A fixture in West Asheville for 70 years, the Tastee Diner got new owners and a makeover this spring but still stays true to its roots as a local hangout spot.
The real meal: Exploring the concept of culinary authenticity
Lack of authenticity is a common complaint made by reviewers of ethnic restaurants on sites like Yelp and Trip Advisor. But what makes a dish authentic?
Small bites: Thursday Night Throwdown
In 2008, Atlanta’s Octane Coffee introduced the Thursday Night Throwdown (often referred to as TNT). The latte art competition pits barista against barista in a series of elimination rounds where judges evaluate the clarity, milk texture, level of difficulty and contrast of each beverage made until a champion is crowned. On Thursday, July 28, Vortex Doughtnuts will […]
The death of fine dining: How Asheville’s culinary culture was reborn
Several years ago, the Great Recession marked the beginning of the decline of the era of fine dining in Asheville. Chefs responded by reinventing the local restaurant scene to embrace a more casual, accessible approach to offering excellent cuisine.
Far East meets Deep South: Asheville chefs celebrate Korean cuisine at Atlanta pop-up event
Chefs from Asheville’s Chai Pani and Buxton Hall Barbecue recently took a road trip to Atlanta to join bestselling cookbook authors Matt Rodbard and Deuki Hong in presenting an extravaganza of Korean fusion cuisine.
Small bites: OWL Bakery brings Old World treats to the mountains
“Rotating special pastries on certain days allows us to explore different cultures through our pastries,” says Susannah Gebhart, owner of Old World Levain Bakery.
Quick dish: Foggy Mountain Brew Pub
Tucked away on Church Street downtown, Foggy Mountain Brew Pub serves food, cold beer and cocktails in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Xpress recently chatted with co-owners Chris Kronberg and Samantha Rink about how Foggy Mountain has carved out a niche for itself in Asheville’s food scene.
Keep cool and carry on: Beat the heat with Asheville summer eats
Local restaurants and watering holes chill out with refreshing summer options.
Woodpecker Pie offers a handy little feast at The Mothlight
On June 25, after more than a year of planning, friends Vincent Gagnon and Matt Bailey officially opened Woodpecker Pie inside The Mothlight on Haywood Road.
The taming of the spud: Asheville chefs offer tips for making perfect potato salad
Whether you’re a potato salad newbie or your family has been making the same recipe for generations, Asheville chefs Mike Moore and Adam Thome have advice on how to make this summer classic shine at Fourth of July cookouts.
Small bites: Le Bon Café brings new mobile coffee option to Asheville
In this week’s food news, a creative new mobile coffee business gets ready to hit the streets, Salt & Smoke rolls out a permanent presence at Burial Beer Co., Hickory Nut Gap Farm hosts a probiotic drinks workshop and Foothills Meats Food Truck adds lunch hours.
Chef Katie Button leads effort to throw away less
At a recent workshop in Montana, the chef of Asheville’s Curate and Nightbell joined culinary professionals from across the country in exploring ways to advocate for food waste reduction.
Edible education: Rhubarb’s new demo kitchen highlights farmers
With a new downtown space, chef John Fleer plans to connect local farmers with consumers, offer educational opportunities and promote discussions on food systems and policy.
Small bites: A Persian feast to help kids in need
MG Road hosts a Persian feast to support Hadaya Toys, Coffee for Champions project partners with local coffee shops to raise money for Buncombe County Special Olympics, Corner Kitchen rolls out a summer menu and the 1LUV Food & Music Festival offers 25 food trucks and local beer along with four days of music and fun.
Quick dish: Chef Chad Gibson of Sweeten Creek Brewing
Sweeten Creek Brewing is as much about the food as it is about the beer.
Small bites: Storytelling and vino at Metro Wines
Connie Regan-Blake offers stories with a glass of wine at Metro Wines, Lex 18 hosts a vintage radio variety show Father’s Day event, Addison Farms Vineyard holds Dinner in the Vines and tickets go on sale for the 2016 WNC Battle of the Burger.
Buzzin’ for Bees in Foodtopia: Bars and restaurants join Asheville’s Pollination Celebration
Specialty cocktails and food items will celebrate and support pollinators during Bee City USA’s annual week of festivities.
Father’s Day River Cleanup rewards community service with chocolate and beer
On Sunday, June 19, MountainTrue, French Broad Chocolates and Asheville Greenworks will host a Father’s Day River Cleanup that combines paddling and trash gathering with chocolate and beer.
Quick dish: Never Blue chef Jesse Roque talks about cooking with crickets, exotic melons and more
Chef Jesse Roque describes her downtown Hendersonville restaurant, Never Blue, as a “state of mind and a matter of taste.”
Bouchon part deux: Bistro announces East Asheville location
Michel Baudouin, owner of downtown Asheville restaurant Bouchon, plans to open a second Bouchon location in East Asheville’s Haw Creek community. The announcement comes just months after Baudouin’s Cajun/Creole restaurant concept, Lafayette, closed after less than a year in business. The new eatery will be at 184 New Haw Creek Road in the former Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church. […]
Small bites: Hickory Nut Gap Farm hosts a new Friday Night Barn Dance series
Hickory Nut Gap Farm hosts a new Friday night dance series, Little Sparrow Coffee and Kitchen is set to open in Woodfin, Ambrozia adds lunch, and Tryon offers its annual Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival.