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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
7 months ago
Fork & Dagger: The Local Joint still serves one of area’s best breakfasts

Attached to a Highway 19/74 gas station in Fairview, this old-school diner delivers house-made classics at prices that feel frozen in time

The brisket at Luella's Bar-B-Que was moist and well-smoked, and the sides pleasing.
Food & Drink
7 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Luella’s reclaims its barbecue mojo

Moist brisket, strong sides and solid value mark a welcome turnaround for the longtime North Asheville spot

Food & Drink
7 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Cornerstone still reigns as Asheville’s go-to diner

From towering omelets to the city’s best Bloody Mary, the Tunnel Road staple blends nostalgia, Southern hospitality and a menu big enough for any craving

Food & Drink
7 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Character Study turns literature into liquid art

West Asheville bar transforms famous titles into thoughtful, well-crafted cocktails

The Mother Ocean shrimp po’ boy -- a Cajun fried shrimp sandwich, slathered with remoulade, topped with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato and dill pickle chips served between two slices of toasted baguette -- was classic perfection.
Food & Drink
8 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Fresh seafood, uneven results at Mother Ocean

A beloved North Asheville fishmonger delivers quality shrimp but misses the mark on fish and chips and sides

Business
8 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Thai Pearl delivers a city feel with uneven flavor

The small West Asheville eatery charms with ambiance and hospitality, but the menu doesn’t always deliver

Business
8 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Saffron’s bold Indian flavors outshine rough dining room

New restaurant in the former Barrel House space delivers standout curries despite an uneven first impression

Food & Drink
8 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Why everyone’s talking about Juancho’s Fonda

Small South Asheville space delivers big flavor, turning first-time diners into instant fans

Food & Drink
9 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Lost in the language? Jargon speaks fluently in flavor

Despite its intimidating name, this West Asheville restaurant delivers a cozy vibe, inventive cocktails and memorable plates

Food & Drink
9 months 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