Country roads took me right to Meghann today!
We’ve been planning to meet for a few weeks now as her family vacations just outside of Asheville 🙂 Matt and I drove up for the day for lunch and a trip to the Highland Brewery with the whole gang!
We met them at one of my favorite Asheville restaurants: The Laughing Seed. It’s a hippy vegetarian place with a fabulous menu.
Home of the famous Harmony Bowl!
Meghann and I both ordered unsweet lemon teas to drink –
For lunch I had butternut squash and eggplant-filled pakoras. I probably had 1-1.5 whole ones and shared the rest.
And I had a huge Laughing Seed salad with apple horseradish dressing and no onions – A plentiful bowl of organic mixed greens, grated carrots and cabbage, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, corn, blanched broccoli, sprouts and more. Topped with organic sunflower and pumpkin seeds and served with the dressing of your choice.
Meghann got the Caribbean Empanadas (which we got last year when I met Jenna in Asheville and loved them – hope she liked them too!) An island inspired filling of curried butternut squash, fresh spinach and fire roasted tomato mojo, wrapped on a whole wheat flour tortilla and topped with slow cooked organic black beans and vegan cilantro sour cream. Served over a bed of mixed greens.
And Matt got a seitan sandwich – A crispy battered house made seitan fillet seasoned with herbs and spices inspired by the sea. Served on a whole grain bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion and our creamy scallion dill pickle mayo. I helped him out a bit –
Sugared fennel seeds for dessert!
After lunch we made our way to the Highland Brewery for our VIP blogger tour 🙂
He started us out right on the beverages!
Hi Kelly!
We tried all 6 over the course of 2.5 hours – I liked them all, esp. the darker ones. Highland makes some delicious, thoughtful beers.
We also munched on some barley. I would like this as a yogurt topping!
And learned a lot
It was a long tour and Meghann and I started to get antsy – so we stepped away and chatted about blogs and life for a good bit. I’m so glad we had time to talk!
After the tour we said goodbye to Meg and her family as they went back to their house for dinner. Meeting Meghann was like getting together with an old friend 🙂 I had such fun talking to her. Can’t wait to hang out some more!
Matt and I continued on for an early dinner in Asheville. It’s truly a foodie town with lots of fun options. We weren’t that hungry and decided to walk around for a bit – about 30-45 minutes before we made our way to Bouchon for dinner.
I took my annual Wall Street Photo!! See this post for 2005, 2006 and 2008’s versions!
We came to A-ville shortly after college graduation for a romantic getaway and found this little bar with a live band. It was one of the most memorable night’s of our relationship as we danced the night away as “adults” on a trip for the first time. If you’re ever in the area, check it out after dark!
Our dinner spot. Bouchon’s menu was just calling out to me today.
It ended up being the PERFECT setting for a French dinner
I was really thirsty and I was so excited when a carafe of ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER arrived. I despise ice water (sensitive teeth).
We were so excited to be out to dinner as a couple, that we went a little overboard on the bread and butter (in a cute Euro butter crock)
I had about 2-3 pieces throughout the night.
We ordered a bottle of the house wine, which was only $12!!!! Now that’s a deal.
Deal #2 – all you can eat mussels for $14! Matt got these and had 3 bowls this size throughout dinner
I ordered a plate of four small salads –
[ And this is where my heart breaks.
Where are the rest of my photos!?!?!? In the process of trying to get this post up, I have been almost in tears I’ve been so mad at my computer. It is sooooo slllllooowwww and what should have taken me 20 minutes has taken over an hour when I want to get in bed! At one point I thought I lost all of the dinner photos, and then I found them – but part of them are still missing!!?!? What the heck!? My only guess is that I deleted them before they had finished copying to my harddrive. But the window had closed! I will NOT be deleting the photos on my camera any more! Let them just sit on there. Humph. It breaks my heart that they are gone because they were good 🙁 ]
So my four salads were small but good. They looked just like you’d imagine them to! I liked the beets the best 🙂
Matt ordered his third bowl of mussels and I was finished and bored, so I decided to get dessert. Not really the smartest move because I wasn’t craving it and was full (it was HIS suggestion!) but I got a pair of crepes anyways for the French ambiance.
Imagine a tri-folded crepe covered in a thin chocolate sauce and another smothered in an orange liquor. Mmmm! They were good, but I’m not really a crepe person, although I still ate most of them. I also had a coffee to keep me awake through the drive home.
After dinner I drove the 2.5 hours back home while Matt tried to sleep. He’s going to be tired when he gets up tomorrow 🙁
Goodnight guys!
emmy says
Yuck, my internet has been 1/2 working all year and I it is pretty deeply upsetting (on the small scale of things).
Ashville is my #1 to visit spot in America.
Shannon, The Healthy Beach Bum says
Those sugar fennel seeds look so interesting!!! What a great deal for all you can eat mussels. I hope you can find your pictures 🙁 That is the worst feeling in the world when that happens. But all of your other pics are gorgeous so don’t worry! <3 Looks like you all had an amazing trip 🙂
ashley (sweet & natural) says
How fun!!! I told Meghann, I was just in Asheville over Memorial Day weekend visiting my bf’s parents who live there. We went to The Laughing Seed and loved it! I’m obsessed with that town – so hippie-ish, green, granola, mountain-y. Love love love it.
Ryane says
Bummer about the pictures but yayyyy about the fun day! I enjoy how Mondays are like your guys’ bonus weekend day!
Kori (All Things B.) says
Love the ceremonial picture idea! I love Asheville- there are just so many cool places to eat or just grab coffee. The town has that kind of welcoming vibe that I think is so characteristic of the south.
Run Sarah says
That vegetarian restaurant looks awesome – I want to try everything! What a fun blogger meetup 🙂
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says
You and Matt are color coordinated…wait til you have kids and have to do that for the crew. You want to not clash, but not be too matchy matchy.
This was a great preview of the Blogger meet up! Can’t wait!
MarathonVal says
I’m trying to keep my hubby away from the computer screen now because if he sees the pictures from the brewery tour that is how I will spend my entire summer! 😉 His favorite thing to do is tour breweries but he isn’t lucky enough to have the backstage hookups like it looks like Matt does! Looks like such a fun trip 🙂
Caroline says
Wow, the Laughing Seed looks like my kind of place! I’ve always heard that Asheville is quite veg-friendly!
Moran (The Running Addict) says
What a fun meet-up!
Linda says
Asheville looks like a charming vacation spot. The alley setting is perfect for a French dinner, and all the other eats look amazing as well.
If you don’t mind, can you please link to Meghann’s blog. I’m not familiar with this blogger and would like to check out her posts as well. Thanks!
Ali says
that butter crock is soo cute 🙂 hah
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Looks like an awesome day. I love the dining setting at Bouchon. Looks romantic and cozy.
Room temperature water though?? Blek! I loooooove ice, cold water. I guess that’s why I’m not much of a tea or coffee drinker unless it’s iced 😆
Sorry about losing your photos. I’d be devastated, too. I don’t delete my photos off of my cam until the next day (after I make the post) just in case because I”m paranoid about somehow losing them lol. I also have a folder on my harddrive that I copy the images to before I edit them, so I have backup source #2. Very paranoid, can ya tell? haha
I’m a web designer/Internet strategist and my husband is a software engineer that programs in 5 languages. If you need any help with your computer and/or photos, hit me up via my email or blog and we’d be glad to help. 🙂
Jenn
Maya says
I love good vegetarian restaurants, it’s so great to have a whole menu full of options.
Sorry about the photos, hope your tech problems are quickly resolved!
Jennifer says
WOW! I wish we had half of those restaurant options in Nova Scotia! So sorry about the photo’s. 🙁 That would have REALLY bummed me out too.
Question- What is Meghann’s blog address?? I didn’t see a link for it in your post. I am always looking for more blogs to stalk….er …read! lol. ; )
Nicole says
How exciting that you got to meet Meghann! Your day sounds like so much fun.
caitlin says
what a fun day!!
sorry about your pictures, thats the pits!
Meghann says
I had so much fun meeting you too! I’m glad you enjoyed the rest of your time in Asheville, but sorry about the computer troubles..not cool on those
Lydia says
So glad you had such great food options. Laughing seed is a perfect name for a vegetarian restaurant. Not so sure about those sugared fennel seeds, though. Sorry about your pictures.
Stacey says
I think its cute when you say”..and we were excited to be out at dinner as a couple” haha 🙂
Sorry about losing your photos, that is so irritating! I hate it when that happens!
Jas and I were thinking of doing a mini getaway in the mountains this weekend, do you know if Asheville has any good hiking? Id love to go to that vegetarian restaraunt you mentioned…seems right up my alley 🙂
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
What a fun blogger meet up! I absolutely hate when pictures disappear… it makes writing posts so aggravating!
Victoria says
What a cute little place for dinner! And such a great deal on the mussels and wine. Glad you had such a fun-filled day.
Jessica says
I LOVE A-ville and especially The Laughing Seed – so jealous right now 🙂
Sorry about your photos!
Pam says
Computer problems are the WORST especially when you’re excited about the post. Asheville seems like a great little town. Maybe the pictures will magically appear! You never know. Have a good day!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
What a great day! Glad you had so much fun! The food looks terrific!
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) says
What fun little trip! That’s great that you and Meghann got to meet up.
Christina says
What a fun little trip. That crepe you’re describing sounds delicious!
Becca says
I live in Asheville! Best town ever! And Highland is great! I also highly recommend you guys try Pisgah Brewery at some point! Amazing beer and the only certified organic around.
jenna says
awwww I’m SO jealous that a) you hung out with meghann b) you were in asheville and c) you ate at the laughing seed! I wish I was there! I LOVE that place!
rhodeygirl says
oh no! that is so frustrating. so sorry to here you are having camera problems. i can relate!
looks like you had a BLAST with meghann!
JENNA says
this sounds like such a fun day and sugared fennel seeds?? how interesting!
Diana says
Looks like a fun time!
Re: your photos – it’s a bit of a long shot, but when my old camera was deleting my photos on me, I could sometimes recover them by popping my memory card out and then back in. May be worth trying? 🙂 Hope you find them!
Ada says
That looks like such a fun adventure! The menu choices you made at both restaurants look delicious 🙂
Lisa says
How fun! And all-you-can-eat mussels for $14? Sign me up!
Natalie says
What a perfect day! All that fun stuff makes me want to go to Asheville 🙂 It looks so pretty….and all that awesome food! Yum
Anne K. says
How fun! It looks like you guys had a wonderful time. The Laughing Seed looks like such a great restaurant. What delicious meals 😀
Red Head, Yellow Dog says
YAY Asheville!! So glad you enjoyed yourself 🙂 I loooove bouchon! it’s one of my fave restaurants. the food is always delicious and I love the atmosphere!
Jennifer says
I know I shouldn’t comment anymore but it sounds like you had a LOVELY time. I’m itching to go to Asheville for a weekend and appreciate these reviews.
Meghan@traveleatlove says
Asheville looks so fun! My cousin lives there, looks like I need to visit!
mb says
I live in Asheville too… love that you had a good time! The Laughing Seed is hands down my favorite restaurant.
kelly says
Love seeing two of my favorite bloggers meeting up!!
Tammy says
It looks like you had an awesome day! I hope you try barley on top of yogurt and report back!
anne says
what a fun adventure!
hemp jogger says
wow, nostalgia! i was just in asheville last week, ate at bouchon, and got the mussels with that wine! we ate outside as well…so beauts.
delish, yea?! was great to relive it through your photos, kath 🙂 looks like a fun time. cant wait to tour that brewery myself.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
Wow, sounds like a perfect day Kath! I’m so glad you got to get out and enjoy it. All of the food looks fantastic and that brewery tour sounds like so much fun!
