The Fox And The Phoenix - Ashland

This restaurant is an amazing gem that I can't recommend enough. It's owned by a passionate woman who truly cares about serving great food made with simple, healthy ingredients. She's very mindful of food sensitivities and allergies, offering plenty of gluten-free options, including the entire mixed drink menu—thank you for that! They also serve beer, seltzer, and wine. The tapas were absolutely delicious; this is the kind of food I've been looking for! I will definitely return with more friends.

My husband and I absolutely love this restaurant! The owner is incredibly charming and goes above and beyond to accommodate guests, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. We brought our daughter, who is quite particular about her food, and the owner kindly offered to make her a sandwich that wasn't on the menu, assuring us that if she didn't like it, we wouldn't be charged. Well, she devoured it! We've been here several times and will definitely keep coming back. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is cheerful, and there's a unique touch to everything. We really appreciate that they're part of the Center of the Universe!

To start, the exterior of the place doesn’t invite you in, but I've often found that some of my best dining experiences come from unassuming locations. Upon entering, the staff was very welcoming, and they managed to accommodate our party of ten promptly. We did attempt to call several times beforehand, but the restaurant was surprisingly empty. There was a couple at the bar who had already paid and another young couple who were just starting to drink. A group of four came in while we were about three-quarters through our meal. Out of curiosity, I asked if it was always this slow. ### Pricing: - Meatball Meze: $12 - Tastings: $12 - Tip: $5 ### The Food: I ordered the Meatball Meze based on the owner's recommendation. Unfortunately, it was far from good. The olives tasted store-bought—something I recognized immediately because I buy olives often. The walnuts were unremarkable, and the slices of bread served with the dish were quite hard. It’s puzzling to serve tough bread alongside this meal. To make matters worse, the meatballs were warm, but the cheese on top was cold. Nothing else on the plate was warm except the meatballs. They really should be served either hot or cold; serving them at a lukewarm temperature poses a food safety issue. (Reheated foods need to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F for a minimum of 15 seconds.) So, please, either serve hot or serve cold, but never warm! ### The Environment: The ambiance was nothing to write home about. In fact, I found it quite disappointing, especially the pre-plated items in zip-lock bags, which were kept in a cold case with water dripping down. ### The Service: The owner clearly has a passion for her food, which is commendable. However, there comes a point where passion can shift into obsession. For instance, the tomatoes. While I absolutely love tomatoes, my brother—and many others I know—are not fans. The roasted heirloom tomatoes that the owner was urging everyone to try are something I buy from Kroger on a weekly basis, but I enhance them with spices when I roast them. A simple touch of salt might make a world of difference. ### Summary: Overall, the food was disappointing. Various dishes were ordered, and most people at the table left dissatisfied. ### My Suggestion: Having traveled extensively, I can see the potential that your passion has to lead to success, and I genuinely hope you achieve that. However, it’s essential to develop a thicker skin. When one person from our group gave a poor review, instead of providing a standard “we're sorry” response and asking for another chance in the future, you chose to engage in an online argument with that person. Now, instead of just one bad review, you have ten. Remember, passion can become obsession, and obsession can lead to mania. P.S. Please let Cody Robinson know he should mind his own business; he’s the reason I felt compelled to write this review. Francis

We found this wonderful little spot on accident and are so happy that we did! The staff was fun, funny, and accommodating. Every single thing that we ordered was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the Saganaki!

We ate at The Fox and The Phoenix yesterday. It was scrumptious!!! We got beef empanadas and a charcuterie board along with two different local beers. I saw several items on the menu I’ll be trying next time. The chef was amazing and Nita took good care of us. It felt like everyone knew everyone. Very warm and friendly! The food and excellent choices in local beer is perfection! I truly hope people find and support this new place. We’ll definitely be back soon! There’s also a nice bar area with moonshine, bourbon, etc, from their own distillery!