![]() |
Spinach Pie and Fattoush Salad at the Jerusalem Garden Cafe, Asheville, NC |
One stand-out restaurant is Jerusalem Garden Cafe. I guess we were drawn to it because of the menu which offers some usual fare, such as stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie (the dough is infused with rosemary!), tabbuleh, hummus, and mutabal (baba ghanoush). Remember, this is western NC I'm talking about!
The menu also offers some culinary surprises too ...
Mujaddara (rice and lentils topped with caramelized onions).
Pistachio encrusted lamb chops, topped with pomegranate molasses.
Jerusalem burger with lamb made with local, grass-fed beef topped with shaved, slow-cooked lamb, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a choice of Tzatziki or cilantro-parsley harra sauce.
NOTE: harra sauce is described as a mixture of cilantro, garlic, walnuts, red chili pepper flakes, lemon juice, tahini, salt, water and olive oil.
Then there's thinly shaved roasted leg of lamb cooked in red wine, lamb demi glaze, baharat seasoning - topped with feta and caramelized onions. (They serve this as a sandwich as well, and it is divine!)
NOTE: baharat seasoning blend may include allspice, black pepper, cardamom, ground coriander, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, dried chili peppers, or paprika.
![]() |
Awesome lamb sandwich and Bastilla of the day stuffed with couscous, raisins, and other goodies, served with hummus, pita, and organic yogurt. |
We 're amazed that this menu is available in western North Carolina!
Can anyone explain why there isn't a restaurant like this where we live?
One of our favorite restaurants too!
ReplyDeleteVery impressed that you're doing items from the road! Our roving correspondent...
ReplyDeleteAsheville is a great food town. You should also try Reza's. He is Persian and does upscale Middle Eastern food at his place in the Biltmore part of town. Also Curate which is an outstanding Spanish tapas place. Signed, Sarkis Chobanian, M.D. Knoxville, TN. Grandson of Armenians from the village of Gasma near Divrigi
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarkis, The next time we find ourselves in Asheville, we'll certainly try the places you recommend!
Delete