January, 2009
Fifteen minutes drive east of Asheville, just a little more than halfway to Black Mountain, is Swannanoa. Driving Hwy 70 many Saturday mornings through Swannanoa on my way to Black Mountain, I absentmindedly tick off a go-cart place, a couple of colorful flea markets, Tarwheels Skateway Roller Skating Rink, the Do Drop Inn Saloon (ever curious about that place), a day care that looks like a lot of fun, the turn for Warren Wilson College and a few other landmarks.
Last month I noticed a quaint brick house with a sign in the front yard that read, "Moments Cafe and Patisserie". My sister happened to be with me and together we decided to see what Moments was all about.
Beginning with Moments exterior and continuing inside, owner Anne Foreman has created a place that is a mix of sleek sophistication and comfort. Stepping through the front door of the house brings you into what must have been the original living room which has been outfitted with a counter toward the front of the house, a couple of tables for two and wing back chairs flanking the fireplace. To the right we found another room with a full espresso bar behind cases stocked with goodies both savory and sweet. A small selection of teas were available as was a waffle iron station stocked with Anne's special batter.
To the left of the front door was a room that would seat about ten people between small tables for two, a love seat and on either side of another fireplace, two wing back chairs.
Walking farther back into the house we found two more rooms that were perfect for individuals, couples or small group meetings.
Moments opened in February, 2007 with Ms. Foreman doing the gourmet cooking and baking for the Cafe/Patisserie as well as her catering company, Anne's Custom Catering. Her talents were evident when we took our first bites of the extra large servings of warmed Chocolate Sour Cream Coffee Cake ($3.00) I had ordered and the Caramel Apple Crunch Coffee Cake ($3.00) my sister ordered. To drink, we had a double latte ($3.50) and a Tea Forte brand cup of tea ($2.50). The Tea Forte bags are mesh fabric shaped into a tall pyramid with a very cute leaf at the end of the string that hangs out of your tea cup.
Deciding I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try something savory, I ordered a slice (to go) of the Sauteed Lemon Rosemary Garlic Chicken Quiche with bacon, spinach, asiago and mozzarella cheeses ($4.50). The other quiche available by the slice that day was Sauteed Peppers, Onions, Sun dried Tomato with asiago and montery jack cheeses, red onion and cumin ($4.50). (quiche prices vary depending on the size of the slice) Even reheated at home for lunch later in the day, the Chicken Quiche was fabulous. Although it doesn't seem to be complete, here is the Moments menu.
Moments Cafe and Patisserie is one of those places that is a true find. It would be on my list of places for a special treat for myself, a place to take visitors or for a get-together with the "girls" or friends. The prices are in my "a bit high, but totally worth it for a special treat" category.
Naming her cafe Moments seems an appropriate choice on Ms. Foreman's part. As one definition of "moment" puts it: "a brief period of time that is characterized by a quality, such as excellence, suitability, or distinction". I do look forward to many of those at Moments Cafe and Patisserie.
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Tiny France Right Here in Swannanoa – 4 Star Rating - Very good -
By Chris L. | The"Insider Pages" http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15245965752
Moments coffee shop and eatery is a sweet little place to take a load off. Located in a quaint old house right off of Hwy 70, Moments is easy to miss - but once you've tried it, you'll have a difficult time forgetting it. Be sure to try the homemade croissants (beyond mouthwatering), scones or quiches for breakfast or the lavish cakes and bars for dessert. I have yet to try something I didn't like and I will keep coming back for more.
Posted 06/08/08
Photography by The Hendersonville Epicurian