Federal free and reduced-price lunch and breakfast programs help ensure that the 53% of public school students who qualify are fed when they’re at school. But what happens when those kids go home for the evening or the weekend?
Small bites: Community interfaith Thanksgiving celebration
Local religious organizations come together to express gratitude and donate nonperishable food items to those in need. Also: South Asheville Cemetery Association hosts a potluck; Antidote cocktail lounge holds a Harry Potter-themed competition; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
New alcohol laws transform the way local distillers do business
Among the myriad tweaks and changes to the strict and often maligned alcohol control state laws, the bill saw the reins slackened a bit on local producers of alcohol.
Small bites: Perspective Café by Food Experience opens in Asheville Art Museum
Perspective Café by Food Experience opens inside the Asheville Art Museum. Also: the season finale of Asheville Drag Brunch; Asheville Mac Attack launches; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
TDA approves $100,000 for Chow Chow festival
Last year, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority contributed $75,000 to Chow Chow through its event development incubator fund. Planning is underway for the festival’s second year, which has a projected budget of $700,000. The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13, with final dates to be confirmed in November.
Asheville-area cooking classes cover every skill level and culinary interest
With the holiday entertaining season approaching, there’s still time to learn how to create delicious entrées, bake a beautiful pie or create an impressive spread of hors d’oeuvres.
Small bites: Third annual WNC Fermenting Festival
Fermenters convene on Madison County for the third annual WNC Fermenting Festival. Also: Point Lookout Vineyards hosts murder mystery dinner; Foothills Butcher Bar Black Mountain offers Halloween candy buy-back; and more in this week’s Small bites.
Chef Silver Cousler dishes on love, authenticity and Filipino flavors
On Sunday, Oct. 27, the Gan Shan West chef de cuisine and their partner, Cherry Iocovozzi, will present the final installment of the Filipino food and natural wine pop-up series, Love Songs.
Small bites: Open Oven launches in Black Mountain
After eight years on the road, the owners of Melt Your Heart food truck have opened a new brick-and-mortar restaurant. Also: Halloween bash at Pack’s Tavern; The Blind Pig Supper club celebrates The Wizard of Oz; Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen hosts a Day of the Dead dinner; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Local food delivery drivers rely on tips to make a sustainable income
Service industry workers who bring food to customers’ doors do far more than merely drive, yet their efforts are inconsistently rewarded with the standard 20% gratuity.
Small bites: Cooking with Food Waste
In her upcoming class Meredith Leigh teaches ways to eliminate food waste. Also: Blue Cheese Festival launches; Ciao Asheville hosts pasta making class; Thanksgiving pre-orders arrive; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Women entrepreneurs lead WNC’s exploding fermentation industry
An interest in health inspired many female owners of local fermented food and beverage businesses.
Small bites: Chef Brian Canipelli launches a pair of new projects
Chef Brian Canipelli is busy with a new Wall Street eatery and South Asheville restaurant. Also: Butcher’s Table Dinner returns; Black Bear BBQ hosts a family feast; and more in this week’s Small bites.
Small bites: WNC Garlic Fest returns
From garlic honey to garlic ice cream, attendees can expect a culinary adventure at the sixth annual WNC Garlic Fest. Also: Asheville Oktoberfest, Bears Bees + Brews, Cooking with Plants culinary class and more in this week’s Small Bites
Adventure is on the menu at WNC restaurants
Some local restaurants push culinary boundaries, with palate-challenging dishes like cricket tacos, mustard ice cream, liver pudding and more.
Small bites: Asheville Coffee Expo returns to the RAD
Baristas, roasters and coffee shop owners unite for the fourth annual Asheville Coffee Expo. Also: BeLoved Asheville celebrates Puerto Rican culture and cuisine; Sunflower Diner hosts a grand opening celebration; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
A look at the resilience of Asheville’s legacy restaurants
In the restaurant industry, success rates can be shockingly low. Yet there are a handful of eateries in Asheville that have stood the test of time.
Small bites: Goombay brings it back to The Block
Goombay Celebration looks to honor The Block during this year’s festivities. Also: Fiesta Hendersonville returns; Chai Pani turns 10; White Moon introduces evening hours; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Small bites: PubCorps promotes volunteerism in Beer City
PubCorps, a new local nonprofit, launches with a volunteer event at the Asheville Masonic Temple. Also: Metro Wine hosts a Spanish tapas dinner; The Bountiful Bonanza of Bitters comes to Villagers; Looking Glass Creamery leads a cheese pairing event; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
The quest for quiet dining
People with hearing difficulties or sensitivities often struggle in Asheville’s busy restaurants and other social settings.
Small bites: Chow Chow culinary festival prepares for its debut
Chow Chow: An Asheville Culinary Event, runs Sept. 12-15. Also: Girls Gone Wine; Mr. Sushi comes to Merrimon; Monk’s Flask debuts new menu; and more in this week’s Small bites.