Asheville's newest vegan restaurant, Plant, was named by the Happy Cow, a healthy eating travel website, as one of the top five places — in the world — to visit for Valentine's Day.

From a press release:

"According to one Asheville physician, Jason, Leslie, and Alan must have all had simultaneous strokes when they decided to open an all plant-based restaurant in a weak economy. Many friends and family members were also worried. But in the midst of this pessimism and concern, the three friends knew that with their passion for compassion (and Jason’s unparalleled culinary skills), Plant would be a smashing success.

And now, six months later, business is booming and the three partners are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response Plant is receiving. Not only do diners voice their happiness about the food right on the spot but a review of the comments on Plant’s facebook page, food blogs, and restaurant review sites proves that guests feel strongly enough about their experience to spread the word about this amazing new restaurant.

Furthermore, Plant has been the subject of quite a few media stories which have also included glowing reviews. According to Joanne O’Sullivan of Bold Magazine, the food is “grown-up urban cuisine” that is “delicious, fresh, seasonal, local, and creatively interpreted.” Mackensy Lunsford, the Mountain Xpress food writer, says Plant “can impress on all levels.” In a review he wrote in September, The Mystery Diner of the Johnson City Press gave Plant two thumbs up, A+, and five stars and when he later handed out his 2011 superlatives, he named Plant as Best Vegetarian Restaurant and Best in Show.

Most recently, Plant received a very special designation. The international go-to travel Web site for locating veg-friendly restaurants, Happy Cow, (with the help of its facebook fans) chose Plant as one of the top 5 places in the world to take your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day."