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.

Mushroom Swiss Burger with sweet potato fries
Food & Drink
6 days ago
Fork & Dagger: The Madness brings clever hybrid cuisine to North Asheville

After some early growing pains, this sushi-and-burger spot has hit its stride — offering inventive cocktails, playful bento boxes and a lively atmosphere

The Black Bird salmon
Food & Drink
2 weeks ago
Fork & Dagger: Blackbird charms with cocktails, falters on the plate

While the drinks, bone marrow and desserts delight, muddled entrees and heavy sauces leave this Biltmore Avenue spot grounded

The tampiquena steak was more of a platter than a dish.
Food & Drink
3 weeks ago
Fork & Dagger: La Rumba delivers a coastal Mexican experience

Asheville restaurant blends Spanish, African and Caribbean influences into vibrant Mexican dishes

The North Asheville burger, a side of poutine (gravy and brisket over French fries with pickled onion) and a ribeye sandwich, which contained shaved ribeye, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, onions, white cheddar and horseradish crema on a brioche bun.
Business
4 weeks ago
Fork & Dagger: A saltless disaster at Rye Knot

From gummy shrimp to sad pork belly, this Merrimon Avenue eatery serves up confusion

BBQ Sampler: skewers of chicken, pork and pork belly, grilled to perfection, paired with traditional yellow rice seasoned with garlic, turmeric and annatto extract.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
Fork & Dagger: Beer, barbecue and a riverside comeback

After nearly a year, Zillicoah reopens with classic beers, new collaborations and a food truck serving soulful Filipino barbecue

Food & Drink
1 month ago
Fork & Dagger: Is Pho Real for real?

North Asheville’s new Vietnamese spot hits the mark on convenience and price — even if the flavors don’t quite transport you

Speckled ocean trout
Food & Drink
2 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Crusco breathes rarified air into River Arts District

Food, drink and design weave together memories of Asheville’s dining legacy in a fresh start on Depot Street

The Standard
Food & Drink
2 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Black Mountain café serves up brunch worth the drive

Open Oven recalls the charm of Asheville’s classics with local food, friendly faces and standout plates

Food & Drink
2 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Gemelli offers a mixed bag of Italian fare

Fresh noodles and dessert stand out at West Asheville eatery, while other dishes lack balance and finesse

Food & Drink
2 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Taco Temple delivers bold flavors, local charm

Charlotte Street eatery blends fresh Oaxacan corn tortillas, creative flavors and a laid-back neighborhood vibe