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Hendersonville

Starry Nights at Mezzaluna

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By Anna Mokas and Taylor Hill, 2013

Of all the eateries in Hendersonville, something specifically drew us to Mezzaluna. Part of this could have been the enchanting name of the restaurant (which translates to “half-moon” in English), the enticing aroma of baking bread and Italian spices emitting from the doors that relentlessly teased our empty stomachs, or the seemingly satisfying menu that was displayed on the outer windows. Whether or not it was one or a mixture of these things was irrelevant because, regardless of cause, our appetites were about to lead us to severely scrumptious Italian cuisine.

Walking into Mezzaluna, it was difficult not to take notice to the mural of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” displayed largely on the expansive back wall. Adorning the painting were beautiful brass light fixtures, which were a reoccurring theme throughout the restaurant. The ceilings were lined with an arrangement of dull pewter, emerald green and blood orange rafters that merged fittingly with the surrounding rustic features. More art pieces lined the walls, while classical jazz created a soothing ambiance, despite the influx of more diners coming in to partake of dinner.

The two of us noticed our obvious fortune with having arrived at the restaurant at 5:30, because in the minutes following, droves of hungry patrons arrived simultaneously. By then, we had already been seated comfortably and were given warm, fresh rolls of bread with our choice of homemade garlic and herb butter that we quickly devoured. Upon first observing the menu, we noticed that the prices were higher than the places that we had been accustomed to dining at so far on the trip; the entrees averaging at around $17. After much perusing and browsing however, one of us settled for the classic calzone with Italian sausage and pepperoni, while the other ordered kale salad with a side order of spaghetti and marinara sauce.

The kale salad was fresh and delicious, dressed with crunchy pine nuts, juicy tomato and a tangy lemon vinaigrette that unified all of the flavors beautifully. It was the perfect healthy choice that also had a kick of zest that was hard to miss. The side of spaghetti was warm and its sauce was pleasantly sweet, deeming a scraping of the bowl necessary.

Calzones are hard to do wrong, and Mezzaluna hit the nail on the head. This particular one was bloated with thick and melted parmesan and ricotta cheese, spicy pepperoni and perfectly seasoned Italian sausage that was oozing with a blend of glistening grease and herbs. The entire thing reeked of fresh basil and good times, and was not a problem to consume. Although not the most healthy option, it was extremely delectable and filling, it remnants fitting perfectly inside the to-go box.

The waiting staff was polite and managed the large crowd of guests that surrounded us with poise and grace. It was evident that they were used to appeasing larger crowds on the weekends, which shows how popular a restaurant they are, and for good reason. The meals were respectively $9 for the calzone (one of the cheaper items) and roughly $13 for the kale salad and side of pasta. Our pockets were not too damaged because we chose to take part in some of the some of the more inexpensive options, but we are sure that the heftily priced options were well worth the dollars.

In all, Mezzaluna represents the perfect cohesion of striking inner décor, delicate ambiance and heartwarming and flavorsome Italian cuisine that aims to please, and does just that.

Visit Mezzaluna’s site here!

Hendersonville’s Black Bear Coffee Shop

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By: Kelsey O’Connell

Walking around Hendersonville, our group was surprised by what we saw. We expected a small town feel, but the downtown area was very up-scale, not at all like their neighbors’ in Brevard. Our group stopped into a small coffee shop to refuel after a long trip back from Murphy, only to find an adorable treasure in the Black Bear Coffee Shop.

The shop was covered in colorful decorations, even featuring displays containing books and facts about coffees from around the world. The back wall had hanging flags and comfortable seating for groups and individuals alike.

After grabbing a few snacks and some coffee, we were able to sit down and chat with the owner’s wife, who very nicely and willingly agreed to talk to us about Route 64. She told us that without the influence of Route 64, the shop would most likely suffer.

We also discussed advertising on Route 64, how there used to be a billboard for Hendersonville up on the road, but that it was taken down. She, however, didn’t lament the loss of the billboard because she felt that it didn’t adequately portray Hendersonville. I agree with her that if an advertising agency were to accurately portray Hendersonville and the Black Bear Coffee Shop, as well as their charms on an ad on Route 64, they’d create even more business for the beautiful Hendersonville.

 

Hendersonville Shop owners

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By: Olivia James

Our group arrived in Hendersonville on a perfect fall morning.  We parked
the car and strolled through the center of downtown.  Our timing was
such that as we were arriving in Hendersonville so were the bikers who
had left from Brevard that morning on the Mountains to Coast trail.
Stores were opening their doors to the bustle the bikers were causing
and we were free to stop in.
Downtown Hendersonville is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, bakeries,
cafes and bars.  As we explored, we talked to the storeowners about the
area and our project.  There seemed to be a general consensus about the
town and its growing population.  Hendersonville is now the small town
that Asheville used to be but as Asheville grew, so did Hendersonville.
The population of Hendersonville had grown, according to the shop
owners, because of the influx of vacationers from Florida and the
surrounding areas.  Many of the people we talked do had only been in
Hendersonville a few years, emphasizing the fact that the community is
young and growing.  The small businesses are coming into the area in
order to capitalize on the growth that they have seen in recent years.
While Hendersonville did have foreclosed signs in some store windows, the
downtown area looked vibrant that day.  Many owners attributed the
success of Hendersonville to Asheville tourists who wanted to explore
the more rural areas.  Many storefronts have been redone in recent years
to attract more people, but there is still that old, rural, small town
feel as you walk down the street.  Hendersonville, like Highlands, is
filled with young people who have relocated for business opportunities,
and the town is growing despite the loss the Highway 64 in the middle of
town.