The festivities — honoring the winners of this year’s Best Of survey and the Xpress readers who voted for said victors — will take place in the Meadow at Highland Brewing Co. on Thursday, Aug. 16.
Behind the wheel: A chef-farmer collaboration reboots the Ujamaa Freedom Market initiative
Through a partnership with Patchwork Urban Farms, chef Gene Ettison is leveraging a new entrepreneurial venture to bring healthy meals and grocery options to Asheville’s food deserts.
Small bites: The Affair in White returns
On Saturday, Aug. 11 the the Renaissance Asheville Hotel will host the seventh annual White Fundraiser. The event benefits the local nonprofit Loving Food Resources. Also this week: Summer at the Old Dairy Barn Harvest; The 41st annual Sourwood Festival; Cider and Cheese Pairing; and plenty more.
Changing of the guard: New chefs take the helm at Asheville favorites
What’s happens when a new chef steps into the leadership role in a well-established kitchen?
Small bites: A FEAST at Sunny Point Café
For a second consecutive year, Sunny Point Café will host a benefit dinner for FEAST. Also: Green Opportunities seeks public input; Pisgah Coffee Roasters hosts its inaugural roastery tour; Famous Toastery opens in Asheville and more.
Reclaimed crown, new competitors mark 2018 WNC Battle of the Burger
Sand Hill Kitchen nabbed its first grand prize from the panel of judges, while the Rankin Vault regained people’s choice honors after losing the crown in 2017.
Small bites: Tupelo Honey 2.0
Tupelo Honey is set to roll out its new downtown expansion. Also: WNC Battle of the Burger returns; Foraging Dinner series continues at Nightbell; AVLCakeLady and The Ettison Group present: An Evening of Dining of Excellence; and plenty more.
Small bites: Chef Brian Canipelli branches out
Burial Beer Co. joins forces with Cucina 24 chef Brian Canipelli. Also: Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival returns; Folkmoot pairs with Blind Pig Supper Club; TreeRock Social Cider House holds its inaugural Cookie-Chill-Off and plenty more Asheville food news.
Small bites: Celebrating fats
Asheville-based author and chef Meredith Leigh leads a workshop on cooking with fats. Also: Bites & Brews Food Truck Festival rolls into the Asheville Outlets; Sow True Seed hosts a free fermentation class; A Midsummer Wine Dinner comes to The Prince Anne Hotel; and The Chemist opens on Coxe Avenue.
Digging deep: Some WNC restaurants are rooted in family heritage
For many Western North Carolina chefs, having control of a menu offers a means of honoring family history and celebrating culinary heritage.
Asheville gets adventurous with frozen desserts
From Japanese kakigori to Filipino halo-halo, Asheville is serving some chilly summer treats that venture far beyond a scoop of vanilla.
Small bites: The Great North Carolina Vegan Barbecue Cookoff
On Sunday, July 8, The Block Off Biltmore will host The Great North Carolina Vegan Barbecue Cookoff. Also: La Guinguette offers an American Wine Dinner; AUX Bar (On Fire) Guest Chef series continues; Macaron & Mimosa Flights; The Blind Pig presents: Pop Sugar; and a wine dinner with Bibiana González Rave
Small bites: Mead and cupcakes at TreeRock Social Cider House
TreeRock Social Cider House and Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen team up for an afternoon of sweets and drinks. Also: Dobra Tea Black Mountain announces closing date, Shrimp at the Farm returns, local breweries fight food insecurity through Hops for Hunger, The Fresh Market adds to its Local Program and Cúrate makes the list of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2018.
Sustainability has multiple meanings for Asheville restaurants
From environmentally friendly takeout packaging to local sourcing to surviving on razor-thin profit margins, Asheville-area food businesses look at sustainability from multiple perspectives.
Small bites: Looking back on Asheville’s grocery scene
Local historians Nan Chase and Terry Taylor offer a talk on the history of Asheville’s grocery stores. Also: White Labs hosts The Summer of Fermentation; the latest art exhibit opens inside Posana Restaurant, Bouchon rolls out La Fête and plenty more Asheville food news.
MANNA FoodBank hosts annual Blue Jean Ball despite flooding
Every year, MANNA FoodBank hosts a feast to fight famine with its annual Blue Jean Ball. Since 1983, the nonprofit has worked to involve, educate and unite people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina, and for nearly 20 years, this signature event has raised money to support those efforts. This year’s 19th Blue […]
Small bites: Trout Lily Market & Deli expands with new owner
Biltmore Coffee Roasters and Trout Lily Market & Deli join as one. Also: The Great American Jerk Off returns; Tod’s Tasties hosts its annual Father’s Day cookout; The Chop Shop Butchery hosts a whole hog workshop; and several local restaurants are recognized at the 39th annual Griffin Awards.
The Burger Bar gets a new owner
Employee Crystal Capettini bought the bar with the intention of preserving its historic dive bar character.
Sexual harassment is rampant in local restaurants
Whether its from coworkers, customers or management, sexual harassment is an issue in Asheville’s restaurants and bars.
Small bites: A La Mode Macaron opens on Merrimon Avenue
A La Mode Macaron brings its interpretation of the European sweet treat to North Asheville. Also: VegOut returns, No Taste Like Home hosts Wildcrafted Cocktails and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Small bites: Fourth Asheville VeganFest brings new events
The Asheville VeganFest returns with three-days of festivities. Also: MANNA FoodBank hosts its 19th annual Blue Jean Ball, Mini-VegFest debuts, The Black Jar Honey Tasting returns and The Southern Kitchen and Bar closes.