Baristas, roasters and coffee shop owners unite for the fourth annual Asheville Coffee Expo. Also: BeLoved Asheville celebrates Puerto Rican culture and cuisine; Sunflower Diner hosts a grand opening celebration; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
A look at the resilience of Asheville’s legacy restaurants
In the restaurant industry, success rates can be shockingly low. Yet there are a handful of eateries in Asheville that have stood the test of time.
Small bites: Goombay brings it back to The Block
Goombay Celebration looks to honor The Block during this year’s festivities. Also: Fiesta Hendersonville returns; Chai Pani turns 10; White Moon introduces evening hours; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Small bites: PubCorps promotes volunteerism in Beer City
PubCorps, a new local nonprofit, launches with a volunteer event at the Asheville Masonic Temple. Also: Metro Wine hosts a Spanish tapas dinner; The Bountiful Bonanza of Bitters comes to Villagers; Looking Glass Creamery leads a cheese pairing event; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
The quest for quiet dining
People with hearing difficulties or sensitivities often struggle in Asheville’s busy restaurants and other social settings.
Small bites: Chow Chow culinary festival prepares for its debut
Chow Chow: An Asheville Culinary Event, runs Sept. 12-15. Also: Girls Gone Wine; Mr. Sushi comes to Merrimon; Monk’s Flask debuts new menu; and more in this week’s Small bites.
Small bites: Shanghai Dumpling House opens on Biltmore Ave.
Shanghai Dumpling House is one of the latest restaurants to open downtown, taking over the former site of Doc Chey’s Noodle House. Also: RosaBees opens in the RAD, Inconceivable Cafe opens in Hendersonville and more in the latest Small bites.
Partnership for Appalachian Girls’ Education explores mountain foodways
“I see a potential for these girls not just to get educated and inspired and leave, but to take that inspiration and figure out how to instill it in their communities and create a better future,” says historian and baker Maia Surdam of the 10-year-old program.
Small bites: Help for Hendo
Free meals and haircuts return to Sanctuary Brewing Co. Also: Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen announces new dinner series; Chefs for Seniors launches in Buncombe County; Skybar announces its closing; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Q+A with chef Amber Whitt of the Princess Anne Hotel
Only in her early 20s, the chef has a flair for whimsical pastry and a soft heart for mentoring young people.
Small bites: The Bier Garden celebrates 25 years
The Bier Garden hosts a seafood boil to celebrate its 25 year anniversary. Also: TreeRock Social Cider House and Appalachian Chic Food Truck team up for slider and cider pairing; chef Witt Pinkerton hosts a pop-up at Doc Brown’s BBQ; The Lord’s Acre rebrands; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Asheville restaurants discuss efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle
From 5-gallon plastic buckets to drinking straws, local restaurants look for ways to keep plastics and other materials out of the landfill.
Small bites: ASAP’s Local Food Experience returns
Entering its fourth year, ASAP’s Local Food Experience returns to New Belgium Brewing Co. on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. Also: Hole Doughnuts hosts book signing; Soverign Remedies teams up with OWL Bakery; and more.
Ben’s Friends Asheville supports restaurant workers coping with substance abuse
The volunteer-driven program offers recovery support groups that leverage the camaraderie inherent in the food and beverage industry.
Local meal subscription services deliver zero-prep dinner options
As national subscription meal services like Freshly and Sakara gain popularity, similar homegrown businesses are finding success in WNC with locally produced ingredients.
Small bites: MG Road bids adieu
MG Road will close on Aug. 3. Owner Meherwan Irani plans to use the space as a downstairs lobby bar for his restaurant, Chai Pani. Also: Asheville Tea Co. and Franny’s Farm host a hemp tea party; Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. teams up with Luella’s Bar-B-Que; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Bountiful Cities plans Buncombe County’s first food hub
The proposed two-story pavilion would provide cold storage, processing space, a value-added kitchen and more for local community gardens.
Asheville’s new wave of culinary competitions aims to dismantle barriers
The local culinary competition scene has seen significant changes over the years as organizers embrace new approaches and strive to increase inclusivity.
Small bites: Weaverville Tailgate Market hosts salsa contest
Got a winning salsa recipe? Consider entering the Weaverville Tailgate Market’s latest competition. Also: EmtTea Bowls returns to Black Mountain; The Chop Shop introduces its latest cooking series; and more.
Small bites: Pepperpalooza features treats with heat
Peppers take center stage for the inaugural Pepperpalooza, hosted by the West Asheville Tailgate Market. Also: Lookout Brewing Co. throws its annual wild game potluck; The Red Rocker Inn hosts a barbecue and bluegrass dinner; and more.
Small bites: Ole Shakey’s hosts dog show
Greatest grin, sickest trick and bodacious booty are among the categories at Ole Shakey’s Best in Show dog competition. Also: Punk Rock Hot Dog Challenge; Brews, bears and wine; and more.