After taking a few weeks off this summer, Ashten’s has reopened its doors as what owner Ashley Van Camp calls “Ashten’s 3.0.” There are quite a few changes, so let us break them down for you:
FIRST, THE BAR:
- Well, it got a makeover. And the makeover is fit for American Girl Doll Samantha’s Grandmary. It’s Victorian-ish, equestrian-y and cozy AF.
- It has its own menu. The bar menu is a cross between new and what Chef Matt calls “Ashten’s Throwbacks” — i.e., the reuben egg rolls. There’s also a meat and cheese board, pimento cheese fries and plenty of desserts. Peep the full menu.
- You don’t need a reservation: It’s open for walk-ins 5-9:30 p.m. (hours are subject to change), Wednesday through Sunday.
NOW, THE DINING ROOM:
- There’s a prix fixe menu. This menu changes weekly and includes five courses. Weekly menus will be posted on their website at least three weeks in advance, and they’ll accommodate your dietary restrictions. Here’s this week’s menu.
- There are two set dinner times. Those times are 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and they’re open Sundays at the same times for a family-style meal. Reservations are required each day.
- Dishes are still made with local items. Nope, that part hasn’t changed.
AND OF COURSE, THE ‘WHY’:
According to Ashley, the fresh concept accommodates staffing issues and allows her kitchen staff to flex their creativity.
“Change is really hard, but I think we haven’t stopped changing since we opened,” Ashley says. “We can’t stay the same forever, and this allows us to provide a real dining experience we’ve always aimed for — one that offers impeccable service with creative, local food.”
