AshevilleLive's Faves: Best Downtown Eatery

The votes are in and Asheville has spoken! Your favorite downtown restaurant is Laughing Seed Cafe. This poll was very interesting, because Laughing Seed started out running away with the vote, but it looked at the end like it might be overtaken by Mela Indian Restaurant. The vote broke down like this:

Laughing Seed Cafe: 30%
An exclusively vegetarian and vegan restaurant located on Wall Street, the Laughing Seed has been serving up delectable healthy food here in Asheville for as long as I can remember. Most of their menu items come in vegan options, and many even come gluten-free. I have eaten there many times, and their Low Country Rollups are a staple of my diet. I’m no vegetarian, but I can tell you that you don’t have to be to enjoy what Laughing Seed has to offer. In fact, unless you’re paying attention, you probably won’t even notice that there’s no meat on your plate! Not the least expensive restaurant on our list, but certainly among the most delicious, in my own humble opinion.

Mela Indian Restaurant: 26%
Mela’s is one of the places on our list that I have never been to, but judging from the response to the poll, I will be checking it out soon. Since I’ve never been there personally, I can’t really review it, so I’ll just leave this snippet from the New York Times (yes, that New York Times):
“This sumptuous ethnic hideaway blends imported spices with local ingredients. The dark, wood-paneled space of the Indian restaurant draws a mixed crowd with dishes like Chowpatty ragada, potato patties topped with curried chickpeas, tamarind yogurt and mint chutney, and shrimp bhuna, cooked with ginger, tomatoes and green chilies. Wash it down with a Chimay beer, brewed by Belgian Trappist monks, or a glass of Champalou Vouvray. After 10, dining tables are cleared to make way for a salsa club.”

Doc Chey’s Noodle House: 20%
Doc Chey’s serves an outstanding mix of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Indian dishes. If you like it spicy, you’ll love Doc Chey’s, although they have plenty for the more delicate palate as well. Doc Chey’s has been a local favorite since they opened their Asheville location several years ago. They use primarily locally grown ingredients, and the things they do with them will make your mouth water. Many of their dishes are vegetarian or can be prepared that way on request. From their site: “Our approach to food is simple