Ashley found her first real passion in life cooking with her dad, using ingredients gathered from the family garden. With both parents working to make ends meet, she took over family meal planning and discovered a knack for cooking. Dinner time was an experience that brought them together at the table each night to share laughs & good food, so she aims to recreate that same experience in the dishes she makes for restaurant guests.
She has always felt a strong affinity for the beautiful mountain skyline & outdoors. While in Boone, NC, she learned the culture and skills required in a commercial kitchen by working her way up in local restaurants. After graduating from App State with a bachelor’s degree, she migrated to Asheville, NC, to remain close to the mountains. Five years ago, while looking for a welcoming but challenging place to work, Chestnut was the clear winner, embodying the things that drive her as a chef: a seasonal focus, local produce, and a constantly evolving menu.
When Ashley’s not working away in the kitchen, you can find her on a kayak adventure, in the garden, or nestled away in a craft room somewhere.