Finch Gourmet Market & Wine Bar opens in Biltmore Village. Plus: Pop Bubble Tea prepares for grand opening in North Asheville; Howdy Homemade Ice Cream launches in Arden; and plenty more!
Community Foundation of WNC promotes flexible giving
While most nonprofits must stay focused on their specific cause, suggests board member Caroline Avery, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s adaptable structure helps it pivot quickly to meet new challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021. “The community foundation is a charitable Gumby,” she says.
Food nonprofits fight to meet increased need
Since COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, local nonprofits dedicated to meeting the needs of food insecure citizens have been engaged in what feels like an endless game of Whac-A-Mole, no sooner subduing one obstacle before another rears its menacing head.
Green in brief: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park opens to public
About 35 acres of the nearly 450-acre tract — purchased by the nonprofit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2020 and recently transferred to the town of Canton — are now open, including the Berm Park mountain bike skills course and a mixed-use hiking/biking trail.
What’s new in food: Bowling for Loving Food Resources
Asheville Pride Bowling League continues its quest to raise funds for Loving Food Resources. Also: MetroWines hosts grand re-opening; Ben’s Tune Up launches brunch menu; and more!
Asheville-based entrepreneurs shape a service-centered tech sector
Although the region’s technology sector is relatively small, local tech entrepreneurs take pride in their Asheville-inflected approach to business. The firms flourishing here combine a devotion to quality with a sense of social responsibility, aiming to make up for their modest proportions in societal impact.
What’s new in food: Mehfil serves northern Indian cuisine to downtown diners
So radical is the transformation of the storefront building at 5 Biltmore Ave. — revealed on April 7 as Mehfil — that even people who frequently traverse downtown’s main artery may need a reminder of what was there. “It was Hana Japanese Hibachi and Sushi,” says Al Singh, owner of the new Indian restaurant with […]
What’s new in food: Zella’s Deli brings NY-style sandwiches to WNC
Located on College Street in downtown Asheville, Zella’s Deli serves meatball subs and other sandwich classics. Also: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opens on Merrimon Avenue; Gospel Ice Cream debuts at the River Arts District Farmers Market; and more!
Green in brief: MountainTrue seeks ban on single-use plastics
A study conducted by MountainTrue found an average of 19 microplastic particles — pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, formed by the breakdown of larger plastics — per liter of water in local river systems. Exposure to microplastics has been tied to allergic reactions and other health impacts in humans, as well as negative effects on fish.
What’s new in food: Jamaican specialties arrive at the Asheville Mall food court
Pan Island opens at Asheville Mall’s food court. Plus: Vegan Peruvian food pop-up; Easter chocolates; and more!
Study puts $3.8B annual price tag on French Broad
A recently completed study, commissioned by the French Broad River Partnership in 2019 and led by economist Steve Ha of Western Carolina University, sets the total economic value of the French Broad and its tributaries at $3.8 billion per year. By comparison, the Blue Ridge Parkway that also runs through Asheville creates about $1.3 billion in economic output per year.
Instagram helps local culinary artists build their businesses
The social media site has played a pivotal role in launching businesses for Erin Calzone, Beth Kellerhals and Jess Liu.
What’s new in food: Asheville City Market returns to downtown
After two years away, Asheville City Market returns downtown. Also: Jettie Rae’s Oyster House welcomes The Pearl; Holeman and Finch Public House debuts brunch menu; and plenty more!
Asheville historic renovation efforts kick into full gear
To bring old buildings up to modern-day standards involves architectural assessments, electrical upgrades, plumbing revamps and structural repairs — challenges that many preservationists are now facing, and seeking to fund, as Asheville’s turn-of-the-century landmarks continue into their second hundred years.
From CPP: ARPA funds helping Buncombe nonprofits recover from pandemic
Eighteen nonprofits aiding mountain residents with services like housing, diapers, food, the arts, education and advocacy receiving more than $13.9 million of Buncombe County’s ARPA funding.
Green in brief: Blue Ridge Parkway tops national parks in 2021 visitation
The scenic roadway saw 15.9 million recreation visits in 2021, up from about 14 million in 2020; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which also includes land in Western North Carolina, was in second place with over 14.1 million visits.
What’s new in food: Ashleigh Shanti competes in season 19 of ‘Top Chef’
Ashleigh Shanti hosts a pop-up to celebrate her “Top Chef” debut. Plus: Parlor launched in downtown; MANNA FoodBank hosts its latest Student Food Drive; and more!
What’s new in food: Ladies Who Brunch say rise and shine
Three local female chefs continue to share their love of brunch with the pop-up series, Ladies Who Brunch. Also: Bargello and District 42 host local nights; Benne on Eagle celebrates Black History Month; and more!
What’s new in food: The Pot Stirred prepares for grand opening
The Pot Stirred, a new CBD cafe, prepares for its launch. Plus: Elevated Kava Lounge opens in West Asheville; Valentine’s Day events; and more!
What’s new in food: Franny’s Farmacy South Slope grand opening
Franny’s Farmacy continues its expansion. Plus: Cultivated Community Dinner Series launches latest Spring Series; Asheville Truffle Experience returns; and plenty more!
Nonalcoholic beers offer alternatives and risks for those in recovery
The decision for many to forgo alcohol poses challenges when it comes to socializing. For some, the recent boom in the nonalcoholic beer industry provides a tasteful way to participate in a beer-saturated city. For others, the new brews, which are nearly identical in taste to the real thing, are viewed as too tempting to try.