Exploring the Essence of Play with Asheville's Chef Ashleigh Shanti: From Foraging to Swimming, Hiking, and More

Chef Ashleigh Shanti infuses her dishes with a unique artistic touch, deeply inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Western North Carolina. This creative vision translates into her culinary offerings at Good Hot Fish, her beloved pop-up in South Slope, which is soon becoming a permanent fixture in collaboration with Burial Beer Co.'s latest taproom, Eulogy. Following this exciting announcement, we had the opportunity to converse with Shanti, a member of the American Culinary Corps, about the importance of play and the way Asheville's natural beauty enhances her culinary creations.

The James Beard Award nominee expressed how the awe and adventure she experienced in nature as a child are reflected in every plate served at Good Hot Fish. Join us for a heartfelt discussion about some of Shanti's fondest outdoor memories in Asheville, complete with tips for those seeking adventure.

Culinary Adventures Rooted in Nature

Asheville is famous for its breathtaking scenery, featuring everything from rushing rivers to the stunning vistas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. For Shanti, these mountains are not just beautiful views; they play a vital role in her personal narrative and culinary path. As an only child in Virginia, the nearby woods served as her playground, where her imagination thrived, and every tree, plant, and stream seemed to share ancient stories. 'The outdoors awaken the child within me,' Shanti reflects.

The same youthful curiosity that led Shanti to explore the local flora and fauna inspired her to travel to friends' kitchens across the country, where she launched her Good Hot Fish pop-ups. This spirit of exploration continues to influence the dishes that grace the tables of those enjoying her renowned culinary creations.

Gathering, Fishing, and Recipe Creation

One of Shanti's cherished annual traditions stems from a childhood practice taught by her grandmother. During the season when ramps (or wild onions) are ripe for picking, they would gather these flavorful greens and pack them into jars filled to the top with local honey. This honey-onion mixture forms a naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory remedy that has been passed down through generations. When ramps find their way into a salad dressing or a chicken glaze crafted by Shanti, they become a tribute to her grandmother's memories and to the vibrant, lush outdoors of Asheville that inspire her work.

It's no surprise that nature plays a significant role in Shanti's inspiration, especially when she enters the Pisgah National Forest, where she's welcomed by a rich tapestry of biodiversity that many regions across the country envy. The Asheville area is home to over 2,500 species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, turning every hiking trail into an enchanting exploration of a botanical paradise.

For those eager to forage for mushrooms in Asheville, Shanti recommends areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. She explains that the foraging community is often cautious about revealing specific locations to protect the sustainability of their fungal friends, but she believes in a more inclusive approach, stating, 'Nature is so healing; I think it's for everyone.' If you'd like a guided experience, No Taste Like Home offers excursions led by local foraging experts.

Shanti's passion for nature also encompasses Asheville's local waterways, which she describes as fantastic spots for catching brook trout. Fly-fishing on the Green River has become one of her recent favorite hobbies when she's not boating, swimming with her dog at Hominy Park, exploring a swimming hole near Catawba Falls, or floating along the French Broad River. Thanks to organizations like RiverLink, these precious waterways are preserved and safeguarded for future generations.

Scenic Drives and Epic Hiking Adventures

Shanti also takes great pleasure in immersing herself in Asheville's endless natural beauty. 'I can never tire of gazing at these mountains... they are so stunning,' she remarks while dreaming of driving through the city and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Mountains-to-Sea trail is among her favorite hiking spots, alongside other cherished locations like Black Balsam and Max Patch.

Shanti is deeply committed to protecting the natural environment. Her primary advice is to stick to designated trails and pay attention to guideposts along the route. She advocates for the Leave No Trace principles, which stress the importance of leaving nature untouched and reducing one's environmental impact. It's essential to educate yourself about foraging and nature laws, ensuring you can correctly identify wild plants before consuming them.

There may be no better way to experience the peaks, valleys, lush forests, and breathtaking views of the Asheville area than by exploring its stunning landscapes. Each corner of the region showcases nature's magnificence, and traversing these terrains reveals why they have such a profound impact on the locals, including Shanti. Asheville is more than just picturesque scenery; it’s a vibrant ecosystem that inspires, nurtures, and fosters connections.