Calypso, Asheville’s newest restaurant, will open its doors on Tuesday, December 20th, succeeding a long and storied history of some of Asheville’s most popular hot spots at 18 North Lexington Avenue.
The word on the street is an excited discussion about the addition of a culturally authentic restaurant that features actual recipes and flavors from afar. In this case, owner Esther Joseph brings her childhood memories of St. Lucian flavors to Asheville with an expectation of titillating the palates of Western North Carolina diners with amazing ethnic St. Lucian foods and island cocktails.
“My dream has been to open a St. Lucian restaurant that provides guests with the same “soul food” experiences that warmed by heart as a child. I have been blessed to have found some very experienced chefs who understand St. Lucian food, especially seafood and West Indian curries. Thankfully, they were able to translate my recipes into amazing dishes.”
Calypso welcomes as Chef de Cuisine, Sean Tomas Shaw, a French culinary school graduate and former Executive Sous-Chef Trainer for Emeril Lagasse. Chef Shaw has worked in some of the finest kitchens from Hong Kong to Italy. “I helped Emeril open seven of his restaurants, so I am very familiar with the importance of new beginnings. Thankfully, I have vacationed in St. Lucia and I spent my time there eating in dives and the best resorts. My idea of fun is talking to cooks and chefs, so most of my time in St. Lucia was spent being blown away by the food and meeting the sweetest and nicest masters of St. Lucian cuisine. I compared my notes with Esther’s home recipes. Putting these dishes together has not just been fun, but also furthered my understanding of the spirit of St. Lucian food.”, says Chef Shaw. “I love her vision of making this restaurant a home for healthy soul food.”
Esther has also added Sous Chef TJ Centanni to her team. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and former Garde manger at the Highlawn Pavilion, NJ. Before Chef Centanni worked as the Sous Chef at Lex 18, he apprenticed with seven-time James Beard award winning Chef Eric Ripert.
Esther’s vision for Calypso is to make it Asheville’s port of call for homemade St. Lucian soul food. “Our dishes represent a melange of English, French, and African-inspired Caribbean cuisine. I would love folks to be transported to the beach in our amazing new bar. Our Caribbean-inspired cocktails are offered with or without spirits.”
Calypso is open for lunch and dinner. After lunch, the bar opens at 4pm, and on Friday and Saturday nights, we will be hosting Island-Vibe Disco Dance Parties featuring amazing DJ’s.
Esther wishes to invite all to experience Calypso’s warm, friendly, and homey environment as well as the exceptional and healthy fare.