Bowl in the Wall serves big flavor from a small space
New food spot joins the WNC Outdoor Collective
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 30, 2023
Bowl in the Wall founder McDaniel Cooper, left, serves his first customer, May 26, in the WNC Outdoor Collective. Photo by Fred McCormick
Within the small space tucked behind an old brick wall in the WNC Outdoor Collective, McDaniel
Cooper could see an opportunity to serve up something special.
As Bowl in the Wall celebrated its grand opening, May 26, the whole block could smell his fresh spin on Asian inspired rice bowls.
The latest addition to the Collective has been an idea in the works for some time, according to Cooper, whose varied culinary background includes owning and operating the Italian-inspired catering business, Ciao Y’all. When Cup of Jomo vacated the space earlier this year, he met with Collective founder Lincoln Walters to develop a concept.
“I originally came out here with a bunch of pizza and Italian food, and he loved it, but he wanted to do something completely different,” Cooper said. “We saw a need for food, and we really took a look at true holes in the local food scene.”
Convenient bowls, each containing a base of sticky rice and quinoa, topped with protein ranging from bulgogi beef to char siu pork, roasted vegetables, toppings and sauce, addressed two needs for downtown Black Mountain diners.
Bowl in the Wall, which opened May 26, in the WNC Outdoor Collective, serves Asian rice bowls with a wide variety of bases, toppings and sauces. Photo courtesy of Bowl in the Wall
“More than anything, what I’ve found now that I’ve spent a little time here working, is there is very little food you can walk up and take away with you for lunch, for less than around $16,” Cooper said. “Also, we have a really good Thai restaurant in town, but there is not a lot of Asian food. So, I’ve designed the menu be fast, easy and very customizable, and it brings something new to town.”
Retrofitting the tiny space along Vance Avenue allowed Cooper, a native of East Tennessee who moved to Asheville six years ago, an opportunity to meet local residents.
“In all these years of doing food in Western N.C., there hasn’t been a place where I felt more welcomed than I have here in Black Mountain,” he said. “It was like I fit in right from the start, and I really like the people and vibe here.”
His hands-on approach to designing the kitchen provided him with an opportunity to craft a unique work space.
“It has the flow of a food truck, but it’s here everyday,” Cooper said. “It keeps the overhead low, so we can serve food at a good price point. It’s something that works well within the Collective, and that’s something I’m all about.”
Bowl in the Wall is open from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday - Saturday. Specials and additional information is posted regularly on the Bowl in the Wall Facebook and Instagram pages.
“I’m really happy to be here,” Cooper said. “I believe in the Collective and I’m excited to be part of what’s going on here, and in Black Mountain.”