From the patio of the Silver Fork Winery’s tasting room, visitors can survey all five acres of vineyards. The night of my visit, a hot sun hung over the summer-green mountain peaks, but the wine in our glasses was nice and cold. About 20 strangers mingled, introducing themselves and clinking glasses. It was Silver Fork’s […]
Smart bets: Crafts and Drafts
All are welcome to attend the free pop-up craft fair, which the Bywater hosts on its riverside lawn on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
School is in session: South Slope’s Public School bar to open July 13
Doughnuts, craft beer, barbecue and now a quiet spot to enjoy a drink: On Monday, July 13, Public School will become the fourth business to open in the remodeled space at 32 Banks Ave.
WNC’s wine and cheese industries come of age
The artisan wine and cheese industries in Western North Carolina are experiencing a major growth spurt as increasing numbers of entrepreneurs seek out careers in these fields.
Drop by drop: Changes in state alcohol law create new opportunities
North Carolina’s alcohol laws are slowly changing to allow greater freedom for the state’s growing number of brewers, distillers and bar owners. However, despite the progress, local industry advocates say many key concerns remain untouched by recent reforms.
Ted Warner, former Broadway’s owner and local nightlife influential, exits the business
Warner finalized the sale of his Lexington Ave. bar to husband and wife team Khio and Mindy Dinh of Morganton after a serious heath scare cemented his decision to exit the industry. Although he’s divesting his involvement, Warner’s legacy in the local club scene remains significant.
Bottled lightning: Appalachian moonshining in the 21st century
Western North Carolina is now home to a growing number of craft distillers making legal moonshine. Blending traditional recipes with new technology and methods, these pioneers are bringing Appalachia’s most fabled and misunderstood product into the 21st century, changing cultural perceptions even as they adapt to shifting economic realities.
Small Bites: Asheville Negroni Week 2015
Asheville bartenders raise money for local charities through Asheville Negroni Week; Dough closes its market and expands classroom offerings; Great Harvest Bread Co. comes to South Asheville; and Monte’s Sub Shop in Hendersonville opens a taproom. Plus check out local tea events for June.
Sunny Point Cafe’s ‘libation engineer’
Sunny Point Café is well-known for its breakfast and brunch offerings, but for the past few months, Noah Hermanson, the restaurant’s self-described “libations engineer,” has been crafting a new bar program inspired by his passion for food.
The MacNeill Uncorked: Local wineries partner for the nation’s second wine train tour
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad recently partnered with the French Broad Vignerons to host the MacNeill Uncorked, a wine dinner that rolls from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge and back .
Tasting at the Red Stag Grill: Grand Bohemian Hotel restaurant releases new flavors for spring, summer
A recent preview dinner offered a taste of new menu items from the Grand Bohemian Hotel’s executive chef, Scott Ostrander. “This is about giving everybody an idea of what the Red Stag Grill is going to be about from the spring on into the summer,” Ostrander says.
Blue Kudzu Sake Company announces its closure
The owners of Blue Kudzu Sake Company, local sake brewery in the River Arts District, announced today that “with heavy hearts” Blue Kudzu Sake “will stop flowing … on April 18.”
The boys’ house: MG Road hosts a Sausage Party
“Sausage Party was born out of a really slow February,” says chef Dan Silo of MG Road’s newest pop-up restaurant. “One night I was sitting at home trying to get re-inspired and figure out something fun to do and realized all of my ideas were in the context of making sausage.”
Bar Wars AVL 2015 announces winning cocktail
After advancing by popular vote and facing a panel of judges, Donnie Pratt of Cucina 24 has been crowned the victor of Bar Wars AVL 2015 — a friendly competition aimed at raising glasses and funds for local charities.
Small Bites: Free community tastings at MetroWines
This week: MetroWines transforms into a living estate-sale venue, a new Cajun restaurant comes to downtown and The Market Place has ramps.
Small Bites: Bar Wars AVL
Local bartenders to square off during Bar Wars AVL, French Broad Food Co-op seeks community input on expansion plans, the Mills River Farmers Market lines up new vendors and the Barefoot Wine founders to offer business advice at UNC Asheville workshops.
Barefoot Wine founders talk cause-related marketing and business strategy at UNCA
Barefoot Wine co-founders Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan are headed to Asheville to share the secrets of their ultra-successful alcohol brand. UNC Asheville’s Family Business Forum will host the couple for two talks on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20. Thursday’s free presentation, “How to Build a Number One Brand,” sees the two explaining […]
Is The Bywater the ‘World’s Greatest Bar’?
A recent story in Paste Magazine declared that The Bywater in Asheville is the “World’s Greatest Bar.”
Nashville cocktail guru brings artwork and tailor-made potions to Asheville
“The ‘Projecting’ series happened organically, as all my work does. Most of the time, I feel like the camera is using me instead of the other way around,” says cocktail guru and artist Samir Osman, who will be in Asheville Feb. 9-11.
Social Lounge gets a face-lift
The management of Social Lounge and Tapas, formerly Sazerac, announced this week that a face-lift is in the works for the popular two-story bar and rooftop patio. Manager Aubury Phillips says the bar will close for remodeling starting Monday, Feb. 16. Scheduled changes include removing a large portion of the bar and replacing it with comfy couches and tables to […]
Small Bites: The Hop looks to summer with Hopsicles
The Hop rolls out Hopsicles, winter tailgate markets are underway, Asheville Art Musuem readies for Toast Asheville and a local garden shop and wine store partner for a unique happy hour.