Early Girl Eatery

John and Julie Stehling

Recently named by Grist Magazine as two of 40 People Who Are Redefining Green, John and Julie Stehling opened the Early Girl Eatery in October of 2001 with a menu that “relies heavily on the high quality local produce grown in the area by family farms and community-supported agriculture (CSAs).” From their vegetables to many of their meats and cheeses, John and Julia say they give back to the community by supporting their local farmers. This enables them to have a menu that changes with the season in addition to offering daily specials, assuring that regulars can have a different meal on every visit.

“We believe local food tastes better and sustains a healthy community. Made from scratch is the motto at the Early Girl, and our recipes reflect our background in southern cooking as well as our vast experience with vegetarian fare.”

Offering the delicious southern food that Appalachia is known for, the Early Girl Eatery is located on historic Wall Street in Asheville, North Carolina, serving dinner Tuesday thru Saturday night and offers breakfast and lunch 7 days a week.

Early Girl Eatery

“In creating the restaurant, John and Julie drew from their life experiences and abilities. They wanted a friendly and energetic gathering spot for residents and their families. Drawing on John’s southern upbringing in a family that believed in a large garden and meals made from scratch and on Julie’s long-held beliefs in healthy eating, they used their shared vision to build the Early Girl Eatery. With the additional help of family and great staff, Early Girl is exceeding their expectations and becoming an integral part of the downtown Asheville community.”

I recently had the opportunity to chat with John and Julia about Early Girl Eatery, and I can’t wait to get back to Asheville and try their Sausage and Sweet Potato Scamble. After you listen to the podcast, make sure to visit their website for some of the great recipes they’ve come to be known for. And if you’re in the Asheville area, make sure to stop by for a visit and let them know that Modern Hippie Mag sent ya’.

The Early Girl Eatery is located at 8 Wall Street, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801.

Early Girl Eatery

Modern Hippie Mag Podcast

Steve McAllister

In addition to serving as Managing Editor and contributor to Modern Hippie Mag, Steve McAllister is an actor, musician, accomplished author and filmmaker. His most recent novel, The McAllister Code is available as an e-book at www.themcallistercode.com. Find Steve on Twitter, @InkenSoul. Read his reviews and articles here.