Bouchon

If Gaudí, the brilliant architect of late-19th-century Barcelona, could have designed a modern-day cafe, it might look a lot like this earth-toned hideaway in downtown Asheville, all curved walls and sinuous lines. Established by a team of French and Argentine expatriates, Bouchon (formerly Café Soleil) has positioned itself as the gathering place for members of Asheville's foreign (mostly European) community, as such evoking some aspects of a busy, arts-conscious cafe in, say, Paris or Madrid. The cafe has a list of good wines, many sold by the glass; an impressive roster of both salted and sweet crepes made with buckwheat flour in the French tradition and stuffed with your choice of dozens of different fillings; and quiches and salads. Main courses include French mussels steamed in white wine, shallots, garlic, tomato, and thyme, served with delicious pommes frites.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.