Local chef Aaron McGlynn has big plans for 2020. Also: Chow Chow festival organizers host community input forums; The Asheville Hot Chocolate Races returns; The Chop Shop Butchery hosts its latest workshop; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Jane Anderson: Growth and resilience flavored Asheville’s restaurant industry in 2019
The executive director of Asheville Independent Restaurants looks back at a year of success and change for Western North Carolina’s food scene.
Veteran restaurant reviewer Kay West’s top five Asheville discoveries of 2019
After more than 30 years writing about Nashville’s dining scene, Kay West reflects on some culinary highlights of her first year in Asheville.
Small bites: The business formerly known as District Wine Bar
Following a trademark dispute, District Wine Bar has announced it’s in the processing of changing its name. Also: The Scarlet Bee plans a dim sum pop-up. And if you need plans for New Year’s Eve, we’ve got you covered.
Chill Cereal Bar & Cafe is a mother-and-son venture
Patricia and Elijah Waters take their cereal-focused pop-up concept to events from bridal showers to volunteer group meetings.
Small bites: Home for the Holidays Fundraiser returns
Several local restaurants and breweries are participating in the eighth annual Home for the Holidays Fundraiser. Also: Southern Appalachian Brewery hosts Gospel Brunch with Redneck Mimosa; The Cut Cocktail Lounge in Sylva celebrates Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Nan Chase revisits Asheville’s former restaurants
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library will host a launch party for the release of Nan Chase’s latest book, Lost Restaurants of Asheville. The event includes a talk by the author, followed by a book signing. The event runs from 6-7 p.m.
Small bites: Deluxe opens in Woodfin
Deluxe, a cafe and wine bar, recently opened on the eastern edge of Woodfin. Also: Love Never Fails Christmas Gala returns; the winner of this year’s Biscuit & Gravy Battle will earn $1,000; Your Vegan Mentor and Sunflower Diner host a vegan cookie swap; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Asheville restaurants struggle with the lunch slump
A number of local restaurants are choosing to do away with their lunch menus as midday service proves to be less financially viable.
Small bites: In the North Carolina Spirit
Local culinary and beverage specialists are teaming up to donate food, funds and holiday gifts to local families in need. Also: Asheville Tea Co. hosts a holiday tea and pastry pairing; Four Sisters Bakery teams up with Black Mountain Recreation and Parks; Mamacita’s Taco Temple holds a tequila dinner; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Small bites: World AIDS Day Community Luncheon
HIV and the trans experience is the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day Community Luncheon. Also: Miracle on Haywood Road and Sippin’ Santa launch; Vivian hosts Hungarian wine dinner; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Small bites: Thanksgiving dining options
Not in the mood to cook this Thanksgiving? Not to worry! There are plenty of Thanksgiving options in and around Asheville. Also: Double D’s celebrates 20 years; Southern Storytellers Supper Series hosts latest event; and more in this week’s Small bites.
WNC school food pantries and programs fill gaps in student food access
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.