I was at a very popular RAD dining establishment a couple of weeks ago and, as I’m wont to do, got the spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer.
There were four of us dining. The ramekin of spinach artichoke dip was approximately the circumference and depth of a whiskey tumbler (this isn’t the point of this particular rant, but still should be noted) and came with two large pieces of grilled ciabatta. We asked for some extra bread and were informed that there would be an upcharge (nearby Bottle Riot happily gave my parents and me some extra crackers for our cheeseboard the following weekend…).
I have a real problem with this, and it’s…I don’t know if it’s rampant in Asheville yet, but it feels like it’s building up to rampantness. Dips should come with enough dippers that everyone at a table can dip dip dip away and not fear being upcharge for goddamn bread or crackers. We’re already happily overpaying for a dip one could score at Trader Joe’s for like, $7.99. Give us enough accoutrements. The same thing recently happened to me at very popular brewery’s (that I truly love) newest brewpub locale. And at a decidedly less trendy—but still popular—Biltmore Village pub. I know everyone is out to make a buck…but like…cmon!
The weekend after I was scammed by this trendy RAD dining establishment that people truly rave about, I stopped at good old Hillman Brewing in Biltmore Village for an early Sunday lunch. I got the buffalo chicken wrap—a fave—and spinach artichoke dip as a starter. Do you know what it came with? Truly a PILE of warmed pita. A PILE. There was no strategically dipping the pita to ensure you didn’t run out. I dunked and ate with abandon and then, the unthinkable happened. A server delivering sandwiches to the table next to me saw I was running low on hot pita, stopped, and said, “hey can I get you some more pita for the dip?” No upcharge. No hassle. SERVICE.
If Bud Light was still running its “Real American Heroes” commercials, you better believe I’d be submitting Hillman and their generosity when it comes to accoutrements.
AshevilleExplorer 