There are a number of great restaurants to choose from when staying in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The city is home to over 200 independently owned eateries with cuisines ranging from barbecue to Spanish tapas. Visitors will have more than enough options within the city confines alone. There is however, one Blue Ridge hidden culinary gem that sits at the outskirts of the city — in the small town of Spruce Pine. Aptly named Knife & Fork, this farm to table restaurant prides itself with using only the best local ingredients. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary dining, I highly encourage you to try it out.
Blue Ridge Hidden Culinary Gem
Simple Ambiance Works
The Outdoor Patio SeatingOne of Knife & Fork’s selling points is the ambiance. The place itself is inviting, particularly the picnic patios setup outside. Located in the town center of Spruce Pine, approximately an hour drive northeast of Asheville, it overlooks the winding North Toe River and has views of the of the Blue Ridge Mountains all around. Request to sit outside on a nice day and sip and enjoy a glass of wine with your meal while you reminisce with friends and family. Dining and staying in a small town as such, simple ambiance works better than anything with flash.
Eat What You Harvest and Make In-House
Pork Dish at Knife and ForkThe best thing about this Knife & Fork, a Blue Ridge culinary gem is the farm-to-table concept. Chef and owner Nate Allen developed relationship with farmers to ensure the freshness and sustainability of the food he prepares. When you dine here, what you will eat is what came from the harvest that day. The staff will also be quick to tell you that almost everything on the menu is made in-house. Finally, Knife & Fork does not have a set menu. Chef Allen creates his offerings based on what’s available during the season.
A Staff of Foodies
The overall customer experience is enhanced when a restaurant’s staff is certifiably foodies as well. At Knife & Fork, the wait staff certainly is. Ask for a recommendation and they will provide you with at least a couple of their favorites, with descriptions that will make your mouth water with excitement. Listen to every detail as your casually dressed waiter or waitress tells you about the daily special – what it’s made of, where, and the method of cooking. This type of attention to detail makes this Blue Ridge hidden culinary gem worth trying.