Restaurant Reviews from Grub Scout. Honest food reviews. No frills. No names.

What is Fork & Dagger?

Fork & Dagger is 828newsNOW’s anonymous restaurant review series. Written by Grub Scout, an independent voice with no agenda, these weekly reviews spotlight where to eat across Western North Carolina.

No reservations. No press perks. Just one person walking in, paying like everyone else, and telling you the truth about what they experienced.

The goal?
To help you find the best places to spend your time and money.

How We Review

  • Anonymous visits
  • Grub Scout pays for every meal
  • Reviews focus on food, service, atmosphere, and value
  • All experiences are recent and unannounced

The 5-Fork Scale

🍴 1 Fork – Not recommended. Something was off.
🍴 2 Forks – A few bright spots, but wouldn’t return.
🍴 3 Forks – A good, solid dining experience.
🍴 4 Forks – Strong food and service. Worth a visit.
🍴 5 Forks – Outstanding. One of the best in Western North Carolina..

Where’s Grub Scout Going Next?

Check back each Thursday for the latest Fork & Dagger review. Whether it’s a roadside diner or a white-tablecloth experience, the Scout goes everywhere.

“This is about giving people honest feedback and giving credit where it’s due.” – Grub Scout

About Grub Scout

With more than 20 years of experience in restaurants, bars, coffee shops and wine distribution, Grub Scout has worked in nearly every corner of the local food and beverage industry. Now, in a new role outside the service industry, Scout offers unfiltered takes on dining in Asheville and across Western North Carolina. Free from personal ties, Scout says anonymity is the secret ingredient behind each candid review. With no allegiances, just appetite, the goal is simple: to serve up straight talk and keep readers coming back for more.