It’s common for food truck owners to aspire to one day transition to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but sometimes that dynamic is reversed.
Small bites: Vegan Barbecue Cookoff returns
The BLOCK Off Biltmore will host the second consecutive Great North Carolina Vegan Barbecue Cookoff. Also: The Market Place Restaurant celebrates 40 years; Tupelo Honey hosts pairing brunch; and more.
Small bites: Noble Cider’s The Greenhouse opens on Rankin Avenue
Located on Rankin Avenue, Noble Cider’s The Greenhouse will host its grand opening Friday, June 21. Also: SouthEast Crab Feast comes to town; the Mountain Jewish Festival returns; and more.
Appetite for Life: Four things to do with blueberries
There are numerous ways beyond pies and jams to enjoy Western North Carolina’s plentiful summer blueberries.
Local bakers reflect on the shape-shifting alchemy of sourdough starters
Seven Western North Carolina bakers discuss the role their fermenting, bubbling starters play in their bread operations.
Small bites: Father’s Day food events
Local restaurants plan for Father’s Day. Also: Asheville Bee Charmer celebrates its fifth anniversary, Chris Smith leads an okra workshop and more.
The gospel of okra: Chris Smith’s new book urges us all to embrace the slime
In The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration, the author defends a vegetable that’s long been maligned by millions.
Small bites: Asheville VeganFest
Asheville VeganFest returns under new leadership. Also: French Broad Chocolate’s Cookies & Creamery celebrates its grand opening; The Block Off Biltmore hosts a hemp food challenge; the 8th annual International Honey Tasting Competition returns; and more.
Mastering the etiquette of the tablet tip
To tip or not to tip? And if you do tip, how much? Those are the questions for many as more Asheville-area counter service food and beverage businesses adopt tablet point-of-sale systems.
Small bites: The Golden Garden Party returns to Fairview
The 12th annual Golden Garden Party returns, raising funds for international food efforts. Also: Green Opportunities Kitchen Ready hosts latest showcase dinner; YMCA offers family cooking classes; serviceberries are in bloom; and more.
Small Bites: Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. eyes the future
Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. recently received a $50,000 grant from NC IDEA, which is being used to help the company expand its staff and reach. Also: Bone & Broth teams up with Metro Wines; Green Opportunities Southside Kitchen prepares a free community cookout; The Lord’s Acre hosts its annual square dance; and more.
Tourism industry supports local nonprofits
“We are continually amazed by the philanthropic nature of our culinary and hospitality community here and how generous they are to the local community,” says Mary Nesbitt, chief development officer of Asheville-based hunger relief nonprofit MANNA FoodBank.
One WNC veteran’s struggles with food insecurity
According to Feeding America, 20 percent of the more than 46 million people who access the organization’s national network of food banks each year are part of households that include someone who’s served or is serving in the U.S. military.
Small bites: Café Israel returns to Congregation Beth Israel
Entering its 13th year, Café Israel returns to Congregation Beth Israel. Also: The Golden Pineapple opens; Asheville Food Truck Showdown rolls back into town; Metro Wines hosts a riesling class; and more.
Fun, food-focused ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in WNC
From a chocolate-making class to a drag show brunch, the Asheville area has plenty of ways to make Mother’s Day exciting.
Small bites: Brews and Bears
Brews and Bears returns to the WNC Nature Center with the launch of its monthly summer event series on Friday, May 10. Also: Rhubarb hosts a honey-tasting event; Food For Your Fingers opens; Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues closes; and more.
Successful Asheville restaurants write their own recipes for out-of-state expansion
Local restaurant owners discuss the strategies and motivations behind their expansions.
Small bites: Cultura opens on the South Slope
Jacob Sessoms joins forces with Wicked Weed Brewing. Also: Cinco de Mayo events, Curragh Chase pop-ups, Early Girl Eatery heads to North Asheville and more local food news.
Koji claims the culinary spotlight
Local fermentation expert Meredith Leigh will present a workshop on preserving food with the koji mold at the Mother Earth News Fair.
Small bites: French-Canadian cuisine at Sawhorse
Chef Dan Silo opens Sawhorse on New Leicester Highway. Also: Cider, Wine and Dine weekend returns to Henderson County; Azalea Bistro launches in Saluda; Community Table hosts its latest Empty Bowl fundraiser for MANNA FoodBank and more local food news.
Small bites: Do-nut Thro-down at The Asheville Masonic Temple
Local and regional doughnut shops will vie for the top prize at the 2019 Do-but Thro-down and Bake Sale. Also: A look at Easter-related food events; Taste of Black Asheville; and more.