Small Bites: Food Truck Showdown

Food Truck Showdown

Asheville’s most popular food trucks have become, ironically, culinary destinations of their own. In fact, the hunt for dinner — Where do you think El Kimchi is parked tonight? — often seems as innately satisfying as the food itself.

But Ashevilleans won’t have to look far for their favorites when more than a dozen mobile eateries gather downtown on Saturday, March 14, for the second Food Truck Showdown — “a celebration of innovative cuisine [benefiting] some of the amazing nonprofits in the Asheville area,” according to event organizer JR Yarnall.

Patrons can bring pet food, cat litter and pet toys in exchange for free on-site snuggles with Asheville Humane Society animals. Plus, DJ TJ will provide musical accompaniment to face painting by Asheville Face and Body Art throughout the day.

More than 1,500 people attended the outdoor event in its inaugural year, when Root Down claimed the singular title of Best Truck in Asheville.

This year, however, Farm to Fender, Gypsy Queen, Pho Ya Belly, El Kimchi, Latino Heat, Acropolis Pizza, Smash Box, Yellow Submarine, Twisted Root and more competitors will vie for two awards — one determined by a panel of celebrity judges and the other based on popular vote.

The system isn’t exactly democratic in that ballots must be purchased, but all funds from the voting drive (plus fees from beer wristbands and parking) will benefit the Asheville Humane Society, Montford Park Players and the Asheville Masonic Temple. “The charities are really at the heart of this for us,” says Yarnall.

The Food Truck Showdown, presented by Asheville Tattoo and Arts Expo, Pinups and Pitbulls, Yelp, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Sailor Jerry, takes place noon-8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway, with parking at Home Trust Bank, 10 Woodfin St. Admission is free.

Appalachian Vintner hosts fundraiser for local child

Appalachian Vintner will host an event on Thursday, March 12, to raise money for a local family whose 3-year-old son, Jacob, has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing extensive chemotherapy. Money raised from the event will help the family’s single mother, Joanie Peditto, cope with expenses incurred by her son’s illness. A cash donation of $10 at the door entitles guests to snacks and a glass of wine or beer provided by French Broad Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. There will be a silent auction and live music by Chris O’Neill and Brett Ramsey. As a special treat, Jacob’s brothers, Jeremy and Julian, ages 13 and 11, will demonstrate their break-dancing skills for the crowd.

6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 12, Appalachian Vintner, 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121. For details and to make donations to help the family at any time, visit appalachianvintner.com/events/fundraiser-joanie-jacob/.

Flights and Bites at Highland Brewing Co.

After a bit of rescheduling due to snowy weather in late February, Highland Brewing Co. kicked off its new yearlong, monthly Flights and Bites series on March 4, pairing samples of its beer with food from Sunburst Trout Farms. Up next on the schedule is a pairing event with Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn on Thursday, March 12. The North Asheville popcorn maker will offer tasting flights featuring its Thai spice, rosemary, pesto, peanut butter, Poppy Mix and salted caramel flavors for $7. The popcorn can be paired with a flight of Highland brews for $8. Live music will add ambiance, and admission to the taproom is free. In the coming months, look for pairings with Green River Picklers, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, No Evil Foods, Looking Glass Creamery, Asheville Bee Charmer and more.

Flights and Bites, 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway. Details at highlandbrewing.com.