Curried Carrot Soup and Smoked Salmon Wrap

, on Merrimon Avenue just before Beaverdam Lake is convenient to all those folk who work or live in N. Asheville. I've been twice recently and had a nice experience both times. Friendly, fast service in a clean, if somewhat utilitarian, space is what you should expect if you go. Their specials were eye-catching both times. On my most recent trip, I had the soup of the day, a curried carrot soup with toasted coconut garnish. It was delicious, but a hair under-seasoned. With a little bit of salt it sang. I also got the smoked salmon wrap. Sharp red onion cut through the soft fatty salmon, and a hint of cream cheese spread hit all the right notes. My previous visit, I ordered the smoked turkey cobb salad. It was good, but I've had better, at say, Table downtown. If you're tired of the other offerings on Merrimon (Jersey Mike's, Bruegers, Zen Sushi, or fast food), give Artisan a try. They have real food using lots of local ingredients!