Tasty Greens, GRIND, Morsel Cookie Co. and Leo’s House of Thirst are among the many new food and beverage businesses opening this fall in Asheville.
Delayed but undaunted, new restaurants open for business
More than most new businesses, restaurants are vulnerable to vagaries beyond their control, and COVID-19 has created even more speed bumps on the path from “opening soon” to “now open.”
Food Court: Introducing Kay West’s occasional column on the local culinary scene
Though my friends and family were taken aback when I suddenly — to them — decided to leave Nashville, they were delighted at my destination. “Asheville? I love Asheville!”
Restaurants convert parking lots, sidewalks and streets to open-air dining rooms
With permission from the city, businesses with private parking lots can now convert 50% of their parking area to dining. To expand onto public sidewalks, businesses must be able to maintain 6 feet of clear space for diners and pedestrians.
Newly opened and nearly opened restaurants took a COVID punch in March
Restaurants that were set to debut or relaunch during the state’s pandemic dining room shutdown find creative ways to persevere.
The Grey Eagle Taqueria teams with BearWaters Brewing
The owners of the Asheville music venue are taking their taco business to Haywood County.
Local distilleries offer DIY cocktail kits for at-home mixologists
Distillers are offering all-inclusive, make-your-own-cocktail kits.
Restaurants invite guests back to dine and socialize at a safe distance
As restaurants and event spaces in Asheville have begun to reopen for on-site service, “dining out” has taken on new meaning. With many people still cautious about sitting inside a confined space, restaurants that have wide-open outdoor spaces are finding ways to use those areas wisely as they welcome back staff and customers safely. “We […]
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: Dining out for Valentine’s Day
Where to eat for Valentine’s Day? You’ve got options. Also: Asheville Celtic Festival debuts; Doc Brown’s BBQ hosts a vegan pop-up; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Green in brief: Asheville declares climate emergency, Duke opens Arden gas plant
“The loss of life and damage caused by current global warming demonstrates that the Earth is already too hot for safety,” states the document approved by a 6-0 vote of Asheville City Council on Jan. 28. “Restoring a safe and stable climate requires an emergency climate mobilization on a scale not seen since World War II.”
Small bites: Bow Chicka Wow Wow
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, French Broad Food Co-op is hosting its latest workshop focused on aphrodisiacs. Also: Asheville Mardi Gras celebrates its latest Cajun Cookoff; Green Opportunities announces latest classes; 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.
Everything in Moderation: Vodka, the spirit that plays well with others
Although it’s colorless and essentially flavorless, vodka is the most popular spirit in the U.S.
Editor Gina Smith reflects on Asheville’s 2019 food scene
What trends did you observe in covering Asheville’s food scene in 2019? Bubble tea. CBD. Plastic straw angst. Food halls. Ramen — so much ramen. All those trends were evident this year in Western North Carolina, but in 2019, Asheville also stepped into a couple of national conversations in a meaningful way. In August, we […]
Small bites: The business formerly known as District Wine Bar
Following a trademark dispute, District Wine Bar has announced it’s in the processing of changing its name. Also: The Scarlet Bee plans a dim sum pop-up. And if you need plans for New Year’s Eve, we’ve got you covered.
Everything in Moderation: Celebrating with Champagne
The French sparkling wine is rich in history and tradition and also surprisingly versatile.
Small bites: In the North Carolina Spirit
Local culinary and beverage specialists are teaming up to donate food, funds and holiday gifts to local families in need. Also: Asheville Tea Co. hosts a holiday tea and pastry pairing; Four Sisters Bakery teams up with Black Mountain Recreation and Parks; Mamacita’s Taco Temple holds a tequila dinner; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.