As mentioned in the previous post, this Allergic Traveler has a hard time eating breakfast out. Being allergic to eggs eliminates a lot of breakfast food. And let’s face it; it’s not always enjoyable to pay $15 for toast or a bowl of cereal! Over the years, my husband and I have found alternative solutions, one pf them being, we tend to go for brunch instead. It opens up more options for me and he can still have his waffles or French toast.

So before heading to back from Asheville, we wondered around downtown and stumbled upon Carmel’s. What probably attracted us the most was the terrace and the fact that it was 70F or 21C in the middle of January! We met our waiter and I reviewed the menu with him. I presented my card and asked him what he suggested. Of course as he was not familiar with my food allergies, he was a little stumped. He was very willing to help and said he would work with the head chef, Carole.  I proposed the tomato basil soup with a biscuit. I knew ordering the soup would be a long shot as it could have had garlic in it. As well I knew the biscuit was another long shot as because of my allergy to eggs and margarine.  When the waiter returned he informed me that the biscuits were fine as they were made with butter. Yeah! Small victory for me. However the soup was not as it was made with margarine – which is a no-no for those of us with the soy allergy. I was disappointed but appreciated the thoroughness of them checking. So instead I had the fruit and the biscuit. The food arrived and it was delicious. The biscuit was so light and fluffy.  My husband enjoyed his food as well. Half way through the meal, Carole walked out with a fresh bowl of soup. I was touched. She took the time to remake the soup to make it safe for me. Needless to say, I highly recommend this restaurant. When I showed my profound appreciation, she simply said it was her recipe so she could change it. The soup was DIVINE! She made my day and filled my stomach. If ever you are in Asheville, you need to check out Carmel’s. You will never forget it. I know I won’t!