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.
Tailgate markets seed bountiful relationships between farmers and chefs
Deep bonds forged between local farmers and chefs at area markets feed Asheville’s culinary creativity.
Small bites: Our Global Table celebrates international cuisine
Our Global Table celebrates cultural diversity while raising funds for Pisgah Legal Services. Also: Independence Day celebrations; an amateur bake off; and more.
Some brick-and-mortars in the Asheville food and beverage scene are going mobile
It’s common for food truck owners to aspire to one day transition to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but sometimes that dynamic is reversed.
Small bites: Vegan Barbecue Cookoff returns
The BLOCK Off Biltmore will host the second consecutive Great North Carolina Vegan Barbecue Cookoff. Also: The Market Place Restaurant celebrates 40 years; Tupelo Honey hosts pairing brunch; and more.
Small bites: Noble Cider’s The Greenhouse opens on Rankin Avenue
Located on Rankin Avenue, Noble Cider’s The Greenhouse will host its grand opening Friday, June 21. Also: SouthEast Crab Feast comes to town; the Mountain Jewish Festival returns; and more.
Appetite for Life: Four things to do with blueberries
There are numerous ways beyond pies and jams to enjoy Western North Carolina’s plentiful summer blueberries.
Local bakers reflect on the shape-shifting alchemy of sourdough starters
Seven Western North Carolina bakers discuss the role their fermenting, bubbling starters play in their bread operations.
Small bites: Father’s Day food events
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.