Food news to go: Changes at the Culinary Canvas food court in the Downtown Market

Remember Ali Baba, the Mediterranean food-by-the-pound restaurant formerly located in the Grove Arcade? If not, here’s a refresher.

Well, Ali Baba is coming back. The restaurant will be located in the “food court” area of the Downtown Market at 45 S. French Broad.

Currently located within the food court is La Empanada, which sells — you guessed it — empanadas. Several great bakers make an appearance some weekends as well.

The Market, it should be said, is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — although the Hi-Fi Coffee Bar and Amazing Savings, everyone’s favorite discount grocery store, are both open daily. It’s somewhat of a shame that the food court is only accessible during weekends — not only is Ali Baba coming back, but we’re about to get (drum roll please) Vietnamese food in Asheville.

Details are sparse about the new Culinary Canvas merchant right now, says Pepper Paris, Downtown Market co-coordinator. In the next two weeks she’ll be able to release more information, including the name of the new venture and the chef, who currently works elsewhere locally. Stay tuned to Xpress for more details as they unfold.

 

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Food news to go: Changes at the Culinary Canvas food court in the Downtown Market

  1. Pepper Parris

    Update on the hours of operaton at the Downtown Market – We now have over 30 merchants inside the Market who are open for business 7 days per week! Rugs, antiques, art. And maybe someday soon, the Food Court WILL be open more than Fri-Sun!

Leave a Reply to Ami Worthen ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.