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.
Small bites: Pet Wants launches in Asheville
Local resident and dog enthusiast Christian Ray recently launched Pet Wants Asheville, offering fresh ingredients to canines and felines alike. Also: Waynesville Chili Cook-off Stroll returns; Black Bear Brunch; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
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.
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.
Asheville breweries make a splash at this year’s Great American Beer Festival
Several local breweries traveled to Denver, Colo., for the 33rd annual event, with three bringing home top honors.
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.
News Briefs: Buncombe maintains state’s lowest unemployment, bat fungus spotted in Madison County
Buncombe did see its unemployment tick up from the 2.8% April rate; the May rate was also higher than the 2.8% reported for the same month last year. However, the Department of Commerce noted that all of the state’s other metro areas also saw rate increases, and the Asheville metro area actually added about 1,900 nonfarm jobs in May.
Small bites: Ole Shakey’s hosts dog show
Greatest grin, sickest trick and bodacious booty are among the categories at Ole Shakey’s Best in Show dog competition. Also: Punk Rock Hot Dog Challenge; Brews, bears and wine; and more.
Small bites: Our Global Table celebrates international cuisine
Our Global Table celebrates cultural diversity while raising funds for Pisgah Legal Services. Also: Independence Day celebrations; an amateur bake off; and more.
Small bites: Vegan Barbecue Cookoff returns
The BLOCK Off Biltmore will host the second consecutive Great North Carolina Vegan Barbecue Cookoff. Also: The Market Place Restaurant celebrates 40 years; Tupelo Honey hosts pairing brunch; and more.