Bouchon Asheville, North Carolina "Home of French Comfort Food" #VisitAsheville

Asheville Bouchon, NC and CarolinaMama Family
by CarolinaMama©

Bonjour, Y'all!

Bouchon Asheville, NC  truly is "Home of French Comfort Food." 

"Welcome to Bouchon, home of French Comfort Food! Bouchon is located in beautiful downtown Asheville and open seven days a week at 5:00 pm."

We were so excited to be on the road again in Asheville, North Carolina. It is always great family time to spend a few days away together.  We were thrilled to be invited to experience the wonderful French cuisine at Bouchon's Asheville. North Carolina is fortunate to have this incredible French influence here. 

We loved dining al fresco on the beautiful Bouchon's patio. Here our boys are enjoying exploring the menu with working with their French vocabulary. :) 

Bouchon Asheville, NC by CarolinaMama©

Immediately, we met some Asheville regulars who welcomed us to Bouchon Asheville. So fun!

Pack of Fine Clothing, Bouchon Asheville, NC by CarolinaMama©

Appetizers

First up were the outstanding "Pomme Frites!" These were a delight for all of us. I was so happy to share the authentic French experience with my husband and sons. The Pomme Frites were seasoned deliciously. The French Bread was warm, fresh and light. A perfect accompaniment. 

The Pomme Frites, the most amazing French Fries we have ever experienced.

Avocado Bord de Mer (avocado & crab)

This was an amazing beginning, with blue crab and fresh and fresh avocado, two of our favorite flavors perfectly blended together.

The salads were fabulous! We love a fresh start and these were excellent.  I have never tasted a more delectable Beet dish. :) 

Salade Composee
We love a good Kale salad, so this was a real treat. The highlight of this salad is definitely the fresh roasted beets.  The combination of the ingredients is amazing.

Salade de Betteraves au Chèvre  (sah-lahd duh beht-rahv oh shehvrh)

Roasted beets tossed with apples, walnuts, local goat cheese & Dijon mustard vinaigrette, served on fresh mixed greens 

Poulet Cordon Bleu Bouchon
This was one of the best variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu my Boulder Mt. Man, "Dad," has ever had the pleasure of tasting and enjoying. The combination of the Golden Chicken and Gruyere Cheese was absolutely mouth watering.

Poulet Cordon Bleu Bouchon "Chicken Cordon Blu by CarolinaMama©

I really enjoyed the Truite aux Amandes. We love fresh trout, and this was no exception.  Treat aux Amandes - Trout Almondine - is a specialty in French New Orleans. In Bouchon Asheville, the Truite aux Amandes is a locally caught fish, which makes the freshness all the better! It was one of the best trout dishes of all time. It was wonderful along with the amazing fresh sides.

Truite aux Amandes "Trout Almondine" Asheville Bouchon
by CarolinaMama©

The boys both enjoyed the Steak au Poivre which was amazing. Of course, they loved the extra serving of Pomme Frites! The Steak Frites Bouchon was perfect for our son who enjoys pure beef. 

We loved getting to meet the Owner, Michael. He was very welcoming and kind to us. He is also quite hilarious. We enjoyed visiting with him. Our sons found him entertaining. 

Our new friends continued to keep us entertained! Isn't this the best 'photo bomb' ever. We all did plan some photos to capture the fun memories of the night. 

Here he is reminding our boys about "Fine Clothing!" You can learn a lot about Paco's Fine Clothing at Fine Clothing. Look at the beautiful detail of his full service custom clothiers. 

Pack's of Fine Clothing at Bouchon's Asheville, North Carolina by CarolinaMama©

Here is a beautiful photo of our patio seating. We loved the ambiance with the red umbrellas and the casual yet upscale dining.

I love this photo I captured of our son looking around the Courtyard after dinner. These handsome boys are growing up too quickly.

We had such a relaxing evening. Our boys found everything humorous. Of course, I took the opportunity to fantasize about us being in Paris on the Champs Elysee dining al fresco. We were in the moment! Bouchon's couldn't be more French. Go and enjoy and Bon Jour! 

The atmosphere at Bouchon's is absolutely amazing, it is such a resemblance of a European cafe.  We had an absolute ball visiting together as a family and with the 2 gentleman sitting next to us.  It truly was an "out of country experience."  The outdoor seating is very charming and highly recommended. 

