Savor Charlotte is a two-week celebration of the dynamic and creative culinary community who make the Queen City one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Southeast. Taking place March 8-22, epicurean adventures include experiential hands-on classes and demonstrations, exclusive menus, special offers and more.
From a special cooking class at Taco Molino with Executive Chef / Owner Scott Wallen, the Amaro tasting dinner with Chef Tommy Vance at Little Mama’s Italian, and special discount at Biblio, to wine tastings at Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, cocktail classes at Billy Sunday or The Cocktailery, and a specialty barbeque flavored doughnut from Reigning Doughnuts, every Savor Charlotte activation is customized and unique to the culinary artists making them. Savor Charlotte will also include the kick-off of Black Food Truck Fridays in partnership with Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC), which will take place on Friday, March 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Designed to raise awareness of Charlotte’s diverse gastronomic offerings, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) invited the city’s culinary curators to submit specials that reflect their signature taste and distinct charm. Savor Charlotte is intended to connect locals and visitors alike and inspire them to indulge in one-of-a-kind flavors not available anywhere else. With a focus on celebrating the culinary tastemakers helping to shape Charlotte, all are invited to partake during two weeks of delicious activations to explore the flavors of the city.
“We are passionate about honoring and recognizing Charlotte’s extremely innovative and dynamic culinary community,” said Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer at the CRVA. “With 25% of visitor spending attributed to food & beverage, we know that Charlotte remains a city of culinary opportunity. We are excited to spotlight the talented individuals and local businesses bringing the city’s distinctiveness to life through creative programming for Savor Charlotte.”
Charlotte has an eclectic mix of epicurean adventures ranging from internationally inspired dishes to local farms and everything in between. From recently announced James Beard Award nominees to perpetually creative mixologists, Charlotte remains at the forefront of travelers’ minds as a must-visit culinary destination. Savor Charlotte is a testament to the inspirational work of those who define the flavor of the Queen City.
The Savor Charlotte journey is easy to navigate. As Charlotte’s industry trendsetters continue to confirm and add new details on a rolling basis, those interested in booking an exclusive Savor Charlotte offer can make reservations directly by clicking on each listing of the participating chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, bakers, and more.
Friends have, but I’ve never participated in “Dry January”. It’s been an official “thing” since 2013. And now we also have “Damp January”, a modified approach where alcohol intake is limited instead of cut out completely.
The idea was hatched and the term coined in the UK in 2013, but going “zero proof” really took off during covid years 2020 and 2021. Contrary to what many thought might happen during covid restrictions when folks were confined to their homes, there was actually a move towards less or no alcohol.
Why my interest in digging into the history and all things Dry January and giving up alcohol? A couple reasons: 1) a friend casually mentioned giving up alcohol during January and then continuing on because the benefits had surprised her. Among other healthy choices, she partially credits going dry for loosing thirty pounds, no more puffy face/body, and clear skin, and 2) new alcohol-free bars & club openings seem to be trending, along with non-alcohol social groups.
What’s happening is more than giving up alcohol and everything associated with it, like going out to bars with friends, having a glass of wine with dinner, a late afternoon cocktail on the deck, or hanging out at a brewery, winery, or distillery.
All those things are still in play because most breweries, wineries, distilleries, bars, and restaurants have new non-alcoholic spirits, beers, and wines that are delicious and are providing the same craft drink and cocktail experience to non-drinkers and drinkers alike.
FINDING ZERO PROOF IN ASHEVILLE AND HENDERSONVILLE
Although many of your favorite watering holes and restaurants offer a few to many Mocktails – sophisticated non-alcohol drinks made with tasty ingredients – there are a few new options of note that have launched recently or are about to open soon.
Asheville Rooftop Tours – Choose mocktails or other non-alcohol drinks on their tours. You’ll love the “stunning birds-eye-views of Asheville along with the history of the city, while enjoying food and drinks all from Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars.”
Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours tour groupAsheville Rooftop Bar Tours van
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company – Sample and enjoy their non-alcohol drinks in their new taproom that opened late last year. “Devil’s Foot BevCo provides locally produced, all-natural non-alcoholic craft beverages for our community. There are no additives nor preservatives – just fresh ingredients.”
The Mule taproom at Devil’s Foot Beverage CompanyThe Mule taproom at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company Photo by Brendan Almand
The Buzz – Hope Coalition will be opening “Henderson County’s First Sober Social Bar & Café” this Spring in Hendersonville. “Move over alcohol, there’s a new bar in town . . . 100% zero proof bar.”
Future location of The BuzzFuture location of The Buzz
Looking for other alcohol alternatives? Those that still “relax” or provide a buzz without the negative effects of alcohol?
Shakedown Lounge (Kava Bar) – Opened late 2022 at 706 7th Ave E in Hendersonville. They offer traditionally-prepared kava, as well as herbal teas, CBD/hemp edibles, lotus drinks, and coffee. The focus is on top-quality products and community through conversation, live music, poetry, and art, in an alcohol-free environment.
Shakedown Lounge Kava BarShakedown Lounge Kava Bar
Looking for a weekend getaway? An escape to Nashville is the answer! It’s only a 4 1/2 to 5 hour straight shot on I-40 West from Asheville. Four of us – two couples – did just that in mid-December.
We found the perfect AirBnB in The Gulch, for a three night stay. It’s quieter than staying downtown near all the action on Broadway, yet has lots of excellent restaurants, shops, and a Hop On – OffOld Town Trolley stop, all within easy walking distance. Of course, sometimes you want to be where the action is. Just not this time.
Just south of downtown lies this once-abandoned industrial area that’s undergone an urban revitalization in recent years sparking an intoxicating new energy. The exceedingly walkable LEED-certified community is teeming with boutique hotels, high-rise condos, instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary offerings spanning everything from biscuits and Nashville Hot Chicken to Detroit-style pizza, traditional ramen, and Indian food. VisitMusicCity.com
An overview and image galleries (see captions) of our favorite places to Eat, Play, and Stay in Nashville’s Gulch and beyond are below the map. