When you hear "Quench! Wine Bistro," you might assume it's primarily a wine shop with light snacks on the side. This common misconception couldn't be further from the truth. Located in Reynolds Village at 60 N. Merrimon Ave., Quench! is a full-service restaurant that happens to have an extraordinary wine program, not the other way around.
At the heart of this culinary destination is Chef Sam Etheridge, formerly of the beloved Ambrozia Restaurant, whose exceptional cooking has earned him recognition throughout Asheville's competitive dining scene. Combined with the wine expertise of Metro Wines owners John Kerr and Gina Trippi, Quench! represents a unique collaboration that delivers downtown Asheville quality in a neighborhood setting. Whether you're craving a perfectly executed lunch, an intimate dinner, or simply want to explore new wines, Quench! offers a complete dining experience that rivals any establishment in the region.
A True Restaurant Experience in North Asheville
Chef Sam Etheridge brings serious culinary credentials to Quench!, having built a devoted following during his time at Ambrozia Restaurant. His approach to cooking combines classical techniques with creative innovation, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and surprising. This isn't someone playing at being a chef – this is a seasoned professional who has contributed to James Beard award-winning cookbook work and understands how to create memorable dining experiences.
Open Wednesday through Friday from 11am to 7pm last seating, and Saturday noon to 7pm last seating, Quench! operates as a full-service restaurant offering both lunch and dinner service. The menu changes seasonally and features daily specials that showcase Chef Sam's creativity and commitment to using quality ingredients. Unlike many wine bars that offer limited food options, Quench! presents a comprehensive menu that could stand on its own merit, regardless of the wine program.
The restaurant fills a crucial gap in North Asheville's dining landscape, providing residents of Woodfin, Weaverville, and the surrounding areas with access to sophisticated cuisine without the drive downtown. The concept addresses a real need in the community – offering the quality and creativity you'd expect from Asheville's best restaurants, but with the convenience of free parking and a more relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere. For Weaverville residents especially, this eliminates the choice between driving all the way downtown or settling for limited local options. Regular customers frequently praise this aspect, noting how refreshing it is to enjoy excellent food without fighting downtown traffic and parking challenges.
Signature Dishes That Define Quench
The menu at Quench! reflects Chef Sam's versatility and commitment to excellence across multiple cuisines and cooking styles. The Cassoulet Bowl has emerged as a standout signature dish, earning consistent praise from diners who describe it as exceptional and divine. This French-inspired creation showcases the chef's ability to execute complex, slow-cooked dishes that develop deep, rich flavors.
The gourmet grilled cheese offerings represent another highlight, but these aren't your typical diner sandwiches. Chef Sam elevates this comfort food classic with sophisticated ingredient combinations that change regularly. Recent variations have featured manchego cheese with crispy ham and spicy hatch chilies, or the innovative sheep's cheese, lion's mane mushroom, and kimchi combination that has customers raving about unexpected flavor profiles that somehow work perfectly together.
Seafood lovers gravitate toward the Jambalaya and Gambas al ajillo, both dishes that demonstrate Chef Sam's ability to handle bold, spice-forward cuisine. The jambalaya brings New Orleans soul to North Asheville, while the gambas (Spanish-style shrimp in garlic and olive oil) offers a Mediterranean escape that pairs beautifully with the restaurant's European wine selection. Owner Gina Trippi has been known to declare the gambas a "necessity that should be mandated by law," and she's not wrong.
The restaurant's approach to vegetables deserves special mention, with dishes like roasted local carrots in what one reviewer described as a "plate-lickable sauce." These aren't afterthought sides but carefully crafted dishes that vegetarians and carnivores alike find satisfying. The menu consistently offers substantial vegetarian options, ensuring that plant-based diners have plenty of choices beyond salads.
For those seeking the ultimate experience, Chef Sam's tasting menu ($45 per person) represents the pinnacle of what Quench! offers. This multi-course journey showcases the chef's range and creativity, often featuring dishes not available on the regular menu. Combined with wine pairings ($25 additional), the tasting menu transforms dinner into an event, providing the kind of sophisticated dining experience typically associated with much more expensive establishments.
The Perfect Marriage: Exceptional Food Meets World-Class Wine
What truly sets Quench! apart is the seamless integration of exceptional food with a world-class wine program. This isn't accidental – it's the result of a deliberate collaboration between culinary excellence and wine expertise that few restaurants can match. Metro Wines has earned recognition as Asheville's leading wine shop for over a decade, and that expertise translates directly to Quench!'s beverage program.
The wine selection spans both European and American offerings, with particular attention paid to premium and luxury bottles that you won't find at typical restaurants. The European selection draws heavily from France, Italy, and Spain, featuring both well-known regions and hidden gems that showcase the owners' commitment to discovery and education. American wines receive equal attention, with carefully curated selections from California, Oregon, Washington, and emerging regions that represent the best of domestic winemaking.
The pricing structure makes luxury accessible, with many premium wines available at prices that encourage exploration rather than intimidation. This philosophy extends to wine pairings, where the sommelier expertise ensures that each dish finds its perfect liquid companion. The $25 wine pairing option for the tasting menu represents exceptional value, often featuring wines that would cost significantly more if purchased by the glass elsewhere.
Wednesday wine tastings from 4-6pm offer complimentary education and exploration, allowing both novices and enthusiasts to expand their palates without commitment. These sessions often feature wines that will appear on upcoming menus, creating a sense of community and anticipation among regular customers. The owners' passion for wine education transforms these tastings into genuine learning experiences rather than simple marketing events.
What Sets Quench Apart from Other Restaurants
Several factors distinguish Quench! from both downtown Asheville restaurants and typical neighborhood establishments. The most immediately obvious advantage is free parking – a luxury that downtown diners know is increasingly rare and expensive. This practical benefit removes a significant barrier to dining out and contributes to the relaxed atmosphere that defines the Quench! experience.
The intimate scale creates a European café atmosphere where tables are close enough to foster community but service remains attentive and personal. This isn't the anonymous dining experience of larger restaurants, but rather a place where staff remember preferences and regulars feel genuinely welcomed. The large window onto the street maintains an airy, bright feeling that combats the potential claustrophobia of smaller spaces.
The moderate pricing structure makes fine dining accessible to a broader audience than typical high-end establishments. Most lunch options fall in the $10-20 range, while dinner selections typically range from $20-30, making it possible to enjoy Chef Sam's cooking regularly rather than saving it for special occasions. This pricing philosophy reflects the owners' commitment to serving their local community rather than just targeting special occasion diners.
Both indoor and outdoor seating options provide flexibility for different weather and preferences. The outdoor seating, available during pleasant weather, extends the European café feeling and takes advantage of North Asheville's beautiful setting. Weather permitting, these spaces offer a perfect environment for leisurely wine tastings or intimate dinners, with the added benefit of being easily accessible to diners coming from Weaverville or other northern communities.
FAQ
What type of cuisine does Chef Sam specialize in?
Chef Sam Etheridge's approach is best described as contemporary American with strong European and international influences. His menu regularly features French-inspired dishes like cassoulet, Spanish-influenced items like gambas al ajillo, and American comfort food elevated through sophisticated techniques. The changing seasonal menu ensures variety while maintaining consistent quality across all preparations.
Do you take reservations?
Yes, Quench! accepts reservations and they're highly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekend dining. However, the restaurant always maintains a few tables for walk-in guests, so spontaneous visits are possible. Given the intimate size of the dining room, reservations help ensure you won't be disappointed, particularly for special events like wine dinners.
What's included in the wine tasting experience?
The complimentary Wednesday wine tastings (4-6pm) typically feature 3-4 different wines selected by the Metro Wines team. These sessions include information about each wine's origin, production methods, and flavor profiles. The tastings often preview wines that will be featured in upcoming menu pairings or special events, providing educational value beyond simple sampling.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Absolutely. Quench! offers a substantial vegetarian selection that goes far beyond basic salads. The menu regularly features creative vegetarian dishes like the roasted local carrots, various seasonal vegetable preparations, and sophisticated grilled cheese combinations. Many dishes can be modified to accommodate vegetarian preferences, and the staff is knowledgeable about ingredients and preparation methods.
What makes Quench different from downtown restaurants?
The primary differences are convenience (free parking), atmosphere (intimate neighborhood feel), and pricing (moderate costs for fine dining quality). You'll find the same level of culinary creativity and wine expertise as downtown establishments, but without the hassles of traffic, parking fees, and crowds. The restaurant serves as a "neighborhood clubhouse" for locals while maintaining the sophistication that makes dining out special. For Weaverville residents, this means access to downtown-quality dining without the 20-minute drive each way, making spontaneous dinner plans much more feasible.
Experience the Complete Quench! Difference
Quench! Wine Bistro represents something rare in today's dining landscape – a restaurant that excels equally at food and wine without compromise in either area. Chef Sam Etheridge's culinary expertise ensures that every dish meets the standards of Asheville's best restaurants, while the Metro Wines team provides access to exceptional bottles at fair prices. This combination creates dining experiences that satisfy both casual lunch seekers and serious food and wine enthusiasts.
Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, exploring new wines at Wednesday tastings, or simply craving exceptional food in a welcoming atmosphere, Quench! delivers on all fronts. The restaurant proves that you don't need to choose between great food and great wine – when done right, they enhance each other perfectly.
Ready to experience what makes Quench! special? Visit quenchavl.com to make reservations or learn more about upcoming wine dinners and special events. Located at 60 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 105 in Reynolds Village, Quench! is open Wednesday through Friday from 11am to 7pm last seating, and Saturday noon to 7pm last seating.