Mom and Dad had the Bete Noire, a flourless chocolate cake that was amazingly rich and chocolaty, quite the perfect ending, along with a really good cup of decaf coffee to end the perfect meal.

Both boys ordered the fresh Mousse au Choclat, freshly made every day and unbelievable! Obviously, this was a huge success for our teen boys. Chocolate wins! 

Before we left, Michael surprised the boys with baseball hats from the restaurants, named French Quarter. Talk about French flare. It was so nice and the boys love the souvenirs.

My handsomeness in their new hats! :)  Fun times! I LOVE these, too! :) 

The wonderful thing about Bouchon's is that you can experience other elements of that restaurant at the other 2 restaurants just next door. We did reminisce about New Orleans on our way home through the classic courtyard. One last photo on the way home. 

Bon Jour! 
Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bouchon's Asheville, North Carolina. All opinions are my own. 

Travel Review: The Cove, Asheville, North Carolina - Christian Conference Center

We were so richly blessed recently to enjoy a Family time at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. The Cove is a Christian Conference and Retreat Center.  Every time we have set foot on this amazing property, it truly feels like heaven on earth.  "Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place."  You can seriously feel it.

This is one of my favorite spots on the property so you will see lots of pictures here....

Meet my family - we are loving the view, the time together and the incredible fellowship together, with Matthew West and his Dad, who travels with him now, and our deal friends, The Spinks of One Moms World! We Love Them! 

In April, we enjoyed "An Evening at The Cove" with Matthew West! Our whole family enjoyed the intimate Concert, the Inn where we stayed and the hiking on the gorgeous property.  We spent an afternoon at the Chapel and hiking the trails in that area.  So wonderful.  There is a beautiful creek running through the property and along the hiking trails.

Remember, my favorite spot on the property here you go.   Look at the fabulous weather we had.

Loved relaxing by the fireplace in the main Center with my Twins!  They were so happy to be big boys this year so they could join Mom and Dad. Milestones and what a place to celebrate them. 

It was so serendipitous that when we arrived at our Inn to check in, look who we saw, Matthew West and his Dad, checking into the same Inn!!  Our boys were ecstatic.  He is so kind and welcoming and so is his Dad. 

Every Cove trip has to include some tour or service at the Chapel.  This is a sacred place. 

This is the outside of the Chapel.  We had to catch at Family "Selfie" we were so thrilled to be here together.  

More family fun in the main lobby of the Billy Graham Training Center.  So fun!  

Did I mention blessed with fabulous friends!  The Spinks of One Moms World joined us for An Evening at the Cove with Matthew West!  We loved this.  Such a blessings. 

Father and Sons took off on the trails and LOVED all the hiking and guy time.  

Well, Dessert first.  Look at these adorable and tasty Coconut Pudding treats accented with Mint. Everything at The Cove Dining Hall is fantastic.  The Chef cooks fresh, tasty and healthy meals and desserts. I feel like I have great options there. 

See how well balanced and wonderful my meal looks.  The fresh cooked meals were unique and so tasty.  We all loved it. 

See here are Jen, of One Moms World, and me.  We were so happy to be reunited! 

Love getting fun pictures of my family - any time - and especially at The Cove!  We were all so happy and peaceful here. 

We feel so blessed our children love playing together and enjoying new things like the Concert tonight! 

Alas, Matthew West himself!  He is fabulous in concern.  He is so personable and spirit filled.  We were thankful to be included.

The Happy Family. 

Matthew West was so kind to sign Tee Shirts for our boys even before getting checked in.  So kind and considerate.  He is so cognizant about his work. 

LOVE this carving of The Cove Bear.  So cute. 

This is fun.  The Dining Hall serves ice cream in the lobby while you wait for your table, fellowship or just visit.  I had to spoil the boys with Ice Cream before Dinner.  Families are welcome and will be blessed, indeed.  Oh, well, you see the ice cream is on the last bite.... so mission accomplished. Treat before dinner. :) 

Enjoy an Evening at the Cove with someone you love.  Check out the shows by Natalie Grant, Phillips, Craig and Dean.  I believe any show at The Cove would be such a blessing.  There is a spirit at this place.  Thank you The Cove for such high standards, beautiful facilities and being such a blessing to all who visit. 

