The Exchange: A Culinary Highlight Among Downtown Asheville Restaurants
In the heart of a city renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, The Exchange shines as a standout among downtown Asheville restaurants. This culinary gem has quickly become the go-to destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience, merging the comfort of familiar dishes with the sophistication of fine dining. In this blog, we delve into the multifaceted dining experiences The Exchange offers, from leisurely brunches to exquisite dinner services, not forgetting their signature cocktails and charcuterie boards that have guests coming back for more.
Brunch Asheville NC: A Morning Ritual Redefined
At The Exchange, brunch transforms into an event that encapsulates the joy of weekend dining, offering an array of dishes that are both comforting and elevated, making it a standout among brunch spots in Asheville, NC. The Vanilla Bean French Toast, for instance, is an ode to the classic breakfast staple but is ingeniously reimagined with vanilla-braised apples, maple butter, and toasted pecans, making each bite a symphony of flavors. The Steel-Cut Oatmeal goes beyond the traditional, incorporating savory elements like bacon lardons and caramelized onions, along with a sweet and spicy chili-maple syrup, creating a dish that’s both unexpected and utterly satisfying. The Exchange’s brunch menu invites diners to embark on a culinary journey, exploring a spectrum of tastes from the light and refreshing Smoked Trout & Chicory Caesar to the hearty and robust Braised Duck Hash, ensuring that every palate finds delight.
The Exchange’s commitment to elevating brunch in downtown Asheville is evident in its innovative Plates and Handhelds sections. The Restoration Breakfast offers a customizable feast with options for jalapeño grits or hash browns and the choice to add a waffle, catering to both traditionalists and those seeking something a little different. For those craving a more lunch-forward option, the Crispy Trout Po’ Boy and the Restoration Smashburger present gourmet takes on classic sandwiches, featuring premium ingredients like cornmeal-crusted trout and double HNG short rib & chuck patties. Each dish on the brunch menu is carefully crafted to offer a balance of flavors, textures, and culinary creativity, making The Exchange not just a meal destination but a highlight of the Asheville dining scene. Whether you’re gathering with friends to celebrate the weekend or looking for a memorable meal to start your day, The Exchange’s brunch in Asheville promises an experience that is as enriching as it is delicious.
Lunch Asheville: Midday Meals Elevated
Lunch in Asheville at The Exchange is an invitation to explore a world of flavors, textures, and culinary creativity. The menu’s diversity caters to every palate, from the adventurous foodie to the comfort food connoisseur, ensuring that lunch transcends the ordinary. The Broiled French Onion Soup, for instance, is a hearty welcome with its rich broth and melty cheese cap, a perfect starter to warm the soul. The Warm Lentil & Quinoa Salad and Farro & Sunchokes offer lighter, yet profoundly flavorful options that are both nourishing and satisfying, showcasing The Exchange’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The inclusion of the Smoked Trout & Chicory Caesar and the seasonal Fall Salad reflects a commitment to freshness and seasonality, marrying local produce with innovative dressings and add-ons to enhance the dining experience.
The Exchange’s lunch menu shines in its main dishes and shareables, where the essence of elevated comfort food truly comes to life. The Restoration Smashburger and Exchange Burger are some of the best burgers in Asheville; they are a revelation, with high-quality HNG short rib and chuck patties, and unique toppings that add layers of flavor and texture. The Crispy Trout Po’ Boy and the Blackened Eggplant Sandwich offer delightful alternatives to traditional sandwich fare, incorporating elements like cornmeal-crusted trout and roasted peppers that surprise and delight with each bite. For those seeking a communal dining experience, the Charred Caulilini and Truffle Fries are standout shareables that beg to be enjoyed with friends over lively conversation. And for pasta enthusiasts, the Mushroom Bolognese and Fresh Cavatelli provide a comforting embrace of rich sauces and perfectly cooked pasta that’s hard to find elsewhere. Each dish at The Exchange is a testament to the kitchen’s prowess and passion, making lunch an essential part of the downtown Asheville restaurant scene.
Best Dinner Asheville: Evening Elegance
As dusk envelops the city, The Exchange gracefully transitions into a premier dining destination, offering a dinner menu that’s a reflection of both the culinary team’s creativity and the vibrant spirit of Asheville. This menu, served against the backdrop of the city’s evening glow, features a variety of dishes that cater to an array of preferences, all while maintaining the essence of elevated comfort food. The Steak Tartare, with its meticulously chopped tenderloin and the zesty accent of Lusty Monk & Duke’s, presents a bold start to the meal, indicative of the culinary adventures that lie ahead. The diverse selection, ranging from the earthy Carolina Gold Mushroom Risotto to the robust flavors of the Goodnight Pappardelle, showcases the kitchen’s ability to transform traditional ingredients into modern culinary masterpieces. Each dish, carefully constructed and beautifully presented, promises not just a meal but an unforgettable dining experience, making every evening at The Exchange an occasion to celebrate the art of food.
The dinner experience at The Exchange is further enhanced by its thoughtfully curated shareables and sides, inviting diners to explore a range of flavors and textures. The Charred Caulilini and Crispy Brussels offer a delightful vegetal contrast to the heartier main plates, each bringing a unique blend of tastes and aromas to the table. For those in search of a communal dining experience, the ‘Create and Cheese’ option presents an opportunity to sample a rotating selection of local cured meats, cheeses, and preserved vegetables, perfectly paired with house lavash and Lusty Monk Mustard. As the night winds down, the ‘Sweet Endings’ menu tempts with offerings like the Warm Peach Tart and the Chocolate Cheerwine Cake, ensuring that the conclusion of your meal is as memorable as its beginning. At The Exchange, dinner becomes more than just eating; it’s an exploration of Asheville’s culinary diversity, served in an ambiance that’s both elegant and inviting, solidifying its status as one of the best dinner spots in downtown Asheville.
Cocktails Asheville: Mixology Mastered
The mixology at The Exchange is a highlight, making it a prime destination for those seeking the best cocktails in Asheville. Each cocktail is crafted with precision, blending premium spirits with fresh, unexpected ingredients to create drinks that are both innovative and delicious. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail with a twist or something entirely novel, The Exchange’s bar is the place to explore the art of the drink. It’s the perfect preamble to an evening meal or a destination in its own right for a night out in downtown Asheville.
Asheville Charcuterie: Snacking Made Artisanal
No visit to The Exchange would be complete without indulging in their acclaimed charcuterie boards. These boards are a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, featuring a curated selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments that are as beautiful to look at as they are to taste. It’s the ultimate shareable, perfect for pairing with a glass of wine or one of their signature cocktails. The Exchange’s commitment to quality and flavor shines through in their charcuterie, offering a gourmet grazing experience unlike any other in Asheville.
Downtown Asheville Restaurants
The Exchange stands as a culinary beacon in downtown Asheville restaurants, offering a dining experience that spans from morning to night. It’s a place where every meal is an opportunity to indulge in elevated comfort food, where the cocktails are as compelling as the cuisine, and where the charcuterie boards bring people together. For those seeking the pinnacle of dining in Asheville, The Exchange is a downtown restaurant that promises not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey.
