RARE MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM THE MONTFORD, OPENING AUG. 25 ATOP NEW HYATT PLACE
Start with a perfect location, on the eighth floor terrace of the new Hyatt Place Downtown/Asheville. Mix in spectacular sunset views, a private designated elevator and comfortable leather sofas and armchairs. Season with imaginative cocktails and a dining menu that’s all locally sourced. Serve daily. That’s the recipe for The Montford Rooftop Bar, opening Thursday, Aug. 25, at 199 Haywood St., and featuring culinary direction by Executive Chef Philip Bollhoefer, formerly executive sous chef at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Chef Bollhoefer made a big impression in Asheville food circles by ramping up the Omni Grove Park Inn’s super-locally sourced dining options at Edison Craft Ales + Kitchen, Sunset Terrace, The Great Hall Bar, Vue 1913 and Presidents Lodge, overseeing more than 50 staff.
Bollhoefer’s passion for using fresh, locally raised ingredients in season will drive food and beverage menus all year and help make The Montford a uniquely Asheville experience. The bar and lounge will serve only local Asheville beers and ciders, plus a selection of interesting wines.
“My vision and passion is truly local food,” Bollhoefer said. “When I was at Grove Park, I was instrumental in making their program into a mostly local food program at super high volume. At The Montford what we are going for is having every plate be perfect. Local food done well.”
Hyatt Place Downtown/Asheville is backing this local initiative, having taken the unusual step of creating a distinctively Asheville bar and lounge instead of installing a hotel-brand restaurant.
Many design details were created by Asheville-area artisans, and even the china service was crafted locally to complement the wood and rich neutrals of the decor.
“Part of the fun thing about being in Asheville is that everything is so collaborative,” Bollhoefer said in an interview. “Everyone wants to be a part of everything that is going on, so I think it is foolish not to use everyone’s knowledge and skills.”
As Asheville grows in stature as a food and beverage destination, The Montford offers a fresh perspective on the city’s mountain setting. Folding window walls will let guests lounge indoors or outside, depending on weather conditions, to get the full effect of 180 degree views. Seating includes big club chairs and a wall-mount drink rail for cocktails with a view.
