ASHEVILLE - The end of an era is near for a restaurant that introduced South American culture and cuisine to downtown Asheville earlier this year.
On Nov. 28, Palmar Latin Kitchen will host its final dinner service at 5 Biltmore Ave., ending a months-long pop-up concept at the brick-and-mortar address.
Yet, according to the owners, the closing is only the beginning as they search for a new place to call their own.
Palmar Latin Kitchen pops up in Asheville
Last April, Chef Carlos Torres and Angela Henao opened Palmar as a temporary concept to test whether it could become a permanent restaurant. Justin and Layla Neuroth welcomed the couple to operate Palmar at Brü (pronounced "brew") in the evening after the daytime restaurant closed.
"We were able to prove that we can establish ourselves
here, and we have something that people like, and we're ready for the next step," Torres said. "Looking for a second house and putting all our efforts into that is going to be what makes Palmar very successful."
Palmar's scratch-made menu focuses on contemporary South American cuisine, honoring the owners' Colombian heritage and reflecting countries across the continent. They use Western North Carolina ingredients to connect their former home to their current one.
Palmar's menu has featured dishes including Pollo Criolla, Grilled Octopus Causa, Abuela Empandas, Branzino Fish Monqueca and Guava Tres Leches.
Henao and Torres said that, initially, they didn't have a set end date for their pop-up, and they gauged guest feedback as the months went by. The reception exceeded their expectations, giving them the confidence and confirmation they needed to move forward with finding a new brick-and-mortar location.
Searching for a permanent home in Asheville's dining community
The Henao-Torres family lived in Miami before relocating to Asheville earlier this year. Torres said the city embraced them immediately in ways they hadn't experienced before. The couple thanked the Neuroths for their hospitality and for giving them the chance to introduce and develop Palmar Latin Kitchen, which helped make it a success.
"The community is a very important part of what we built here. We feel the love of the community. We feel that what we're trying to give them, they were ready to receive it, and that's something that is difficult to find in the industry these days."
Their search for the ideal permanent space for Palmar to resume as a traditional restaurant continues, but they remain optimistic about the possibilities.
Justin Neuroth said that he and his wife have enjoyed getting to know the Henao-Torres family, and praised Torres for his culinary skills.
"They're amazing people with a great family. We think Carlos is an amazing chef and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors, and we know that he's going to be successful wherever he lands and whatever he decides to open," Neuroth said.
Brü will remain open at 5 Biltmore Ave., with its sister cocktail lounge, Färməsē (pronounced "pharmacy"), operating downstairs.
Beginning in December, Palmar will accept private dinner bookings and host special culinary experiences at various venues.
"We want to make sure we can offer a real experience when we open again," Torres said.
Diners can receive updates on Palmar Latin Kitchen's events and offerings at palmarlatinkitchen.com/stayclose and on Instagram @palmar.asheville.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Co., covering the food and beverage industry, including the James Beard Awards, Michelin Awards, restaurant openings, closings and other hospitality industry news and events. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Palmar Latin Kitchen announces last day for dine-in service | Exclusive
