Local restaurants plan for Father’s Day. Also: Asheville Bee Charmer celebrates its fifth anniversary, Chris Smith leads an okra workshop and more.
The gospel of okra: Chris Smith’s new book urges us all to embrace the slime
In The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration, the author defends a vegetable that’s long been maligned by millions.
Small bites: Asheville VeganFest
Asheville VeganFest returns under new leadership. Also: French Broad Chocolate’s Cookies & Creamery celebrates its grand opening; The Block Off Biltmore hosts a hemp food challenge; the 8th annual International Honey Tasting Competition returns; and more.
Mastering the etiquette of the tablet tip
To tip or not to tip? And if you do tip, how much? Those are the questions for many as more Asheville-area counter service food and beverage businesses adopt tablet point-of-sale systems.
Small bites: The Golden Garden Party returns to Fairview
The 12th annual Golden Garden Party returns, raising funds for international food efforts. Also: Green Opportunities Kitchen Ready hosts latest showcase dinner; YMCA offers family cooking classes; serviceberries are in bloom; and more.
Small Bites: Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. eyes the future
Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. recently received a $50,000 grant from NC IDEA, which is being used to help the company expand its staff and reach. Also: Bone & Broth teams up with Metro Wines; Green Opportunities Southside Kitchen prepares a free community cookout; The Lord’s Acre hosts its annual square dance; and more.
Tourism industry supports local nonprofits
“We are continually amazed by the philanthropic nature of our culinary and hospitality community here and how generous they are to the local community,” says Mary Nesbitt, chief development officer of Asheville-based hunger relief nonprofit MANNA FoodBank.
One WNC veteran’s struggles with food insecurity
According to Feeding America, 20 percent of the more than 46 million people who access the organization’s national network of food banks each year are part of households that include someone who’s served or is serving in the U.S. military.
Small bites: Café Israel returns to Congregation Beth Israel
Entering its 13th year, Café Israel returns to Congregation Beth Israel. Also: The Golden Pineapple opens; Asheville Food Truck Showdown rolls back into town; Metro Wines hosts a riesling class; and more.
Fun, food-focused ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in WNC
From a chocolate-making class to a drag show brunch, the Asheville area has plenty of ways to make Mother’s Day exciting.
Small bites: Brews and Bears
Brews and Bears returns to the WNC Nature Center with the launch of its monthly summer event series on Friday, May 10. Also: Rhubarb hosts a honey-tasting event; Food For Your Fingers opens; Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues closes; and more.
Successful Asheville restaurants write their own recipes for out-of-state expansion
Local restaurant owners discuss the strategies and motivations behind their expansions.
Small bites: Cultura opens on the South Slope
Jacob Sessoms joins forces with Wicked Weed Brewing. Also: Cinco de Mayo events, Curragh Chase pop-ups, Early Girl Eatery heads to North Asheville and more local food news.
Koji claims the culinary spotlight
Local fermentation expert Meredith Leigh will present a workshop on preserving food with the koji mold at the Mother Earth News Fair.
Small bites: French-Canadian cuisine at Sawhorse
Chef Dan Silo opens Sawhorse on New Leicester Highway. Also: Cider, Wine and Dine weekend returns to Henderson County; Azalea Bistro launches in Saluda; Community Table hosts its latest Empty Bowl fundraiser for MANNA FoodBank and more local food news.
Small bites: Do-nut Thro-down at The Asheville Masonic Temple
Local and regional doughnut shops will vie for the top prize at the 2019 Do-but Thro-down and Bake Sale. Also: A look at Easter-related food events; Taste of Black Asheville; and more.
The growing debate over raw milk
Enthusiasts say milk that hasn’t been pasteurized contains more nutrients; opponents say it may contain dangerous germs. Although it’s currently illegal in North Carolina to purchase raw milk for human consumption, the Small Dairy Sustainability Act would establish statewide standards for its production.
Small bites: Custom cakes come to New Leicester Highway
AVL Cake Lady opens on New Leicester Highway. Also: Sawhorse launches its French Canadian cuisine menu; Early Girl Eatery hosts a weekly pop-up market; and more.
When can we expect automated restaurants in Asheville?
“More than anything, automation has made work more manageable, and also it’s made the management of items and data more simple,” says Randy Talley, co-owner of the certified green and sustainability-focused Green Sage Cafe.
Small bites: AUX Bar pays it forward
AUX Bar launches its new wooden nickel program to help provide meals to those in need. Also: tailgate markets open for the season, Green Opportunities hosts its latest Kitchen Ready Showcase Dinner, MG Road celebrates a new look, and more Asheville food news.
Farm to Home Milk brings back home delivery with a dash of poetry
Owner Jonathon Flaum has found a sustainable model for a whimsical notion.