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.
Small bites: Blue Dream Curry House celebrates three years
Blue Dream Curry House will host an anniversary party with special plates and collaborative brews. Also: Bold Rock Hard Cider hosts a Memorial Day barbecue; Green Sage announces a new location; Buxton Hall Barbecue hosts a two-night pop-up; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Creative local students help MANNA FoodBank achieve a food drive milestone
By linking donations to friendly competitions and events and publicizing efforts on social media, Western North Carolina schools brought in more food and funds than ever before in this annual collection drive.
Small bites: Kitchen Ready Showcase Dinner spotlights New Orleans fare
Kitchen Ready graduates are set to showcase their culinary skills in the program’s capstone project. Also: A Taste of the Vineyard raises funds for Big Brother Big Sister of Henderson County; Dobra Tea hosts tasting class; Villagers offers workshops in canning and fermented alcoholic beverages; The Asheville Club opens and White Duck Taco relocates in the RAD.
Behind the food scene: A network of diverse businesses keeps Asheville’s restaurant industry cooking
A surprisingly diverse community of businesses collaborate with Western North Carolina’s hospitality sector through the Mountain Area Restaurant Vendors nonprofit group.
Veteran restaurateur Vijay Shastri brings a new concept to the former Local Provisions location
No stranger to the local restaurant business, Vijay Shastri has big plans for the space at 77 Biltmore Ave.
Small bites: Sweethearts Supper benefits Youth Transformed for Life
Youth Transformed for Life’s third annual Sweethearts Supper takes place Saturday, May 12, at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center. Also: a sampling of area Mother’s Day events.
Asheville native named James Beard Foundation 2018 Rising Star Chef of the Year
A Philadelphia pastry chef with deep Asheville roots claimed one of the top honors this year in a competition that’s widely considered to be the Oscars of the food world — the James Beard Awards. Camille Cogswell, who started on her career path in Asheville High School’s culinary arts classes and did an internship as a teenager at the West […]
Tailgate market season is here: Where to get the goods
(Go to the bottom of this article for a listing of local tailgate markets) Winter has finally loosened its grip on Western North Carolina, and that means tailgate market season is underway. While there is still some time before the full abundance of the growing season hits the markets, many farmers are already selling their […]
Plant-based paradise: Hendersonville is nourishing a growing vegan community
New restaurants and other dining options are making Hendersonville a new vegan hot spot.
Small bites: Asheville Bread Festival celebrates rye
The 14th annual Asheville Bread Festival returns at a new location. Also: The James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner, A Field Guide to Mushrooms of the Carolinas; Table hosts its second Women’s Dinner: Why We Cook, FED Talks: The Magic of Fermentation and WakuWaku Eatery opens on Merrimon Avenue.