Sorry that this post was so frustrating! I hate it when technology doesn’t want to cooperate. Thanks for sticking to it and giving us a wonderful recap! 🙂
Oh She Glows says
Thats so awesome you both met up!! Looks like you had a ball of a time! 🙂 You are both so cute.
Kath says
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy),
🙂
MarathonVal,
We just asked for a private tour! Nothing special 🙂
Jennifer ,
Fixed Meghann’s link!
Stacey ,
Chimney Rock Park is fun!
Becca ,
Writing that down!
Kath
WendyF says
That looks like absoulte fun!. I liked the wine, if i can find them I have some pictures of Mt. Ventoux. I am on the road again and craving a salad just like the one you had.
brandi says
yay, I guessed right! Looks like a fun time.
I HATE ice cold water, too! I love having it room temp unless I’m super hot and need something cold to drink.
Asheville looks like a cool town
gina (fitnessista) says
looks like SO much fun!!!
the laughing seed sounds amazing 😀
sorry to hear about the computer probs, that’s the worst
have a wonderful day!
Rose says
I was in Asheville around the same time that you and Meghann were! I wish I had known – I would have tried to meet up with you guys! We left on Monday morning though around 8 a.m. – so I probably missed you guys. Looks like super fun!
Danica says
Bummer about the camera but it looks like you had a fantastic time. Couple time and road trips are the best!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
what a fun day! I love th patio at the spot you went to for dinner – so romantic 😉
Erin says
Asheville was my fav spot when I lived in NC! Such a cool town. And pretty to boot.
Your French dinner looked so fun, despite missing photos.
Amanda4Sensei says
Seems like a great day in Asheville! Heard its so beautiful there, on my list of places to visit. Both restaurants looked so great – and those all you can eat mussels!? My faves! Really looked like a fun French restaurant.
Actors Diet says
Tee hee – seeing you and Meghann together (since I read both your blogs) is like when the Jetsons met the Flintstones. AWESOME!
Jessie says
Aww, I love Asheville. I’m actually currently near there (I’m in Brevard working at Brevard Music Center).
Jess says
Breweries are so much fun! Also, all you can eat mussels are a great idea…they aren’t very filling in small quantities.
Faith says
Looks like a really fun day!
Lynette says
That’s just the kind of trip my husband and I would enjoy. He loves to visit breweries and I love to eat that kind of food!
Malena says
Yay for your visit to Asheville! I live there and love every minute of it! Love your blog! You’re one of my food blogging inspirations. I’m way worse at maintaining my blog but I’m working on it. 🙂
faith says
everyone tells me i’m so “ashville” but i still don’t know what means unless it means i’m a hippie so i need to get over there and check it out!!
i know you already have a tj’s but maybe you or at least some of your readers might be interested in my first giveaway!!
http://cottchz.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/124/
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
Technology can be so frustrating sometimes!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
I love that restaurant! That was the first place my mom took me after my fam moved up there 🙂
Lordus says
Hey Girl!
Looks like a GR8 day!
Once again, there are a wee too many photos… but another topic NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!
Where do you get those little polo tops? They are adorable! Very Connecticut Chic.
Do you have them in LOTS of different colors? I just love them.
Keep me posted!
Kath says
Lordus ,
If you don’t like photos, you might want to find another blog…
Polos are from Old Navy 🙂
K
Jordan says
Random I know, but I was reading some of your archives and had to comment on Asheville. We made our first trip earlier this year, and I fell in love. We did the Highland tour, and I forced my husband to eat at the Laughing Seed, Early Girl Eatery, Tupelo Honey, etc.
There is also an awesome Belgian bar called Thirsty Monk. I believe that would be right up your husband’s alley! Haha.