Booze is big business in Western North Carolina these days, and everyone seems eager to cash in on the opportunity. There are 34 breweries operating now in the Asheville area, the wine scene is booming in the mountains, and the recent development of four new distilleries brings the area’s total up to seven. But in a […]
On the rise: Asheville Artisan Bread Bakers’ Festival returns for 13th year
The two-day event celebrates artisan bread by bringing together local bread enthusiasts and professional bakers to hone their baking techniques, explore ideas and network.
Small bites: Asheville celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Margaritas will be flowing as bars and restaurants celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Also, Table and Tod’s Tasties host a community cookout, Habitat Tavern and Commons launches its Sunday brunch series and more.
Carolina Beer Guy: Bold Rock Hard Cider maintains steady growth
The Mills River cidery is offering new drinks and events for spring.
From root to glass: Home winemaking in Beer City
Using Western North Carolina’s spring and early summer harvests of herbs, fruits — and even vegetables — intrepid DIY enthusiasts can easily make wine at home with minimal equipment.
Carolina Beer Guy: Changes coming for two Thirsty Monk locations
Thirsty Monk’s Open Brewing becomes a coffee pub while the chain’s efforts to purchase French Broad Brewing Co. continue.
Carolina Beer Guy: Apple Country Cider Jam debuts in Hendersonville
The event will feature a blend of North Carolina-made cider, live music, exhibits and demonstrations.
Double Up Food Bucks program benefits both Asheville SNAP participants and local farmers
A new program spearheaded by the Asheville-Buncombe Food Policy Council gives SNAP users more spending power when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Western North Carolina.
Small bites: Buxton’s Beach Bash
Catawba Brewing Co. and Buxton Hall Barbecue welcome spring with a tiki-themed outdoor bash. Also, Table hosts Nowruz, a community focused Persian, Sephardic and Parsi dinner; Star Diner in Marshall rolls out brunch; Gan Shan Station has new offerings and plenty more.
The mighty acorn: Some believe the wild nut is WNC’s food of the future
Long overlooked as a source of nutrition, acorns are nutritious, plentiful and free for the taking.
Food for thought: Asheville supermarkets discuss healthy fare
Although the definition is nebulous, healthy foods are easy to find at Asheville supermarkets.
Small bites: Posana’s new menu is going to the dogs
Posana debuts its menu for dogs. Also, Foothills Meats expands its CSA program, the Asheville City Market opens the season on North Market Street and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Small bites: Well Played focuses on comfort food and board games
Well Played opens Saturday, March 25. Also, LaZoom Tours has a new pop-up bar, Strange Carolinas aims to find the best burger in the state, kids can eat breakfast with Curious George and the Asheville School of Wine hosts the Mediterranean Diet Appalachian-Style dinner.
PennyCup targets late March for launch of Haw Creek location
With its third Asheville location, PennyCup joins a growing wave of homegrown restaurants expanding to the east side of town.
Falafel on the fly: Baba Nahm brings quick Middle Eastern eats to Grove Arcade
Rezaz founder Reza Setayesh and current Rezaz owners Brian and Laura Smith are collaborating to open a grab-and-go Middle Eastern eatery downtown.
Beer Scout: Meet John Cochran of UpCountry Brewing
UpCountry Brewing owner John Cochran talks about his journey from Terrapin Beer Co. founder to Asheville craft brewer.
Small bites: The Remingtin Room opens at Buxton Hall Barbecue
With its ever-changing menu, The Remingtin Room will allow the chefs at Buxton Hall Barbecue to cut loose on Friday and Saturday nights. Also this week, Gan Shan Station announces plans for a new West Asheville location, Hickory Nut Gap Farm schedules spring events and more.
Labor pains: WNC unions at a crossroads
In Western North Carolina and across the country, labor unions seem to be a dying breed these days, and many local residents don’t seem overly concerned about it. Yet WNC’s complex history of unionization stretches back to the late 19th century. From high-profile labor disputes and the emergence of “right to work” laws to the […]
Small bites: Food Connection’s Hunger Relief Concert returns to The Grey Eagle
The upcoming concert at The Grey Eagle supports the work of Food Connection, which helps divert unused food from Asheville restaurants to organizations that feed the hungry. Also this week: Asheville Wing War, Dine To Be Kind and more local food news.
Small bites: Celebration time at Short Street Cakes
Cake, cocktails and music will be in play at Short Street Cakes’ eight-year anniversary event. Also this week: tequila tastings, a Winter Beer Dinner, New Orleans cuisine and more.
Beer today, gone tomorrow: Asheville beer happenings Feb. 21-27
**UPDATED FEB. 26** Thirsty Monk features Hi-Wire’s recent collaborative brews, Appalachian Vintner hosts an Epic Brewing release with local significance and more.