What people know and prefer when it comes to turkey’s signature side dish depends largely on what side of the Mason-Dixon line they grew up on.
Small bites: Thanksgiving dining options
Not in the mood to cook this Thanksgiving? Not to worry! There are plenty of Thanksgiving options in and around Asheville. Also: Double D’s celebrates 20 years; Southern Storytellers Supper Series hosts latest event; and more in this week’s Small bites.
WNC school food pantries and programs fill gaps in student food access
Federal free and reduced-price lunch and breakfast programs help ensure that the 53% of public school students who qualify are fed when they’re at school. But what happens when those kids go home for the evening or the weekend?
Small bites: Community interfaith Thanksgiving celebration
Local religious organizations come together to express gratitude and donate nonperishable food items to those in need. Also: South Asheville Cemetery Association hosts a potluck; Antidote cocktail lounge holds a Harry Potter-themed competition; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
New alcohol laws transform the way local distillers do business
Among the myriad tweaks and changes to the strict and often maligned alcohol control state laws, the bill saw the reins slackened a bit on local producers of alcohol.
Everything in Moderation: Honey-based alcohol goes mainstream
As recently as a decade ago, finding a commercial meadery in Western North Carolina would have been exceedingly difficult. But right along with the growth of interest in beer and craft cocktails, mead-making has gained a foothold in the region.
Small bites: Perspective Café by Food Experience opens in Asheville Art Museum
Perspective Café by Food Experience opens inside the Asheville Art Museum. Also: the season finale of Asheville Drag Brunch; Asheville Mac Attack launches; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
TDA approves $100,000 for Chow Chow festival
Last year, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority contributed $75,000 to Chow Chow through its event development incubator fund. Planning is underway for the festival’s second year, which has a projected budget of $700,000. The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13, with final dates to be confirmed in November.
Asheville-area cooking classes cover every skill level and culinary interest
With the holiday entertaining season approaching, there’s still time to learn how to create delicious entrées, bake a beautiful pie or create an impressive spread of hors d’oeuvres.
Small bites: Third annual WNC Fermenting Festival
Fermenters convene on Madison County for the third annual WNC Fermenting Festival. Also: Point Lookout Vineyards hosts murder mystery dinner; Foothills Butcher Bar Black Mountain offers Halloween candy buy-back; and more in this week’s Small bites.
Small bites: Open Oven launches in Black Mountain
After eight years on the road, the owners of Melt Your Heart food truck have opened a new brick-and-mortar restaurant. Also: Halloween bash at Pack’s Tavern; The Blind Pig Supper club celebrates The Wizard of Oz; Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen hosts a Day of the Dead dinner; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Apples and pumpkins are ripe for picking at Hendersonville farms
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard and other area U-pick farms celebrate harvest season.
Small bites: Cooking with Food Waste
In her upcoming class Meredith Leigh teaches ways to eliminate food waste. Also: Blue Cheese Festival launches; Ciao Asheville hosts pasta making class; Thanksgiving pre-orders arrive; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Women entrepreneurs lead WNC’s exploding fermentation industry
An interest in health inspired many female owners of local fermented food and beverage businesses.
Nonprofit launches hemp testing services for WNC farmers, processors
The U.S. Botanical Safety Laboratory’s new gas chromatography equipment and a specially developed testing methodology are poised to bring stability and convenience to Western North Carolina’s burgeoning industrial hemp industry.
Small bites: Chef Brian Canipelli launches a pair of new projects
Chef Brian Canipelli is busy with a new Wall Street eatery and South Asheville restaurant. Also: Butcher’s Table Dinner returns; Black Bear BBQ hosts a family feast; and more in this week’s Small bites.
Inaugural Chow Chow culinary festival sets the table for growth
Organizers reflect on the highs and lows as they consider planning for future events.
Small bites: WNC Garlic Fest returns
From garlic honey to garlic ice cream, attendees can expect a culinary adventure at the sixth annual WNC Garlic Fest. Also: Asheville Oktoberfest, Bears Bees + Brews, Cooking with Plants culinary class and more in this week’s Small Bites
Adventure is on the menu at WNC restaurants
Some local restaurants push culinary boundaries, with palate-challenging dishes like cricket tacos, mustard ice cream, liver pudding and more.
Everything in Moderation: The cider side of sipping
Local cideries apply creativity to the fruit of Western North Carolina’s abundant apple harvests.
Small bites: Asheville Coffee Expo returns to the RAD
Baristas, roasters and coffee shop owners unite for the fourth annual Asheville Coffee Expo. Also: BeLoved Asheville celebrates Puerto Rican culture and cuisine; Sunflower Diner hosts a grand opening celebration; and more in this week’s Small Bites.