In a beleaguered industry, workers and business owners deal with a host of challenges from unstable finances to rude and unreasonable customers.
Asheville Restaurant Week returns
With an emphasis on takeout specials, the ninth annual event runs Jan. 19-25.
Carolina Beer Guy: Beer tasting goes virtual
Blue Ridge Community College’s brewing program will host a virtual beer tasting on Friday, Jan. 29.
Local produce distributor steers its business over rough roads
Making tough choices and trying out a variety of business models allowed Mountain Food Products to keep its trucks rolling through the pandemic.
What’s new in food: A mix of good news and uncertainty kicks off 2021
The new year brings new restaurants and fresh collaborations while other businesses take a temporary break and a North Asheville favorite closes permanently.
(HUMOR) Five virtual food-related classes for and after COVID-19
Editor’s note: The following story, unlike the rest of Mountain Xpress’s award-winning coverage of local news and events throughout the rest of the year, is 100% fake. Feeling a little sluggish after 2020? Curious how you’ll readjust once things eventually return to normal? These five fictitious classes might be your answer. Please and Thank You: […]
From CPP: 20% less food donated, 68% more need in NC
North Carolina food assistance programs struggle under economic stress of continuing pandemic.
New year brings new restrictions on indoor dining capacity
Local restaurant owners face increasing challenges and difficult decisions as Buncombe County lowers dining room capacity to 30%.
Everything in Moderation: The last word on Chartreuse, first among exotic liqueurs
Once one ventures beyond the “base liquors” used to create cocktails — spirits including gin, rum, vodka, tequila, whiskeys and more — there remains an extensive and tantalizingly varied world of liqueurs to discover. From sweet libations like Benedictine and Drambuie to savory Italian amari, the flavors and potential combinations are practically unlimited. But when […]
Everything in Moderation: Asheville beverage experts explore the world of sake
Although most people are familiar with the “table” sake served hot in restaurants, there are, in fact, seven classifications of the brewed alcoholic beverage, many of which are available in Asheville.
Carolina Beer Guy: Year ends with cider, beer news
Barn Door Ciderworks opens in Fairview, Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery expands to Mars Hill and Highland goes into hibernation.
Remarkable tenacity: Kay West shares her top stories of 2020
Food writer Kay West reflects on her 2020 reporting.
From EdNC: Botany, beverages, and A-B Tech
Jeff “Puff” Irvin, chair of A-B Tech’s department of brewing, distillation and fermentation, looks back on his career.
Cellarest Beer Project enhances West Asheville brewing scene
Co-founders Mark Goodwin and Harrison Fahrer discuss their vision for West Asheville’s newest brewery, which is slated for a Feb. 2021 opening.
Asheville restaurateurs reflect on 2020, look ahead to 2021
Five Asheville restaurateurs answer four questions on the state of their industry.
From CPP: Pandemic wearing NC nonprofits thin
Organizations providing food assistance to North Carolinians experience higher demand as unemployment increases.
Market report: Regional tailgate markets’ winter plans
Local farmers markets get set for a seasonal break or shift to winter hours.
The Times at S&W bar launches a craft coffee concept
The downtown cocktail lounge has reinvented itself as a coffee shop.
Asheville chefs and bartenders share DIY gift ideas
From homemade marshmallows to batch cocktails, Asheville-area chefs and beverage experts share inspiration for gifts from the home kitchen.
Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries open, build, expand
Noblebräu is up and running in Brevard, Archetype opens its rooftop deck and New Origin readies for a February opening.
Carolina Beer Guy: Rural breweries face distinct pandemic challenges
Spacious outdoor areas have helped keep Homeplace, Innovation, Whiteside and Mad Co. in business, though mask noncompliance from tourists has offered occasional challenges.