The Fireplace - Asheville

Yesterday, I visited a seafood buffet and was disappointed by the frozen and flavorless seafood. The blackened Mahi Mahi was unpleasantly gritty, the ribs had a strange smell despite being tender, and the shrimp was mushy as if it had been left to thaw in water. The clam strips were rubbery and lacked flavor, and the chicken wings were slimy and unappealing. The best dish was the perfectly cooked pork shoulder, but it lacked seasoning. Unfortunately, I became ill after the meal and couldn't enjoy much of the experience. The hostess kindly offered a discount on our $30 per person meal. Personally, I find it unreasonable to pay $30 per person for a buffet that mainly offers fried food. The staff was helpful and the sweet tea was excellent.

Fireplace is a beloved restaurant known for its delicious home cooking. Despite not being a fan of buffets, I make an exception for this place. My family has been dining here for years and we always enjoy our meals, especially on Sundays after church. The restaurant has three dining rooms and a buffet spread including a salad bar and two hot lines with a variety of tasty dishes. The classic home cooking reminds me of my childhood with its flavors. The fried chicken is a standout favorite. The staff, especially Gina, have always been friendly and welcoming, making us feel like we are dining in a home away from home.

Food was pretty good, service was polite. I enjoyed myself.

Vegetarian options: Salad bar available for lunch for herbivores. I would not suggest southern cooked vegetable dishes are vegetarian, as they are most likely cooked in animal fats. Just a heads up!

Was very crowded for the breakfast buffet on Father’s Day. A little hard for the staff to keep up. The food was excellent. I tried the French toast which was cooked to perfection. Good tip find a bowl from the salad bar area for the grits.