Vivan las tapas en Asheville! The sign on in the window says it all "Curate - cure yourself and eat Spanish tapas". Curate is on all the foodie lists for Asheville and the chef, Katie Button, has just opened another restaurant named Nightbell on Lexington Avenue, not far from Curate.
We went to Curate on Sunday for brunch and made a reservation using Opentable had two wonderful dining experiences. The hostess is always very friendly and the restaurant has a welcoming feel as you enter. The kitchen is open and on the left side where you can sit at the bar and watch all the action or opt for a seat at a table in the back room or main room. I love the meat slicer and it reminds me of a real butcher shop or meat shop in Spain where the jamon is thinly sliced in front of you. The assortment of tapas is displayed on paper place settings and there are plenty of choices, whatever your mood. We started with the grapefruit mimosas and the Bloody Mary. Both were delicious.Just remember you can't have drinks until noon on Sundays in NC.
We sampled the cod and potato puree served with crispy bread, the sauteed shrimp with garlic, meatballs with ham, and the pork sausages with white beans. All of these dishes were simply fantastic and so flavorful.
During our second visit we had the clams cooked with cider and granny smith apples and also octopus grilled with paprika and olive oil. The servers are highly trained to explain all the specialties and recommend about tapas plates per person. The menu also has Gluten Free, Lactose Free, and Vegan options and is clearly marked for anyone with allergies with GF, LF and V. Curate is full of locals and visitors and I heard all kinds of languages. The best part is looking around the restaurant and watching everyone savor and enjoy the food and wine and conversation. It is truly one of the best restaurants. Compliments to the chef and I can't wait to go back!
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