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Gina Trippi

Gina Trippi

citizen times
ASHEVILLE - A local chef's return to the brick-and-mortar restaurant style is a triumph for the Woodfin community and diners who frequented Ambrozia Bar and Bistro before its closing five years ago.
 
On Aug. 21, Quench! Wine Bistro opened at 60 North Merrimon Ave., Suite 105 in Reynolds Village in Woodfin. Chef Sam Etheridge and John Kerr and Gina Trippi, business partners and owners of Metro Wines, have converted the former bottle shop into a wine bistro offering regular lunch and dinner services and a complementary bar menu of wine and beer pairings – and a soup of the day.
 
In 2019, Etheridge closed Ambrozia, which had a six-year run on Merrimon Avenue. The space was sold to Early Girl Eatery.
Chef Sam Etheridge, owner of Ambrozia, has parterned with Metro Wines at Reynolds Village in North Asheville.
Etheridge said he wanted to be more present for his adolescent children, so he pivoted to a catering company, allowing him to control his schedule and workload.
As a private chef, Etheridge collaborated with Kerr and Trippi, who had been regulars at Ambrozia, on pop-up dinners with Metro Wines.
A visit to Metro Wines’ Reynolds Village storefront, which had briefly served as a retail bottle shop and a special events venue, and seeing the prominent bar inspired Etheridge.
 
“After a Fantasy Football draft, me and Gina started joking, ‘We could turn that place into a wine bar with soup.’ That was the beginning,” Etheridge said.
Kerr and Trippi, who also own and operate Metro Wines bottle shop at 169 Charlotte St., praised Etheridge for his culinary skills and creativity put into each dish, which has been an ideal match for the wine retailer.
 
“I never planned to get back into the restaurant business. I liked private chefing,” Etheridge said. “But it was the right situation for me. It’s smaller than most restaurants because we want to enjoy it and have our personal lives.” Since opening Quench, Etheridge said he’s seen a lot of Ambrozia customers he hasn’t seen in five years.
“It’s been nice to be able to open with a customer base that already knows us,” Etheridge said.

The bistro's menu features new dishes, plus revivals from Etheridge’s recipe repertoire.
Quench’s deviled eggs with bacon jam and fried sage is a longtime favorite of Etheridge and was a hit with Ambrozia diners.
The menu continues with ahi tuna nachos with citrus caviar, a classic cassoulet with sausage and chicken confit, and burrata with mint pesto, watermelon and tomatoes.
“Everything is based off the wine and pairs well with the wines,” Etheridge said. “We kept with the soup idea so most of the entrées are soup-based like the Cassoulet and Beef Bourguignon and vegetarian gumbo.”
The gumbo is a nod to Trippi, a vegetarian from New Orleans.
 
Various gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are on the list, like the French onion grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere.
The bacon jam and pimento grilled cheese sandwich is made with tomatoes and birria and served with a dipping sauce.
“We try to have fun and be creative,” Etheridge said.
 
Metro Wines aficionados curate Quench’s drink offerings. “Quality is number one and we’re also trying to be slightly adventurous,” Kerr said.
Wine is available by the glass and retail bottle. Quench offers takeout and delivery. Bistro diners may request assistance choosing a beverage that pairs well with their meal.
 
Wine and Dinner Nights
The pop-up dinner concepts have continued, now with a home base.
Since Quench’s opening, there have been sake, wine and Bastille Day dinner parties. Special dining events, including some scheduled for late lunch guests, are intended for at least once a month and to increase in the new year. Expect collaborative programs with local chefs and wine professionals, too.
Metro Wines offers Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) training for sommelier certification.
 
Quench’s location Reynolds Village, a mixed-use residential and commercial neighborhood, is intended to bring something new and original to Woodfin that all can enjoy.
The partners aim to offer moderate pricing and fill a void in the local dining scene.
“Asheville’s well established. Weaverville is well established. This is kind of like a no-man’s land in between and there’s a great future for Woodfin,” Kerr said.
 
“Quench is downtown Asheville food and wine in Woodfin with free parking,” Trippi said.
Quench! Wine Bistro
 
Where: 60 North Merrimon Ave., Suite 105, Reynolds Village, Woodfin.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (last seating) Wednesday-Saturday.
Info: Catering services and private venue event bookings are available. For more, visit quenchavl.com and facebook.com/quenchavl. For more event announcements, sign up for Metro Wines’ newsletter at metrowinesasheville.com.
Thursday, 19 September 2024 15:46

5 Star Review for Quench!

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"We were huge fans of Ambrosia so had to check out Quench when we saw the Ambrosia chef (Sam Etheridge) was back! Lunch today was excellent. My husband had the mushroom gumbo and I had the butternut squash soup. We shared the pork pot pie with sherry gravy (see photo). Everything was wonderful! Our new favorite eating place in north AVL. Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5"
Wednesday, 18 September 2024 14:06

Stu Helm, Food Fan, Reviews Quench!

stu helm tuna
Dawn and I recently drove to Reynolds Village to visit our friend Chef Sam Etheridge (formerly of Ambrosia fame!) at his new venture, Quench Wine Bistro Cheese Provisions! It's a lovely little shop with a few tables and a counter. There's an excellent selection of wine from Metro Wines Asheville, plus a great little menu from Chef Sam! Dawn ordered a glass of wine, and tuna tartare "nachos," and loved both! I stuck with water and ordered a big ol' bowl of comfort in the form of Beef Bourguignon. It was awesome. So warm, flavorful, and satisfying! Dawn and I both recommend Quench! For eaters as well as wine fans.
Tuesday, 17 September 2024 14:55

WSET Classes at Quench!

