What is now the historic Omni Grove Park Inn grew from the vision of Edwin Wiley Grove, known as the father of modern Asheville. In 1911, he began work on plans for a hotel at Sunset Mountain. His vision was for a facility that would celebrate the surroundings and last “for the ages,” and the granite structure is today as breathtakingly beautiful as it was when it opened in 1913. Nestled into the mountain with expansive views of the “Blue Ridge,” it attracts visitors from across the globe and keeps them occupied with a full round of recreational activities and rejuvenation programs.
But, eating at Vue 1913, one of 10 different dining and drinking establishments at the resort, is an excursion into the unusual. The brasserie blends American cooking and French cuisine with local flavors and fresh “found” ingredients for an incredibly distinctive experience that can be savored differently, but with delight, on every visit. Art deco surroundings provide a hint of bygone elegance, but the atmosphere is anything but stuffy. Come for a relaxed evening with friends to drink good wine and share amazing appetizers, or come to celebrate a special occasion with a surprisingly trendy dinner and delectable dessert.
If the thought of foraging for a part of your dinner appeals to you, book the wild food experience through the Omni with No Food Like Home. Vue 1913 is open nightly for dinner; the resort is located at 290 Macon Ave. in north Asheville.
While the menu changes seasonally, with locally sourced ingredients, sometimes a favorite is not available, here are some things we tried and loved:
Local Kale and Heirloom Tomatoes
Whether they’re combined in a starter salad, or separate ingredients in side dishes and entrees, you won’t be disappointed by the full-bodied flavor and inventive preparation of these favorite healthy picks! Always go with the local options, for impressive taste and inspired pairings.
Homemade Bread
Little needs to be said about the goodness of homemade bread!
Cold Smoked Oysters
If you like oysters, you’ll be impressed by the fresh-from-the-sea taste of these, served with the unusual flavor accompaniment of spiced cucumber ramp and ginger horseradish mignonette. Kudos to the chef for this unusual combination. For those don’t love raw, there are also broiled oysters with garlic butter and cheese.
Bouillabaisse
A classic French idea with a low country focus — it’s a recipe to delight. Raves all around for this one!
Lobster Pot Pie
It’s pricey, but those who order it confirm that it’s worth it. Fresh Maine lobster swimming in creamy sauce with winter vegetables and a perfect crust — what’s not to love?
We really like the laid back feel of Vue 1913 and would not hesitate to dine there with friends in casual clothing. However, the impeccable service, willingness to accommodate special occasion requests, and extensive wine list lift it to a height that qualifies the dining experience for evenings with cocktail dresses and polished shoes! Dressing up is entirely appropriate.
Insider Tips
-Vue 1913 is often crowded: If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion here, go the extra mile — reserve a table by the window and count on valet parking to assure the full upscale experience.
-Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the hotel’s interior on your way to your dining table, and take the time to admire the architecture and the other iconic interior spaces, tributes to the hotel’s century-long existence. You might even want to stop by Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar for a nightcap if it’s a weekend.