Sunday we rode with Brian and Nancy Jones, Bud and Dave for a three hour loop along the French Broad River to Marshall, crossed the river and rode over hill and dale back the other side to Asheville, riding back on Old Leicester Hwy. I have a new "helmet camera" but I had it tilted too high and the cloudy skies made my first time footage a bit dark. I may post the 10 minute movie later but I must warn you some of the film is dark and shaking due to my snaking back and forth and rock just a bit with tired legs on the steep climbs to our house - so stay tuned.
Another early dinner at the Laughing Seed had its downside. We could not order any Dinner Specialties as they needed to be prepped for the "5 o'clock dinner" crowd.
Brad wanted the Curried Tempeh Nepoleon (vegan & gluten-free): Eggplant, broccoli, carrots, and marinated tempeh, stir-fried in a lively yellow curry, then heaped between cumin-infused papadam, topped with toasted pistachios and drizzled with cilantro emulsion. Served with coconut-jasmine rice. Instead he had to order from another list and chose a Mercury Not Rising sandwich: (the staff favorite!) Crispy battered house made seitan fillet seasoned with herbs and spices inspired by the sea. Served on a grilled whole grain bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and homemade creamy scallion-dill pickle mayo with a side of jalapeno-onion fries (just for me).
I was torn between the dinner specialties I could not order: Mushroom Enchiladas and Wild mushroom Risotto cakes so I ordered: A Asian Fusion Salad. Chilled organic whole wheat udon noodles served on a bed of mixed greens, grated carrots and red cabbage, tossed with our sweet chili peanut sauce. Topped with cucumbers, tri-colored bell peppers, blanched broccoli florets, mung bean sprouts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Again, lots of fresh food with amazing flavors for a great price. We also each had a Porter from their sister business/brewery: Green Man Brewing Company/Dirty Jack's. Mmmm.
