Description:

Leave it to our adventurous visitors to lead us down the path of potato chip destruction. There is a very compelling reason for saying that even the most focused and controlled person would be hard pressed to eat one lonely potato chip. It’s very nearly un-American. Further, I suspect that if none of the potato chip brands currently on the market would lead you to delve into over indulgence-consider yourself heading down the road to perdition should you dare to enter The Gourmet Chip Company.

Tucked quietly on the right side of Broadway as you head into our downtown, as you enter this dining establishment you’ll find several four top tables providing indoor seating with pleasant natural light. It is not a large space but in their infinite wisdom they have not overcrowded it either. There’s a few outside tables in front of the storefront for those wishing to dine al fresco. Step right up to the very large and colorful rendition print blackboard illustrating the delectable sandwich offerings in the form of paninis. I have two personal favorites.  The Cuban- Jazzy rendition of this traditional sammy made with perfectly tender, impeccably herbed, pork tenderloin, dill pickles and Asheville’s own Lusty Monk mustard as they join together in a dance Cubano somewhere in between Rumba and Salsa finishing the movement perfectly on ciabatta bread to a standing ovation. Number 2 Fave: Pressed Black and Bleu Buffalo Style where generous slices of succulent Beef Brisket wed bleu cheese crumbles, sweet purple onions, aioli and cracked black pepper in a ceremony that cannot help but last forever. There are vegetarian offerings too in keeping with the “veggie friendly” tradition of Asheville. Chips of all varieties can be the only things you eat here but to miss these paninis would be an opportunity lost. There sandwiches are fresh, awesome and very substantive.

That said, if you are only looking for a light snack … let’s move on to potato chip heaven. When I last counted there were 12 possible contestants all designed to win your heart. In polling visitors, friends and of course my own input there are a few stand outs.

The Belgium; it should come as no surprise.  We are talking about Belgium after all … that this chip has something to do with chocolate. This bad boy combines milk chocolate, dark chocolate, sea salt and home grown sweet potato chips. They are simply incredible.

The Parisian; Oui is really all that needs to be said. Mimicking the complex yet simply unforgettable cuisine the french are known for, these kettle chips with a drizzle of white truffle oil, the perfectly paired spices of rosemary and thyme combine in passionate compilation with the goat cheese and sea salt. The only thing left to say is “C’est Magnifique!”

Open seven days a week Sunday-Thursday 11am-6pm; Fri-Saturday 11am-8pm.