Small Bites

Photo By Jonathan Welch

Birdhouse Café: Mike and Sharon Malone, who’ve catered locally under the name My Thyme is Your Thyme for the last seven years, have opened a retail shop in the former Green Apple Café location at 418 McDowell St. in Asheville. Birdhouse Café and Sweet Shop is serving sandwiches, paninis and salads on weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. “Everything is homemade: the tuna salad, the egg salad, the chicken salad,” Mike Malone says, “and we’re using organic vegetables whenever possible.” As trained chocolatiers, the Malones have also put truffles and chocolate-dipped strawberries on their menu. “We were blessed to find this location,” adds Malone, a double-amputee who decided to get into the lunch business after losing his legs. “Basically, we’re a little older, so we wanted something simple. This fits the bill.” For more information, call 252-2466.

Earth Grill: Earth Fare has announced the debut of Earth Grill, an environmentally friendly burgers-and-fries concept at its Hendersonville Road location. “South Asheville needed a place that catered to customers who enjoy this type of food, but don’t want synthetic hormones, antibiotics, refined sugar and nitrites,” says Debby Chatterton, assistant food-service manager. That type of food includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers and grilled cheese, made with “fresh, local ingredients” such as Hickory Nut Gap pork and beef and Springer Mountain chicken. Veggie burgers and vegan dogs are also on the menu. The grill is open daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Moose Café: The Moose Café claims it’s taking its pop-culture cues from reality television with its “So You Think You Can Cook?” challenge, but the contest may have more in common with Invincible, the biopic chronicling bartender Vince Papale’s long-shot bid to win a spot on his favorite pro football team. Here’s how it works: Moose Café, adulated by fans of down-home country cooking, is soliciting Southern-style recipes on its Web site through Aug. 1. The top five recipes, as chosen by Moose management, will be featured on a single plate and offered as a special, along with a ballot. Each week, the lowest vote-getter’s photo will be removed from the restaurant’s wall, and his or her contribution from the plate. The last chef standing will receive $100 and—best of all—the café will add the winning recipe to its permanent menu. To enter, go to eatatthemoosecafe.com.

Over Easy: Tuesdays have long been take-it-easy days at Over Easy Café, the justly popular breakfast-and-lunch joint at 32 Broadway in downtown Asheville. But the restaurant recently adjusted its hours, and is now open every day but Monday.

Pineapple Jacks To Go: Pineapple Jacks has returned to West Asheville, under the name Pineapple Jacks to Go. The sandwich-and-smoothie shop is now offering bike delivery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Orders may be placed online at www.pineapplejackstogo.com. Dine-in and take-out are also available. Call 253-8860 to learn more.

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