Craggie Brewing Company: Asheville's newest beer-makers, Craggie Brewing Company (at 197 Hilliard Ave.), will open their Public House this week, with opening celebrations on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, from 4:30-10:30 p.m.
The company's focus, according to a press release, is to "create a hometown brewery, with passion for quality craft beer and strong community values." The Public House's hours are Wednesday through Saturdays, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Visit www.craggiebrewingco.com for more details.
Dining Out For Thanksgiving: If nothing would make you more thankful this holiday season than not having to spend time in the kitchen, you'll be glad to know there's no shortage of local chefs willing to receive your gratitude.
The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association is keeping a running tally of member eateries that have vowed to stay open on Thanksgiving Day. At press time, Fiore's Ristorante Toscana, Grovewood Café, Flying Frog and Grove Park Inn's Blue Ridge Dining Room and Sunset Terrace were all on the list.
The Red Stag Grill at the Bohemian Hotel is modifying the standard hotel buffet by offering tableside carving, so guests can stay put and have the turkey, ham or lamb come to them. In addition to the meats, the dinner — priced at $45 a person — includes soup or salad, three family-style sides, cranberry compote, rolls, gravy and dessert for each table. Among the available sides are fried mountain apple stuffing, squash casserole and slow-cooked green beans.
On the other end of the formality spectrum, Blue Mountain Pizza in Weaverville is again offering its free Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 3 p.m. The restaurant last year served turkey, ham and fixings to more than 200 people. "We will open our doors for anyone wanting a place to go, for anyone in need, or anyone who just wants to come visit friends," the pizzeria's newsletter explains. To contribute to the celebration, contact 658-8778.
Decades: Pitching it as an alternative to donning yet another winter sweater, Decades, at 81 Broadway in Asheville, has announced the return of its prime-rib promotion. "Come fill your belly for your winter hibernation," manager Mitch Fortune urges in a release outlining the all-you-can-eat-deal. From now through the end of the year, $30 buys an endless feast of Black Angus prime rib, salad, baked potato and sautéed vegetables. The package is available only on Fridays and Saturdays after 6 p.m.; live music starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 254-0555.
Caffiend: The state's first 24-hour coffeehouse has returned to its always-open schedule, nearly five months after its original north Asheville location closed. Caffiend, which cultivated a loyal community of coffee drinkers since its inception in 2007, this fall took up residence at The Garage, a "resurrection" owner Matt Hebb says was made possible by devoted fans. According to a blurb on the café's Web site, "The re-opening of Caffiend is a grassroots effort to bring back the community that lost its home." After briefly running on a limited schedule, the café is now open 24 hours a day at 101 Fairview Road. To learn more, visit www.caffiendonline.com.
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