Exploring Asheville #1

This afternoon I got to go back into Asheville for a few hours, as a friend who had a function to attend let me accompany then into town. Now obviously there is way more to see in Asheville than what a few hours could afford, but on the drive into town I decided to Google some food venues within walking distance of where my friend would my friend would be.

So today, I made up my mind to visit Vortex Doughnuts and Noble Kava Bar.

First I went to Vortext Doughnuts. This is a really trendy little coffee house type place that, as the name suggests, specializes in doughnuts. Not being familiar with their offerings, I was hoping to get my usually jelly filled doughnut. However, as they were in their last hour of business for the day, they were out of the filled kind. So with some guidance from a very friendly staff member, I picked ... and ... I ended up getting two of each because as the guy behind the counter explained they don't use any preservatives, so all doughnut are BOGO during the last hour of business to limit what has to be thrown out; I really appreciated this, as wasting food was a top level sin in my family.

Over all, I highly recommend this place. The prices are reasonable, the dining area is clean, the atmosphere is great, and the staff is really friendly. It is also worth noting that they have a selection of vegan doughnut offerings equal to the regular non-vegan selections.

My second venue for the day was Noble Kava Bar. I had heard of this place before, but was unaware of its location, but as someone who has spend a few months in Vanuatu, the word "kava" got my attention. However, despite my time in Vanuatu, I had never tried kava... for multiple reasons this posting is not meant to discuss. So I was actually pretty excited to see what they had to offer, and to see if I could get my first taste of kava.

Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with kava, it is the root of a plant native to the South Pacific, and it is used by native peoples to make a drink. Please note that this is a non-alcoholic drink. However, the drink contains a compound from the root known as kavain which can have a numbing effect on tissues it makes direct contact with.

If it wasn't for the brightly colored sign, I might have just walked right past the place. As it is a very "hole in the wall" type venue. The atmosphere was quiet, and the lighting reduced, but inviting overall. After looking over the menu, I asked the cashier his recommendation for a first time Kava drinker. He said just try a regular double shot (again non-alcoholic) which is the price of a single for first timers. He ladled kava into a glass and garnished it with a slice of pineapple.

I took a seat off to the side and prepared to have my first taste of kava. The color looks a lot like ice coffee. However, know that this drink will not be sweet or chocolaty like a McCafe. Kava has a very unique taste that I can't quite describe other than to say it is kind of mineral-y. The place is trendy looking hangout, and I would encourage you to stop by if for nothing else other than for the cultural experience of saying that you have drank kava.