In this week’s food news, a Food Connection dance challenge, new bakery developments and a hot-chicken discount for healthcare workers.
Local commerce organizations adapt to pandemic
While much attention has been paid to the struggles of individual businesses that have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic, Asheville’s business organizations, which provide a critical framework for entrepreneurs to network, collaborate and market their wares, have also taken a hit.
BrightFarms grows hydroponic greens in new Henderson County greenhouse
The 280,000-square-foot structure will produce over 2 million pounds of leafy salad greens a year to be shipped daily to local retailers.
What’s new in food: Asheville plans a nutritional food hub
Asheville Parks and Recreation surveys residents for a new wellness-focused food hub, April is Food Waste Reduction Month, Ivory Road Café & Kitchen hosts Macarons & Mimosas, and more local food news.
Tailgate markets use 2020 hindsight to roll out fresh plans for 2021
After a mad scramble to reinvent themselves last spring, WNC’s neighborhood tailgate markets look ahead to the 2021 growing seaso
WNC Food Justice Planning Initiative collaborates for system change
The initiative has identified six strategies: healthy food distribution, community gardens, agriculture networks, food waste, cooking and nutrition education, and the development of a regional food council.
Spring brings new opportunities for local restaurants and food companies
We Give a Share plans to increase its capacity, Cúrate Spanish Wine Club hosts a series of virtual wine tastings and cooking demos and chef Susi Gott Séguret relaunches her popular Madison County foraging and dining expeditions, plus more local food news.
What’s new in food: Healthy eats, tasty treats, riverside dining
In this week’s local food news, chefs Eric Morris and Daniel Rider bring farm-fresh breakfast to the ASAP Farmers Market, Asheville Beauty Academy hosts Queen Mum High Tea, Summit Coffee opens a new location in the Grove Arcade and more.
Teaching kids to cook feeds culinary curiosity and builds confidence
Local chefs and cooking instructors offer tips for helping kids learn kitchen fundamentals.
Restaurateurs battered by the pandemic keep their dreams alive
Closing a restaurant is complicated, costly and emotional say three restaurateurs who made that difficult decision in 2020 and are still navigating the after effects and determining what’s next.
Restaurants reopen after winter sabbaticals
With spring just around the corner, restaurants are shaking off the dust from their winter breaks.
Commercial kitchens help food entrepreneurs realize their visions
Blue Ridge Food Ventures is the largest facility in the region offering rented kitchen, production and storage space. But several others have launched in recent years to help meet the needs and realize the dreams of Western North Carolina’s food and beverage visionaries.
What’s new in food: Veggie tales, ungraped wine, Nani’s flies the coop and more
Handmade skirts highlighting locally grown foods, a new homegrown delivery service from Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken, a class on country winemaking, local nonprofit news and more.
Black chefs forge their own paths in Asheville’s food scene
The increased attention and plaudits paid to high-profile Black chefs in America in recent years simultaneously sheds ambient light on their overall scarcity.
What’s new in food: Wine, dine and eat more chocolate
From prix fixe dinners with a view to bonbons to heart-shaped dog biscuits, local businesses are offering tasty ways to say “I love you” for Valentine’s Day.
What’s new in food: Your Place plus empanadas, pizza and nonprofits
A new concept takes over Foothills Butcher Bar West, plus empanadas, a new pizzeria and nonprofit news.
Boredom, stress and confinement lead to weight gain during pandemic
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.