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With
an almost 100-item selection, Chef and owner Doug Usko
has taken the philosophy that any food that can be
prepared, can be prepared tapas-style.
“I
think it’s kind of the way I like to dine – to taste and
try different things,” says Usko. “It’s certainly not
just the Spanish fare. Because of the location in Banner
Elk NC, I wanted
to broaden the appeal. That’s why there are so many
different things on the menu at this Banner Elk
Restaurant – from beef to lamb to pork
to vegetarian to seafood. I can create and dabble and
have fun with food”. And the customers are the
beneficiaries of Usko’s creativity.
A sampling of the diverse menu includes escargot,
sesame-seared tuna sashimi, saffron paella, mushroom
ragout, sautéed squid steak, tempura lobster tail and a
leek – and- gruyere flan. Or if you’re in the mood for
something more basic, there are fish fingers, fried
cheese ravioli, steamed clams, barbecue applewood
bacon-wrapped shrimp, grits and cheese, shredded
barbecue pork, black bean cake and grilled salmon.
“Having a broad range to choose from has allowed us to
become very popular,” says Usko. “Our customers enjoy
the opportunity to try different things without
overloading”. |