If you haven’t yet heard of Capella on 9, don’t stress! It’s about to become one of your favorite new places. Hi! Jess and Maggie here to get your taste buds salivating and your next date night planned.
Capella on 9 is located on the ninth floor of one of the newest hotels in downtown Asheville, the AC Hotel by Marriott. This was Jess’s third visit because she just couldn’t resist those rooftop views. However, this was the first tasting and man it did not disappoint! The tapas-style menu is filled with fresh locally-sourced ingredients. Combine that with the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountaints, and this is a culinary experience like none other. 
Executive Chef Rakim Gaines was born and raised in Asheville. His mastery of fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation is second-to-none. Trust us, one meal here and you will be filling out your application for the Chef Gaines Fan Club!
Don’t believe us? Keep reading! If you aren’t hungry now, we can guarantee you will work up an appetite by the end of this article.
First up, Piquillo Pimentos Rellenos. Stuffed with goat cheese and topped with honey and mint, this was the perfect starter. That first bite literally had us wowed. Somehow, this dish is slightly tart, delicately sweet, and super fresh, all at the same time.
Next, we test drove the Croquetas de Gambas. Think “shrimp cakes”, but taken up all the notches with a fantastic romesco sauce and fried bits of garlic. In all honesty, it’s savory perfection will keep us coming back as long as it’s on the menu.
Costillitas de Res = Short rib heaven. That’s pretty much all we need to say, but we’ll say more. This rioja braised short rib is served up with farrotto mixed with butternut squash and rosemary parmesan. Full disclosure, Maggie and Jason were fighting over this dish until it was gone!
The Salmon Escoces Skinned de la Piel was so tender and juicy, it won our hearts! The Scottish Salmon is seared skin-on, and served with beets, chorizo and olives on an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. This dish is literally melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Not convinced yet that Capella on 9 is your new favorite spot? Okay you’re tough, so we’ll bring out the big guns.
He might look small but he is mighty! The Coles de Bruselas are fried Brussel sprouts with a smoky pimento aioli and lemon and had everyone at the table going off. Seriously, it was just short of all-out war to get the last bit of these bad boys.
These are just a few of this dishes we tried (so far). We will definitely be back for more (as soon as possible) and hope everyone will join us in showing support for our home-town boy and his staff at Capella on 9.
Check out a few more picture of our visit below. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send us a message if you have any questions. Been there already? Let us know about your experience!
