Haw Creek Animal Hospital

Dr. Heather Sinclair is probably happiest when surrounded by animals. a graduate of tufts university school of veterinary medicine with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the university of new hampshire, heather and her husband Bob acquired haw creek animal hospital in 2005, expanding both its hours and services. With internal medicine, consults, surgery, acupuncture, homeopathy, emergency medicine, and more, the services are many and varied. she has special interest in oncology, acupuncture, and endocrinopathies (hormone imbalance). “i believe all animals deserve quality care,” she says. the hospital’s staff is known for its diagnostic abilities, evaluating each case thoroughly and keeping pet owners informed at every step of the process.

The hospital treats all kinds of animals (dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and more). combining the most effective alternative and traditional modalities provides patients with individualized care that produces healthy, happy pets. the doctors and staff are also strong proponents of animal rescue and participate through donations and fostering. they are open monday–saturday from 8–11 p.m. and on sundays from 3–11 p.m. With national Pet Dental month in february, ask about discounts on teeth cleaning.

Visit them at 1007 Tunnel Road and online at hawcreekanimalhospital.com. The office can be reached at 828.298.1678.
(In photo:Dr. Heather Sinclair with Squeeze and a foster kitten )

Well Bred Bakery

Bringing joy to people through their taste buds is an art pleasantly perfected by Weaverville resident judy Glicken, who co-owns the Well Bred Bakery with her husband ruben tirado. after selling her wholesale bakery business in new york and tiring of seemingly endless snow days there, she and ruben moved to the mountains to start anew.

“Weaverville was the best of small town living,” says judy. “it’s (the bakery) become an extension of our house.” a glowing fireplace, original tin ceilings, and elegant décor, offer a comfortable gathering spot for all ages.

Cases along the south wall showcase handcrafted delicacies, artfully designed pastries, cupcakes, baklava, pies, luscious cakes (including chocolate, carrot, cream, and cheese), as well as scones, muffins, and jumbo cookies in a variety of flavors. But hold off on the sweets until you try breakfast or lunch. the menu features sausage or spinach strata, french toast casserole, meat or veggie burrito, yogurt and granola, gourmet quiche, croissant sandwiches, fresh-made salads, and homemade soups. they also offer catering services and are launching a supper club evening with four-course dinners. “i love to feed people and to entertain,” she says.

Visit them at 26 N. Main Street in Weaverville and online at wellbredbakery.com. The shop can be reached at 828.645.9300.
(In photo: Judy Glicken & Ruben Tirado )

Circle in the Square Pizza

An Asheville favorite since 2004, circle in the square Pizza now has a downtown address to complement its merrimon avenue store. owned by Hilda and Rich Deitch and Peter Estrada, the new store, located at 12 Biltmore avenue, offers expanded seating, a new beer and wine bar, and a large patio.

“We’d been looking for a downtown location for quite some time,” says Rich. “When this spot came up, we knew it met all our growth goals.” the menu remains basically the same, with the addition of some tasty new appetizers.

Where much of the Merrimon business is take out, the downtown location invites customers to relax and stay awhile. new hardwood floors, glass walls, and a curved bar bring the aesthetics up a notch and longer hours (open until 2 a.m.) make it a perfect place to stop after a show or concert.

Customers can expect the same, handcrafted, new york style pizza crusts with exciting options, including Genoa salami, bacon, mushrooms, eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. there are also hot and “signature” sandwiches, and mouthwatering pasta dishes. the menu is very reasonably priced and on- and off-site catering is available.

Visit their new location at 12 Biltmore Avenue or at 640 Merrimon. The website is circleinthesquarepizza.com and the restaurant can be reached at 828.225.5552.
(In photo: Rich Deitch with his Circle in the Square staff )

Baja Cafe

Career restaurateurs celest andrus and Walter fogg are shaking things up on the north end of town with their purchase and complete remodel of the old curras Dom building on Weaverville highway. Bring your sense of humor and a healthy appetite because the Baja cafe is all about satisfying its customers’ hunger for tasty (and healthy) california-style mexican food—no charge for celest’s edgy humor.

“Laughter is like medicine,” she says. “We want to provide a fun, funky, and happy environment.” the redesign was done entirely by the staff from building the tables to painting the walls. Bright flowers and celest’s hand-painted, chuckle-inducing plaques provide mood- elevating entertainment.

In the restaurant business for more than 40 years, from fine dining to casual fare, celest founded the Baja cafe 20 years ago and they still own the original location in Boca raton, florida. the cuisine is boldly fresh, light, and flavorful. Don’t expect heavy sauces and loads of cheese. “the key is to use the freshest, best ingredients and let the quality come through,” she says. there are 40-plus lunch and dinner items along with daily specials, all at budget-friendly prices. they also offer catering, takeout, and weekly drink specials.

Visit them at 72 Weaverville Highway and online at bajacafeasheville.com. The restaurant can be reached at 828.250.3600.
(In photo: Cassandra Woods and Joel Chavez, Walter Fogg, Celest Andrus, and Fernando Bolivar )