Owners of the Double Crown, and now the Lazy Diamond, say the expansion was a move to bolster the quirky, often rough-around-the-edges essence of Asheville — despite their hometown’s evolution into something more tourist-centric.
Modern mead: Is honey wine Asheville’s next big thing?
The mention of mead is likely to bring to mind Vikings and Renaissance fairs rather than sophisticated sipping and food pairings. But times and tastes are changing, and some locals have their sights set on modernizing perceptions and knocking the dust off the ancient drink’s faded appeal. One of these mead mavens is Fairview resident […]
2014’s greatest hits: The year’s most-viewed stories at Mountainx.com
While not quite as attention-getting as the impending end of the world would’ve been, the “tube-ocalypse” sucked in a drove of zombie-hungry readers this year: The most-viewed story on Mountainx.com in 2014 was “Asheville Tries for Tubing World Record with ‘Zombie Float.’” Here’s a look at the the top-10 most-viewed stories.
Cheers to the new year: Holiday tipples for the home bar
It’s amazing how a little whiskey allows the continuous sniveling of your cousin’s little ankle-biters to fade into the distance like white noise. Here to assist in your holiday relief are a few recipes from local bartenders and their cocktail menus.
Asheville Wine Market has new owner, new focus on independent wineries
After 21 years of continuous ownership, the Asheville Wine Market has officially changed hands. Opened in 1993 by Eberhard Heide after he left Weinhaus, the store became Asheville’s second wine shop. But rather than a buyout, this takeover seems more like a passing of the scepter.
Small Bites: Downton Abbey in downtown Asheville
The new year will bring a fresh dinner theater experience to Asheville — one that will be of particular interest to fans of the British television series “Downton Abbey.” On Sunday evenings starting Jan. 4, downtown restaurant Lex 18 will offer live viewings of the popular BBC program while re-creating an aristocratic 1920s meal in […]
Asheville cocktail spots raise the bar on bar food
Bar food in Asheville has turned swanky. After all, noshes have to be as elegant as Asheville’s increasingly classy craft cocktail offerings. Think Fred Astaire in coattails dancing with Ginger Rogers in rags. It just wouldn’t do. So, Asheville chefs have ratcheted up the swish in bar offerings with festive fare including small-plate dinners.
Small Bites: Holiday market, winemaking evaluations, Tea Time and more
News on indoor holiday markets, a winter community potluck, evaluations for amateur winemakers and a free tasting of Alpine cheeses.
Thanksgiving in a glass: Seasonal cocktails for Thursday’s feast
As far as Thanksgiving beverages go, Xpress has covered beer pairings, and we’ve covered wine. But cocktails allow room for copious creativity — and can even incorporate ingredients from off the dinner menu.
Perfect pairings: Asheville wine shops offer Thanksgiving options
Garrison Keillor once said, “Thanksgiving is the closest Americans will ever come to understanding the Middle East conflict.” And while most of our dinner tables might not get quite that explosive, it is always wise to keep some wine on hand as a welcomed social lubricant.
Top of the Monk event to spotlight bourbon and the Manhattan
No plans for hump day? How about Whiskey Wednesday at Thirsty Monk?
5 questions with Bordeaux winemaker Michele D’Aprix
Michele D’Aprix fell in love with winemaking in the late ’90s. Now, armed with a University of California-Davis degree in enology and viticulture, years of hands-on winery experience and an attitude that mixes equal parts charisma and quick wit, D’Aprix makes the perfect American ambassador to France. D’Aprix, currently the only female American winemaker in […]
Freedom of the press: Do-it-yourself apple cider
Asheville resident Peter Pfister makes his own hard apple cider from fruit he scavenges from trees in Buncombe County. Click through for the story, a hyperlapse video of an apple-pressing and two hard cider recipes from Black Mountain Ciderworks.
Beer Scout: Noble Cider goes west
Since late 2013, it was clear the current Noble Cider facility on the edge of town in Arden would be a temporary home. “We’ve been working out of a shared portion of a commercial park. … Our production space is tight,” says Baker.
Of Time And The French Broad River
Art and literature unite for the sake of the French Broad River on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Of Time And The River. The ticketed art exhibition is a benefit for RiverLink. This event takes place at Sol’s Reprieve (11 Richland St.), a multiuse meeting space and spiritual arts center located on the west side of […]
Sip and Speak language series pairs wine and words
“This is about the fusion of two passions,” says French instructor and wine enthusiast Allison Weems, explaining the inspiration behind her new continuing education series, Sip and Speak. The Asheville French School founder approached Metro Wines owners Gina Trippi and John Kerr earlier this year with the idea of offering in-store classes exploring basic language […]
Taste of Our Carolina Foothills wine and food festival
The Our Carolina Foothills campaign will host the inaugural Taste of Our Carolina Foothills wine and food festival on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon. The event is a fundraiser for the Our Carolina Foothills public relations campaign to create awareness about and promote tourism in Landrum, Tryon, Saluda and Columbus. Visitors will […]
Meet and eat: Asheville food and drink meetups nourish community
Everybody has a thing. And regardless of whether that thing is Boston terriers, hiking with small children, drinking wine or paranormal activity, Meetup.com offers a way for strangers with similar interests to connect with each other and cultivate friendships. Created by Scott Heiferman who was inspired by the camaraderie shown by New Yorkers in the wake of 9/11, the website […]
A cure for all ills: Sovereign Remedies opens for business
After several months of anticipation, Sovereign Remedies, Asheville’s new farm-to-glass cocktail haven, opened last week.
The long hello: Permitting issues drag on for South Slope ventures
Driving by the old Standard Paper Sales building, you can see construction workers carrying equipment in and out and hear the sounds of loud machinery. Vortex had originally planned to open in the space in June, and four other South Slope businesses had their sights on the space for September. As the summer slips away, you can’t help but wonder what’s holding up those projects.
‘Bitter is better:’ Plant adds classic cocktails
“We’re indebted to all the classic cocktails,” explains Plant chef and owner Jason Sellers, pointing out the theme of the vegan restaurant’s new cocktail menu. He says the drinks are pre-prohibition, pre-martini cocktails, most of which contain at least one substituted ingredient.