This year we were greeted by Mitt Romney and James Taylor. We knew about Mitt, as we arrived, but didn't know that JT was playing there until the next morning. We were very sorry to have missed him.
Here we are at the reception. I lucked out and was placed with the same driver and navigator as last year. Amy enjoyed meeting and talking music and art with both of them. I may have a new project growing mushrooms as a result.
The reception was on a balcony in the Grand Bohemian Hotel in the heart of Biltmore village. Grand is right. This place must have been built for the Biltmore guests overflow. Beautifully rich in texture, color, finish and appointments. Great art gallery just off of the lobby.
Doesn't Amy look great? The hotel restaurant is in the background. As is our custom, we went out looking for music and places more out of the way. We settled on Heiwa Shokudo where the hot sake was half off. Hence one of Amy's quotes that I shared that night; 'I've had just enough to drink that my chopsticks are working perfectly'. The sushi was good and the soup was great. We loved our server who was a young lady from Durham...a Carolina Friends School graduate. She was very good and we loved speaking with her.
We decided against the 'Orange Peel'...but they are always welcoming new talent to the area. I highly recommend that you find out whom is playing where when visiting Asheville!
The judging went faster than we thought due to excellent driving. Some beautiful homes were included this year and the first one just happened to be located right next door to our friends and my clients, whose home on Ward Street I help them sell this year. It was so wierd that we judged right next door. Another indication that they purchased in a really outstanding neighborhood. This is not Joe and Lisa's home. This is the one we judged.
Another home we judged was just a beautiful home with many more features than I could remember. There is more stone and timber in Asheville than you could hope for. Even brand new post, beam and wood peg construction is so beautiful and warm. The chains from the rain gutters reminded me of Sara P Duke Gardens.
We had a fun time at Highland Brewery and we were sure to try the brews that are only available there. The Gaelic Ale, both Cask and Barrel aged were a interesting comparison. As usual, I ordered a flight of their darkest brews. They had an interesting vendor selling various crepes.
Octoberfest was interesting...customes, crowds, a parade, as you can see. They actually ran out of tickets...which was a blessing cause the lines were way to long to make it worth the price. We were still able to sample everything, except the beer including the hottest mustard I have ever tasted; 'Lusty Monk'; Wow.
There is that Monk. I loved that tee shirt.
We had a great time...and I can't wait for next year! Cheers!
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