Charles & Tanya Triber
Owners
The Junction was born of a desire to create a place that fosters connection, creativity and community. As the first full service restaurant in Asheville’s River Arts District, this pioneering spirit extends to our food & cocktail programs, which rival any in WNC. From our fresh house pork rind, which has become a menu staple, to an ever-changing roster of specialty cocktails, there is always something new to experience. Our commitment to quality ingredients is reflected on the food menus as well as in the bar, which features fresh juices, house made syrups, innovative classic and modern cocktails, expertly sourced wines, and craft beers.
Located off the beaten path on Depot Street, we offer the familiarity of a friendly neighborhood restaurant with the sophistication of a fine dining destination. Check out our special events section (link) for upcoming beer & wine dinners, art openings and other unique experiences.
David Van Tassel
Executive Chef
Chef David Van Tassel is a WNC native. He was raised in East Asheville and graduated from Reynolds High School with honors. Though his family always had a garden, it wasn’t until he moved away as a young adult that he realized he grew up eating farm to table food. A few years after high school, David worked on an organic CSA farm outside of Columbia, SC – a job ripe with new and varied experiences: plowing with draft horses, playing blacksmith, and growing vegetables. His time on the farm lead to working in a local natural foods store, and ultimately to asking a chef for a job over some Napa cabbage. Columbia’s food scene gave David more food firsts: foie gras, duck confit, soft shell crabs, gnocchi, shad roe, Benton’s bacon… Ultimately inspiring him as a young line cook to go to culinary school back home.
AB Tech’s culinary program proved to be one of Van Tassel’s best decisions, leading to jobs at a number of Asheville’s well-known restaurants. With his varied food knowledge and propensity towards nostalgic Southern cuisine, The Junction has worked well for David. Now a married homeowner, he and his wife Nicole are making their home into a fun little farm. With extensive gardens, fruit trees, and eight happy chickens, there is not much down time. However this immersion in growing, tending, preparing and cooking seems to suit Van Tassel just fine.
At the Junction, Chef David has come to be known for his playful reinterpretations of classic Southern dishes and the foods of childhood, as well as his dedication to continuing to support the farms and local products who make our region unique and delicious.