Discover the culinary heart of Asheville through the eyes of a passionate local guide in this mouthwatering conversation with Paddy Riels, owner-operator of Asheville Food Tours. What began as a skeptic's reluctant food tour experience transformed into an 11-year career for Paddy, who now leads visitors through downtown Asheville's remarkable food landscape.
Asheville's dining scene can be overwhelming with over 100 restaurants downtown alone. Paddy's solution? A perfectly paced three-hour walking tour featuring stops at 5-6 exceptional establishments, complete with food, beverages, and fascinating local history between bites. "By the time you're done," Paddy explains, "you're full, sick of your guide's voice, and know more about Asheville than you ever intended on learning." The result? Visitors who feel like locals by tour's end.
The tours spotlight some of Asheville’s most exciting culinary talent, featuring a mix of James Beard Award winners, nominees, and highly respected emerging chefs who are helping shape the city’s dynamic food scene. They also aim to break down common misconceptions around certain cuisines and dietary preferences. “We have a lot of converts,” Paddy notes, describing how guests who arrive skeptical often leave with surprising new favorites. At $85 per person, the tours offer exceptional value and are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of guests. As Asheville continues its rebound after Hurricane Helene, fall tours are filling quickly, making now the ideal time to book a culinary adventure to this iconic food destination.
Ready to discover your next favorite restaurant? Visit ashevillefoodtours.com to secure your spot, and prepare to meet what Paddy describes as "the new love of your life" in Asheville's exceptional food scene.