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News Release: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
About: WSET Classes by Melanie Webber in Partnership with the Asheville School of Wine @MetroWines.

We are excited to announce the first series of WSET Award in Wines certification courses for 2025, presented by MWWine School in partnership with Asheville School of Wines/Metro Wines, including WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, one of the industry’s most prestigious and most rigorous credentials. Join us in January to elevate your wine game. Use code OWN2025 to receive 10% off all Asheville course registrations.
 
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines starts on January 19th
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines on January 26th
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines starts on February 16th
 
Courses and Dates:
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines                  January 26
                                                                  One day class & exam
 
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines                  Feb 16, 17 & 25
                                                                   Three day class & exam
 
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines                  Jan 19, 21, 27, 28, Feb 10, 18 & 25
                                                                   Six day class & exam day
(5 in-person and 1 webinar )
 
All classes at Quench! Wine Bistro
QuenchAVL.com
60 North Merrimon Ave. Suite 105, Reynolds Village 
in Woodfin. Free and Easy Parking.

Level 3 Award in Wines 
An advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for serious wine enthusiasts.

 
Sunday/Tuesday January 19th/21st, 9:30 – 5:00 pm (in person)
Monday/Tuesday January  27th/28th 9:30 – 5:00 pm (in person)
Monday February 10th 6:00 – 9:00 pm EDT (online webinar)
Tuesday February 18th 9:30 – 5:00 pm (in person, Final Class)
Monday February 24th – 9:30 – 1:00 pm (Exam Day)
Registration closes January 6th
Course Price: $1,499
Classes at Quench! in Reynolds Village, Asheville
 
   For individuals seeking to delve deeply into the world of wines. Provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Open to students with WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, or who can demonstrate knowledge at an Intermediate level through the completion of equivalent education courses, or who have sufficient wine trade experience. The course covers wines of the world in – depth (35+ hours) and tastings of 70+ wines. This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, including 30 hours of classroom time. Please see my note on Level 3 and the commitment the class requires
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Level 1 Award in Wines 
Perfect for Tasting Room and Restaurant Service Pros and Wine Lovers

 
Sunday, January 26th, Course & Exam, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Registration closes January 13th
Course price: $350
Classes at Quench! in Reynolds Village, Asheville
 
   A beginner level introduction to wine, all in one day,  suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings, as well as learning wine service and etiquette. Tasting of 10 wines from around the world.
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Level 2 Award in Wines 
A Deep Dive into Wine Styles & Regions, Winemaking & Wine Tasting

 
Part 1 and 2: Sunday/Monday, February 16th/17th, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Please note these dates include President’s Day
Part 3 and Exam: Tuesday, February, 25th, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Registration closes February 11th
Course price: $850
Classes at Quench! in Reynolds Village, Asheville
 
  For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and regions in which they are grown. Through a blend of tasting and theory, we explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn to describe wines with confidence. Course includes tastings of over 35 wines. “Melanie makes the learning accessible, fun and engaging, all while ensuring a depth of understanding. Melanie’s classes are essential learning for anyone who is serious about expanding their wine education as well as for those who love wine, but also want to keep it real.”

Melanie Webber, DipWSET, Director
MWWine School
  Melanie Webber is a certified wine educator, sommelier, writer and communications expert who helps wine industry professionals achieve their wine certifications and wine lovers deepen their appreciation and understanding of wine. At the core of everything Melanie does is her passion to make it fun to learn how to taste, assess and enjoy wine.  
   She holds the globally-recognized Diploma in Wine & Spirits from WSET as well as the French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications from the Wine Scholar Guild and is certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust to teach WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wine. Melanie’s MWWine School is an approved program provider of WSET and Spanish/French Wine Scholar courses in Asheville, NC and Paso Robles.She has taught WSET courses since 2018, helping over 700 industry professionals and wine lovers achieve their certifications. 
   She is also an adjunct Wine Studies professor at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita.  Melanie has traveled extensively to wine regions around the world gathering material for classes as well for her articles for her blog, BottlePoet, and for a variety of other outlets.  Melanie’s articles “The Wine Student” and "Chianti spritzer on the beach" were shortlisted in the 2023 and 2024 Jancis Robinson Wine Writing competition and both are published at JancisRobinson.com.
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Register for All Classes Here:
 
Contact: Kristen Calloway
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
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