“Launching my own business during a global pandemic was one of the best things I have done. It has taught me a great deal about who I am and ignited my admiration and passion for Cantonese food all over again. I am most grateful for the camaraderie and meaningful relationships among our Asheville restaurant industry […]
Food news roundup: Buddha bowls, KC barbecue and more
Chef Randy Dunn opens Zen Hen in Hendersonville, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ offers Kansas City ‘cue, HomeGrown and Proving Ground Coffee join forces, and more local food news.
Ben’s Friends supports restaurant workers with sobriety through the holidays
The Ben’s Friends Asheville chapter has resumed in-person meetings, and new late-night virtual gatherings provide support just when many service workers in recovery need it most.
Aaron Grier is thankful for new bonds
“It’s been a rough and scary year with the normal avenues for selling our produce turned on their ear. But the meaningful relationships we had with some of our chefs before the pandemic have grown unbreakably stronger. To quote chef Kikkoman Shaw at Southside Kitchen, ‘It has brought a lot of us together who might […]
Chef Dan Silo is grateful for smiles
“I’m incredibly grateful for the community that Sawhorse has managed to cultivate, both among our guests and our staff. Our guests have been overwhelmingly supportive and understanding throughout the pandemic, and our staff has somehow managed to maintain a smile and a work ethic I’ll never forget.” – Dan Silo, chef and owner of Sawhorse
Chef Jamie Wade celebrates the sunny side
“Gratitude is something that takes cultivating in times like these when business owners like me are navigating huge changes. It is good to have people around you to help you see the sunny side of things and the realistic side of things, and for those people, those conversations, my staff and the community support for […]
Small is the new big for Thanksgiving in the age of COVID
From work pod parties to outdoor dining with friends, Asheville chefs and restaurant owners are finding new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2020.
Thanksgiving meal options from WNC restaurants, butcher shops
Menu options, order deadlines and pickup details for a few Asheville-area Thanksgiving takeout feasts.
From NC Health News: More farmworker women are bringing their children to work during the pandemic
Throughout this year’s agricultural season, migrant farmworkers have struggled to find child care for young kids who would usually spend their days in classrooms.
Asheville Strong launches Feed Our City initiative
Asheville Strong’s newest initiative, Feed Our City, takes its concept from Restaurants for the People, a COVID-response program launched in mid-May by Spanish chef and humanitarian Jose Andres through his World Central Kitchen nonprofit.
Grocery stores give more during the holiday season
Food Lion and Ingles are increasing their support of WNC food banks as food insecurity grows and the holidays approach.
WNC food banks gear up for winter
The directors of MANNA FoodBank, Bounty & Soul and Beacon of Hope say their organizations are persevering to meet the community’s ongoing need in an ever-shifting landscape.
Whirly Bird Ice Cream opens with made-to-order frozen treats
Whirly Bird recently opened its order window inside Asheville Sandwich Company, piquing the curiosity of people waiting for their sandwiches.
Food news: Reopenings, new restaurants and virtual gingerbread houses
Cousins Cuban Café launches in Black Mountain, Rhubarb and Cucina 24 reopen their dining rooms, The Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition offers a virtual cooking class series, and more local food news.
Restaurant delivery services continue to adapt to new demands
As winter approaches, an uptick in business could be on the menu for local meal delivery services.
What’s new in food: Openings and events in and around Asheville
Addissae reopens, Avenue M hosts a Sunday Supper Series, Cultivated Cocktails offers a spirited Halloween event and more local food and beverage news.
Asheville Independent Restaurant Association fights to help members stay aloft
The organization has been forced to cancel it’s two biggest annual fundraisers, but it continues to support the city’s local restaurant industry.
Friendship is the secret ingredient at Twisted Trap Dinners
Inspired by their fast friendship and nearly identical cooking and childhood backgrounds, chefs Zakeya Cheeks and Victoria Wilson quit their jobs in October and launched Twisted Trap Dinners, a food truck and catering business that serves what Wilson calls “gastro soul.”
WNC Fermentation Festival goes online
The annual event has pivoted its 2020 efforts to offering a curated collection of locally made fermented foods and beverages.
No tricks, just treats for Halloween 2020
Local bakers celebrate Halloween with the flavors or pumpkin spice, caramel apple, sweet potato, candy corn and more.
Women steer local online grocery concepts
Mother Earth Food and Zadie’s Market have navigated the challenge of coordinating product sourcing, order fulfillment and delivery processes to create online grocery businesses that support local farms and producers.