Diverse Dining in Asheville

Softly lit, stylish Zambra serves tapas (Spanish-style appetizers) with flair. Pairing diverse ingredients results in a Spain-meets-the South melding of flavors that are subtle, not hot. The fabulous plate of Spanish cheeses, for example, includes a state fair-worthy spiced-fruit chutney. Shellfish-laden Paella Zambra, however, is pure Spain and purely delicious. Order several items to share--they're generous enough for two.

Sunny Point Cafe & Bakery

I made a pilgrimage to this place in west Asheville to try The Breakfast Salad. The dish comes piled high with organic field greens dressed with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette and topped with an egg, maple-black pepper bacon, tomatoes, and roasted potatoes. The fluffy homemade biscuit on the side makes a good thing even better. Having all your favorite breakfast items served as a salad assuages any guilt. Brilliant. Other great choices are the organic Cornmeal Hotcakes and huevos rancheros.

Flying Frog Cafe

Chef Vijay Shastri blends his Indian-German heritage and love of French food into a flavorful stew at his family's restaurant. The soup du jour was simple and exquisite--a meltingly tender, sweet cornmeal dumpling submerged in chicken broth seasoned with chili, garlic, and cilantro. The special of Scorpionfish On Blue Potato Pancake showcases the unusual and delicious fish, while Lamb Korma Zaffrani offers tender lamb chunks in a rich but not overpowering saffron-tomato-curry cream sauce. This dish is comfort itself.