The inaugural Harvest Festival kicks off at the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens. Also: White Labs Asheville hosts its latest fermented pairing class; Twin Leaf and Whisk AVL team up; Fiesta Hendersonville returns; and plenty more.
King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffle to close, making way for new Early Girl Eatery
The Early Girl’s owners say King Daddy’s will shutter on Thursday, Sept. 20, with the new restaurant opening on Wednesday, Sept. 26.
MANNA FoodBank rolls out new mobile food initiatives
With new plans for a pantry on wheels and a pop-up market program that can connect with untapped collaborators, MANNA FoodBank rounds out almost five years of work aimed at addressing health inequities among WNC’s most vulnerable populations.
Small bites: Madison County Beekeepers Association hosts honey tasting contest
On Monday, Sept. 17, the Madison County Beekeepers Association will host a honey-tasting contest, recipe competition and potluck. Also: Pedal to Plate returns; Highland Brewing Co. hosts Grapes, Grains and Graham; The Asheville School of Wine hosts its latest series of classes; and plenty more.
Asheville Wine & Food Festival takes a break, new local festival emerges
Asheville Wine & Food Festival founder and director Bob Bowles says he faced challenges in securing a suitable location for this year’s event. In the meantime, a group of local chefs and business owners are making headway with plans for a new food and beverage festival with an experiential focus for 2019.
Small bites: Local Food Experience returns to New Belgium Brewing Co.
On Thursday, Sept. 13, ASAP will bring farmers and restaurants together in its third annual Local Food Experience. Also: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. rolls out a collaborative pizza series; Oak and Grist Distilling Co. celebrates its first bottle release; Asheville Community Garden Network hosts its annual dinner; and more.
Christy Lynn Band prepares new material for LAAF
On Sunday, Sept. 2, the Christy Lynn Band will take the stage as one of the many musical acts perfuming at the Living Asheville Arts Festival on Lexington Avenue.
Author Michael Twitty traces the roots of Southern cuisine at WNC events
The award-winning author of The Cooking Gene will speak at the upcoming Carolina Mountain Literary Festival and UNC Asheville’s annual Farm-to-Table Dinner on the Quad as well as in the 2018 UNC Asheville Greenfest keynote lecture at Lipinsky Hall.
Small bites: plēb urban winery opens in the RAD
On Saturday, Sept. 1, plēb urban winery celebrates its grand opening in the River Arts District. Also: Postero hosts a fundraiser for Pisgah Legal Service; Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop teams up with Three Eggs Cakery; the North Carolina Apple Festival returns; and more.
Substance abuse is a complex problem for Asheville’s restaurant industry
Local workers, counselors and restaurant leadership discuss how the industry-wide problem affects Asheville’s food scene.
Small bites: The Hop Ice Cream Café turns 40
On Tuesday, Aug. 28, The Hop Ice Cream Café celebrates its 40th year with free kiddie scoops of ice cream for all patrons and a musical performance by Sirius.B. Also: BaconFest Asheville returns, as does Vegan Awareness Week and plenty more.
In Photos: Best of WNC party at Highland Brewing Co.
In a celebration of all things voted Best of WNC in 2018, Mountain Xpress and Highland Brewing Co. (winner in several beer and brewery categories) partnered to throw a party for the second year in a row. With nearly double the attendance from the previous year, the fun was flowing in Asheville.
Small bites: Eliada Farms Week
Eliada Farms Weeks kicks off Saturday, Aug. 18 at Soverign Remembers. Also: Ben’s Tune Up hosts Slushie Fest; West Asheville Tailgate Market throws a block party; Haywood Street Congregation introduces WelcomeFEST 2018 and more in this week’s Small Bites
You’re invited: Best of WNC 2018 party
The festivities — honoring the winners of this year’s Best Of survey and the Xpress readers who voted for said victors — will take place in the Meadow at Highland Brewing Co. on Thursday, Aug. 16.
Behind the wheel: A chef-farmer collaboration reboots the Ujamaa Freedom Market initiative
Through a partnership with Patchwork Urban Farms, chef Gene Ettison is leveraging a new entrepreneurial venture to bring healthy meals and grocery options to Asheville’s food deserts.
Small bites: The Affair in White returns
On Saturday, Aug. 11 the the Renaissance Asheville Hotel will host the seventh annual White Fundraiser. The event benefits the local nonprofit Loving Food Resources. Also this week: Summer at the Old Dairy Barn Harvest; The 41st annual Sourwood Festival; Cider and Cheese Pairing; and plenty more.
Changing of the guard: New chefs take the helm at Asheville favorites
What’s happens when a new chef steps into the leadership role in a well-established kitchen?
Small bites: A FEAST at Sunny Point Café
For a second consecutive year, Sunny Point Café will host a benefit dinner for FEAST. Also: Green Opportunities seeks public input; Pisgah Coffee Roasters hosts its inaugural roastery tour; Famous Toastery opens in Asheville and more.
Reclaimed crown, new competitors mark 2018 WNC Battle of the Burger
Sand Hill Kitchen nabbed its first grand prize from the panel of judges, while the Rankin Vault regained people’s choice honors after losing the crown in 2017.
Small bites: Tupelo Honey 2.0
Tupelo Honey is set to roll out its new downtown expansion. Also: WNC Battle of the Burger returns; Foraging Dinner series continues at Nightbell; AVLCakeLady and The Ettison Group present: An Evening of Dining of Excellence; and plenty more.
Small bites: Chef Brian Canipelli branches out
Burial Beer Co. joins forces with Cucina 24 chef Brian Canipelli. Also: Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival returns; Folkmoot pairs with Blind Pig Supper Club; TreeRock Social Cider House holds its inaugural Cookie-Chill-Off and plenty more Asheville food news.