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One of the most stellar experiences of living in a place with so many positive attributes is the food scene that defines Asheville. Known for creative chefs and their firebrand way of approaching cuisine both innovative and as much as possible reliant on local vendors they are have at their disposal the wonders only fresh, locally grown food can deliver. Farm to table, support local, know your food base are all more than slogans for those fortunate enough to call Asheville their home; they are a way of life. Vegetarians are not second class citizens in Asheville, nor do they have to scope out restaurant menus trying to find a place they can dine veggie. I would be hard pressed to find a restaurant in our town that does not have really awesome vegetarian selections. Laughing Seed Cafe was the trail blazer for all that followed.

We’ve lived here for 17 years now and many of the employees we’ve had working part-time through the years also worked at Laughing Seed. It was in this way we came to know this place and truly become loyal followers and fans. As all cooks know, food safety is very important when serving food to the public. What some don’t think of is that this imperative rises exponentially if the food is not cooked. While vegetarian fare is not composed entirely of raw food, a great deal of it is. Laughing Seed Cafe likely has one of the cleanest kitchens in Asheville and what leaves that kitchen is absolutely delicious. It is also creative, colorful, healthy and extremely well done.

Should you find yourself meandering downtown on a sunny day in Asheville, please check them out. Perfectly lovely al fresco dining or if you are a fan of air conditioning, step inside. You’ll find light wood, open spaces, friendly faces and even a water feature to offer something lovely to look at and soothing sounds to boot while you enjoy a lunch or dinner you won’t soon forget.

Often we walk there to enjoy lunch downtown. Laughing Seed Cafe is a favorite of ours so I’ll share a few of the finds we’ve come to know and love and in this way possibly assist your own foray into the land of whole food.

My fave salad without question: Laughing Seed Salad. It is perfection. Nearly every kind of lettuce you can identify combines in concert with mung beans, red peppers, fresh corn, blanched broccoli and clover sprouts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. You can choose a dressing that calls your name. What calls my name is Sesame Ginger or Champagne-Dijon depending upon my mood.

My husband tends to lean toward more substantive choices and his favorite so far is East/West Quesadillas. This lovely combo does things to potatoes, yams, spinach, cheese seasoned lightly with curry topped with mole sauce that can only be imagined unless you go there and choose it. Totally filling dish even for the very hungry topped with Monterey Jack Cheese served with black beans and a tossed salad.

Laughing Seed we love you. Long may your reign in the land of vegetarians and also those that have more than a passing acquaintance with meat but know really excellent, very tasty food when they encounter it. Go there, I promise you’ll leave happy fiber eaters and delighted to have found this Asheville gem.