When I heard we we going to a place called Tupelo Honey Cafe I didn’t know if I should’ve been apprehensive or not. Perhaps everything would have honey in it and I would be troublesome asking to not have any. Or perhaps it would be just another hippyish Asheville eating establishment.

Turns out it was another one of Asheville’s fine eating establishments. Since they had lots of breakfast food, their vegan items were a little less than you might’ve found if it was all lunch/dinner, but they still had some appetizing options. I ended up with a black bean burger, which I was told was vegan and made at the restaurant. With that I ordered some sweet potato fries as a side and settled down in my chair at one of the outdoor tables.

Shortly into the wait, another waitress came out to ask if I was the vegan, and if I was a strict vegan. When I answered yes she alerted me to the fact that the sweet potato fries were fried in the same out that might have animal fat with it. Since that’s a problem, she kindly allowed me to substitute the fries for a salad, which I don’t think was an option with my lunch.

I was extremely impressed and happy with the level of service, and especially with the food. The sandwich was rather large, filling, and delicious. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it the best vegan burger I’ve ever had. The salad was also great, and well complemented by a bit of Vermont maple syrup.

All in all I give Tupelo’s (and Asheville) a huge thumbs up. I can’t wait to go back!