If you find yourself in the vicinity of Southern Pines, North Carolina (towards the south-east in the state, east of Charlotte), you should visit Ashten's Restaurant. I was in the area recently on a business trip, and was looking for a better place to eat. As fate would have it, I had the afternoon off one day which gave me a chance to drive around. About an hour away, while wandering around the streets of Southern Pines (a big golfing area), I stumbled across Ashten's. What a find! The building is fairly old, and was thoroughly (and tastefully) remodelled. The large, open dining area has a VERY high ceiling, nice paintings and tasteful music. The tables are set with lovely china. As you go to the rear of the building and down the stairs, you pass the 'cigar room' (which is the /only/ smoking area in the restaurant - hooray!), past the environmentally controlled wine cellar, and into the bar area. There are numerous comfy sofas and low tables around the room, with several bookcases filled with antique books (which I love). Being an engineer, I was quickly sucked into a century old book on Natural Philosophy (physics before it was known as such). Don't miss the photo album chronicling the remodelling process. The service is just about the best I've ever had (and I've had some of the best). Our hosts were always very courteous and attentive, but never obtrusive. Your every need is promptly attended to, and almost always without needing to ask. And the food is superb! The presentation is as lovely as the creative combination of flavor and texture. I had a shrimp dish with the *best* sauce I've ever tasted (and I'm NOT exaggerating). Obviously they make their own desserts, and they're as good as you would have expected. All said, an excellent dining experience, and well worth an hour's drive (or more!). Ashten's (Restaurant & Bar) 140 East New Hampshire Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387 Phone: 910 695-1019 For the skeptical, I have no relationship to Ashten's or its owners whatsoever. I'm just an thoroughly delighted customer. They're new and deserve to be noticed.
North Carolina