New River Brewing (West Jefferson, NC)
Tucked away in a West Jefferson alley, a shy block from the historic Ashe County Cheese Factory, lies New River Brewing--an industrial-like, yet inviting establishment that serves up Southern staples like pimento cheese and deviled eggs washed down triumphantly with a cold pint of one of their own craft brews. Adorned with large farmhouse style tables, custom welded by a local carpenter, the inside is abuzz with the sound of glasses clinking, forks scraping up last remains, and the pops and shhhs of hot grease sizzling. Like a well-oiled machine, the servers conjoin to present our table with trays and bowls of camera-ready dishes. Slow roasted pulled pork tacos marinaded in traditional eastern NC vinegar-based BBQ sauce topped with tangy julienned slaw, fresh tomato salsa, and loads of Ashe County shredded cheddar. Crispy brussel sprouts so delicate and flavorful that one bowl did simply not suffice. Smoked wings expertly rubbed and glazed to polished caramelized perfection (unfortunately, just slightly underdone due to the rush of full swing holiday weekend). Chef Kristy, a merry and genial woman receives a break and is now greeting patrons, "Hey sugar, honey, how you doing, how you been?" She catches a sarcastic tease from my father and snaps back with a shake of her finger "Now don't you start with me!" Crafting Southern hospitality with sophisticated simplicity, New River is a must for anyone in need of the comfort of good food and drink, and better yet, good company.
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