As alcohol consumption and stress eating increase for many locals, so do unwanted pounds.
Mask rage, other challenges create stress for hospitality workers
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.
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%.
Remarkable tenacity: Kay West shares her top stories of 2020
Food writer Kay West reflects on her 2020 reporting.
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.
Collard Week shines a spotlight on the humble Southern green
A four-day series of virtual discussions, including a cooking demo with Ashleigh Shanti, highlights the results of the Heirloom Collard Project’s 2020 crop trials.
Food is the universal language at Asheville specialty markets
Asheville chefs discuss local specialty markets that bring globally sourced products close to home.
Food roundup: Cúrate at Earth Fare, a new lunch option and leadership change at Benne on Eagle
Asheville’s December food news includes Spanish specialties, fried fish and a kitchen leadership changeover .
Chef J. Chong toasts camaraderie
“Launching my own business during a global pandemic was one of the best things I have done. It has taught me a great deal about who I am and ignited my admiration and passion for Cantonese food all over again. I am most grateful for the camaraderie and meaningful relationships among our Asheville restaurant industry […]
Food news roundup: Buddha bowls, KC barbecue and more
Chef Randy Dunn opens Zen Hen in Hendersonville, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ offers Kansas City ‘cue, HomeGrown and Proving Ground Coffee join forces, and more local food news.
Ben’s Friends supports restaurant workers with sobriety through the holidays
The Ben’s Friends Asheville chapter has resumed in-person meetings, and new late-night virtual gatherings provide support just when many service workers in recovery need it most.
Aaron Grier is thankful for new bonds
“It’s been a rough and scary year with the normal avenues for selling our produce turned on their ear. But the meaningful relationships we had with some of our chefs before the pandemic have grown unbreakably stronger. To quote chef Kikkoman Shaw at Southside Kitchen, ‘It has brought a lot of us together who might […]