Benne On Eagle

"Benne on Eagle is a restaurant in Asheville, which gained recognition when its then chef de cuisine, Cleophus Hethington Jr., was nominated for Emerging Chef by the James Beard Foundation."

"Celebrates African-American culinary traditions with ingredients like okra, collard greens, red pepper jelly, and benne."

"Shrimp and grits and blackened curry trout at Benne on Eagle: Chef Jarrel McRae highlights Asheville’s African American foodways and a local standard with his picks, emphasizing that these dishes are not to be missed." - Tykesha Burton

"Downtown Asheville restaurant Benne on Eagle features many Affrilachian flavors on its menu, paying homage to the people and vibrant culture of its historically Black neighborhood, the Block. Chef John Fleer worked with the Foundry Hotel to open Benne on Eagle with the collaboration of chef Hanan Shabazz then left that partnership in 2023." - Gina Smith

"Benne on Eagle’s chef de cuisine is Cleophus Hethington; his background includes time with chef Ronald Hsu at Atlanta’s Lazy Betty. He’s a finalist for Emerging Chef, and widely heralded for his exploration of the African diaspora. When available, the roasted broccolini Caesar with crawfish, cornbread and a soft egg should not be missed. Hethington also has a deft hand when it comes to trout from local producer Sunburst Trout Farms." - Stephanie Burnette