Warmly, 

CarolinaMama 

FTC Disclosure:  The Cove sponsored this post. All opinions are all my own. 

The Cove Billy Graham Training Center An Evening at the Cove

God's timing is perfect.  Even in the midst of great grief and loss at my amazing Mother's home going, we were able celebrate her life, loves and accomplishments.   My husband and I felt an added blessing to be able to reflect and refresh together after all of the services and meet Him here at The Cove at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

"The Cove is a Christian conference center designed to encourage, refresh and empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith."

Truly a haven, a heaven on earth.  We were so thankful that God's providence would have it for us to be here this weekend. His timing is always perfect.

The Cove is a great time of refreshment from outside distractions and the daily quick pace of life we all seem to have.   Once we settled in, we gathered by the Fireplace ... can it get any more peaceful.  

The Cove is a perfect place for Clergy and Laymen alike.  In fact, our Church is having our Women's Retreat at the Cove again this year!  It is wonderful to get away, as we did, as a Couple.  Or, for Bible training. They host Marriage Retreats. And Biblical Training.  So there are many reasons to come and be blessed.  Everything is done for you so you can focus your time on Christ and relax. 

                                

One of the Fireplaces is a perfect spot for some quiet time and a refreshing, complimentary Sprite (or coffee, tea, cool water) at each Inn.  

Our room was so warm and comfortable.  We love the good nights sleep on these beds and the spacious bathrooms.  The two sinks are my favorite with one being a separate vanity so everyone can get dressed and ready for the special evening.  And lots of fresh towels!  I love not having to ask for more towels - we had lots of fluffy, soft white towels and toiletries in our room.  We even had a little chocolate waiting on us at bedtime.

When you enter the Training Center, the great living room looks like this at Christmastime. I could just stare. It was so magical.  Love the stone walls and every detail.  Everyone is relaxing by the fireplace. 

We paused for a minute to enjoy a photo opp on the Sleigh out front. This was fun and 

so convivial. 

On to Dinner, it was so fun to sit by the glass wall/ windows and looks at the mountains, the stars really since it was past sunset.  So very breathtaking and romantic.  We sat with a really nice couple. Though we enjoyed our "Date Night" dinner together.  I know, we couldn't help ourselves.

The Dining Room is so beautiful and elegant. 

The Chef at the Cove is phenomenal.  We love the consistency of a tasty, unique and 

healthy meal at the Cove!  And it's in abundance.  We chose the White Fish and Polenta with 

two fresh salads with homemade dressing. Oh my heaven on a plate! 

My husband felt the whole trip was worth it after his first (yes, he had to have two. :) I had one to 

balance us out.) Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse!  They were truly worth each calorie. 

Then it was on to the most beautiful Michael Card Concert ever. We LOVED it. 

We heard him in concert just before we got engaged so this was really special for us. 

The Cove is such a warm and comfortable and social setting. We got to meet 

Michael Card at the Ruth's Attic Book Store after the Concert.  So fun! 

See, we really did love getting all Christmasy dressed up for our evening out. I am carrying the Tartan Plaid Clutch my Daddy brought me back from Scotland way back.  Memories. And in memory of my Mother as well.

It was an honor to meet Billy Graham's daughter, GiGi Graham as she Hosted us in the Dining Room. Such a real delight to meet her.

GiGi Graham at An Evening at the Cove

Obviously, we could go on and on.  We had to have one more picture by the Fireplace. Everyone has to do this. Right?  It brings back the fabulous memories already .

My husband was right at home by the fireplace and with the old-fashioned 

sled. We took a picture for Colorado sake.  Totally handsome and good-looking, for sure! 

And mine.  #thankful

The Nativity scene about full-life-size was one of my favorites. So very Christmas story.

We love meeting lovely, Christian couples who have been married forever. All of these (including the lady in the middle whose husband was back at their room) were married over 45 years. What a great heritage.  And some great stories, too!  So we only have 31 years left to join their ranks. :)

The beautiful setting as Michael Card played the Grand Piano and sang.  And we were not only refreshed in a new way, we were reminded of Christ in Christmas. 

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121

You can plan your own event here and follow The Cove on Facebook here, the Cove blog here. 

Warmly,
Carolina Mama

*FTC Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by The Cove. I am honored to partner together and all opinions are all my own.