As alcohol consumption and stress eating increase for many locals, so do unwanted pounds.
Commission considers $150K in small business relief Jan. 26
While county relief has heretofore been available only in the form of low-interest loans, businesses will now be able to seek grants of $5,000 to hire or rehire employees at a living wage. Staff had previously believed such a grant program to be illegal but had since received updated guidance from the UNC School of Government.
Mask rage, other challenges create stress for hospitality workers
In a beleaguered industry, workers and business owners deal with a host of challenges from unstable finances to rude and unreasonable customers.
Asheville Restaurant Week returns
With an emphasis on takeout specials, the ninth annual event runs Jan. 19-25.
Local produce distributor steers its business over rough roads
Making tough choices and trying out a variety of business models allowed Mountain Food Products to keep its trucks rolling through the pandemic.
What’s new in food: A mix of good news and uncertainty kicks off 2021
The new year brings new restaurants and fresh collaborations while other businesses take a temporary break and a North Asheville favorite closes permanently.
New year brings new restrictions on indoor dining capacity
Local restaurant owners face increasing challenges and difficult decisions as Buncombe County lowers dining room capacity to 30%.
Everything in Moderation: The last word on Chartreuse, first among exotic liqueurs
Once one ventures beyond the “base liquors” used to create cocktails — spirits including gin, rum, vodka, tequila, whiskeys and more — there remains an extensive and tantalizingly varied world of liqueurs to discover. From sweet libations like Benedictine and Drambuie to savory Italian amari, the flavors and potential combinations are practically unlimited. But when […]
Everything in Moderation: Asheville beverage experts explore the world of sake
Although most people are familiar with the “table” sake served hot in restaurants, there are, in fact, seven classifications of the brewed alcoholic beverage, many of which are available in Asheville.
Asheville restaurateurs reflect on 2020, look ahead to 2021
Five Asheville restaurateurs answer four questions on the state of their industry.
Food is the universal language at Asheville specialty markets
Asheville chefs discuss local specialty markets that bring globally sourced products close to home.
Food roundup: Cúrate at Earth Fare, a new lunch option and leadership change at Benne on Eagle
Asheville’s December food news includes Spanish specialties, fried fish and a kitchen leadership changeover .
Hikers set speed record on Smokies trails
Nancy Mercure East, a retired veterinarian from Waynesville, and her hiking partner, Air Force veteran Chris Ford of Knoxville, Tenn., set a new record for hiking all of the park’s trails on Oct. 3 with a time of 29 days, 10 hours and 12 minutes. The two shattered the previous mark of 33 days set by Knoxville trail runner Jeff Woody.
Chef J. Chong toasts camaraderie
“Launching my own business during a global pandemic was one of the best things I have done. It has taught me a great deal about who I am and ignited my admiration and passion for Cantonese food all over again. I am most grateful for the camaraderie and meaningful relationships among our Asheville restaurant industry […]
Gene Ettison feels blessed to unite
“Grind is grateful for the opportunity to hold space in such a historic spot [on Depot Street, which runs through the historically Black Southside community]. For years, our people have struggled and shed tears because of disenfranchisement. Our community was hurt from redevelopment. Gentrification is real. But we have been blessed to open a business […]
Food news roundup: Buddha bowls, KC barbecue and more
Chef Randy Dunn opens Zen Hen in Hendersonville, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ offers Kansas City ‘cue, HomeGrown and Proving Ground Coffee join forces, and more local food news.
Aaron Grier is thankful for new bonds
“It’s been a rough and scary year with the normal avenues for selling our produce turned on their ear. But the meaningful relationships we had with some of our chefs before the pandemic have grown unbreakably stronger. To quote chef Kikkoman Shaw at Southside Kitchen, ‘It has brought a lot of us together who might […]
Chef Dan Silo is grateful for smiles
“I’m incredibly grateful for the community that Sawhorse has managed to cultivate, both among our guests and our staff. Our guests have been overwhelmingly supportive and understanding throughout the pandemic, and our staff has somehow managed to maintain a smile and a work ethic I’ll never forget.” – Dan Silo, chef and owner of Sawhorse
Chef Jamie Wade celebrates the sunny side
“Gratitude is something that takes cultivating in times like these when business owners like me are navigating huge changes. It is good to have people around you to help you see the sunny side of things and the realistic side of things, and for those people, those conversations, my staff and the community support for […]
Whirly Bird Ice Cream opens with made-to-order frozen treats
Whirly Bird recently opened its order window inside Asheville Sandwich Company, piquing the curiosity of people waiting for their sandwiches.
Food news: Reopenings, new restaurants and virtual gingerbread houses
Cousins Cuban Café launches in Black Mountain, Rhubarb and Cucina 24 reopen their dining rooms, The Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition offers a virtual cooking class series, and more local food news.