What was 2021 like for local chefs and food entrepreneurs? Xpress caught up with a few to get their take on another challenging year.

What was 2021 like for local chefs and food entrepreneurs? Xpress caught up with a few to get their take on another challenging year.
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.
On Sunday, Oct. 27, the Gan Shan West chef de cuisine and their partner, Cherry Iocovozzi, will present the final installment of the Filipino food and natural wine pop-up series, Love Songs.
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.
One shop is slated to open in West Asheville in April and another downtown this summer with more on the horizon.
After a major renovation, Rezaz has reopened with a new look and a fresh menu. Also: Noble Cider holds its third annual Chili Cookoff, The Inn on Biltmore Estate earns accolades, Gan Shan West hosts Sunday Japanese izakaya pop-ups and Edna’s of Asheville has closed.
A new crop of eateries and drinking spots is changing the face of the West Asheville business corridor.