Hill Road. For more information, visit artisancatering.net.
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.