Western North Carolina is a mountain biking hub on the East Coast. And demand for new trails is high. Since the beginning of the pandemic, mountain biking has skyrocketed in popularity nationwide.
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!
Q&A with Robert Bennett of Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
The COVID-19 pandemic shook up life for Robert Bennett when his job as a mechanical engineer disappeared — not that he was mad about it. “I didn’t like engineering; I just fell back on my degree,” the UNC Charlotte graduate recalls. Instead, he seized the opportunity to turn his gig hosting Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia, […]
What’s new in food: Smasheville food truck brings the beef
Smasheville sets up shop at Wedge Brewery Co. Also: Nine Mile wins big with hot sauce; Katie Button debuts on Magnolia Network; and plenty more!
Asheville Tourists players pursue big league dreams in offseason
As players count the days until Feb. 14 — the day pitchers and catchers report to spring training — Xpress spoke with two Tourists from the 2021 season about their time in Asheville, their plans for the winter months and how the minor league experience isn’t as glamorous as it may seem.
Pie experts and amateurs offer insights into making the perfect crust
With the holiday season underway, Xpress speaks with local pie experts and enthusiasts about the secrets to making a perfect homemade pie.
What’s new in food: Zero-waste market and café expands in Mars Hill
, BBQ fest on the river and Contrada is back in business on Wall Street
What’s new in food: Asheville Cider Crawl expands
Asheville Cider Crawl is set for Saturday, Aug. 28, plus the Omni Grove Park Inn hosts its 29th annual National Gingerbread House Competition, Metro Wines raises money for homeless pets, and more local food news.
What’s new in food: The Market at Underground Baking Co. eyes its relaunch
The Market at Underground Baking Co. in Hendersonville is on the cusp or reopening. Also: New Origin Brewing Co. opens, Chop Shop Butchery returns to in-house workshops and plenty more local food news.
What’s new in food: Thirsty Monk reopens downtown location
Thirsty Monk celebrates the reopening of its downtown location. Plus, Out of the Box competition kicks off, Old Europe Pastries announces plans to move and Well Seasoned Table tops the Taste 50 list.
Xpress earns national award for 2020 voter guide
The paper’s 2020 Voter Guide earned second place in the special section category of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia’s annual awards, announced on July 23. The competition included 54 publications and 598 entries from across the U.S. and Canada.
What’s new in food: Pranom Pop-Up at Bottle Riot
Chef Dream Kasestatad returns to Bottle Riot. Plus: Punk Rock Hot Dogs returns to the Masonic Temple, Melting Pot Social opens and more local food news.
What’s new in food: New coffee delivery service launches in Asheville
Day ToDaily delivers hot and cold beverages to downtown coffee enthusiasts. Also: Baba Nahm and Bear’s Smokehouse join forces, a local chef is featured on a National Geographic cooking series and more local food news.
What’s new in food: Yancey County Farmers Market to find a new permanent home
Yancey County Farmers Market prepares for a new site. Plus, Barn Door Ciderworks invites local home cooks to show off their chops in the cidery’s tasting room, Eda Rhyne pops the top on a new canned cocktail and more local food news.
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.
Okra 2020 mounts successful campaign to bring pods to the people
Though Slow Food Asheville’s original plans for Aunt Hettie’s Red went awry due to the pandemic, local farmers and chefs have still managed to experiment with the heritage okra variety.
Asheville debuts esports leagues
At a time when COVID-19 makes meeting up for in-person sports less safe, says Asheville Parks and Recreation staffer Maxime Pierre, virtual activities provide an outlet for competition and help to keep the department relevant. But he says video games also allow the city to engage with a larger group of residents than had been served through traditional sports.
Small bites: Asheville Wing War strikes again
The ninth annual Asheville Wing War returns on Sunday, March 8. Also: PennyCup Coffee Co. hosts Coffee Farmer Caravan; Asheville CSA Fair returns; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Small bites: Mother Ocean Seafood Market set to open
On Tuesday, March 3, Mother Ocean Market will host its grand opening. Also: The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective and 12 Bones team up for a leap year beer dinner; Noble Cider hosts its fifth annual Chili Cookoff, benefiting Girls on the Run of WNC; Root Down Kitchen opens at Salvage Station; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Small bites: Soul Food Supper
Chicken, black eyed-peas and collard greens are among the items to be served at the upcoming Soul Food Supper, hosted by Asheville Parks and Recreation. Also: Lookout Brewing Co. holds a mac and cheese cookoff; The Cut Cocktail Lounge celebrates Mardi Gras with a crawfish boil; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Small bites: Gan Shan Station’s final countdown
After five years, Gan Shan Station owner Patrick O’Cain has decided to close the Charlotte Street restaurant. Come spring, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House will replace the Asian-themed eatery. Also: Onesie Bar Crawl returns, Chow Chow hires an executive director and local food venues prepare for Super Bowl LIV.