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.

Food & Drink
8 hours ago
Fork & Dagger: Wild Ginger Pho delivers comfort and flavor

From kitschy décor to a self-serve cotton candy machine, the Asheville restaurant’s playful updates complement its stellar pho

Croque Madame, a traditional sandwich of ham, gruyere cheese and Mornay sauce with an egg on top
Food & Drink
1 week ago
Fork & Dagger: Tall John’s in Montford turns brunch into an art form

Housed in a former church and grocery store, this cozy eatery delights with comfort, creativity and standout dishes

Food & Drink
2 weeks ago
Fork & Dagger: 828 Family Pizzeria serves slices of heaven in Asheville

Locals still call it Marco’s, and for good reason — this beloved Asheville spot has served up pizza, comfort food and local brews with timeless appeal since 1994

Food & Drink
3 weeks ago
Fork & Dagger: Asheville’s Bone & Broth might be losing its edge — here’s why

Warm ambiance, expert cocktails and beautiful broths set high expectations — yet over-eager service and uneven seasoning temper the magic

Food & Drink
4 weeks ago
Fork & Dagger: Small food truck delivers big, soulful flavors

Cassia, an Asian fusion food truck at Cellarest Beer Project in Asheville, is a must-try

Food & Drink
1 month ago
Fork & Dagger: Southern comfort finds modern home at Regina’s Westside

From perfectly peppered gravy to mezcal margaritas, this West Asheville newcomer honors diner roots with a fresh twist

The Hole-E Swiss -- a brisket burger topped with Swiss cheese, portobello and button mushrooms, caramelized onions and arugula -- was exceptional.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
Fork & Dagger: Juicy Lucy’s still a must-visit Asheville staple

Brisket burgers, fried green tomatoes and an adult milkshake menu make this spot stand out among local favorites

Food & Drink
2 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Luminosa offers Italian perfection on Battery Park

From flawless cocktails to lemon pizza and a vibe straight out of 1960s Manhattan, this gem in Asheville’s Flatiron Building delivers sophistication without pretension

Mushroom Swiss Burger with sweet potato fries
Food & Drink
2 months 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 months 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

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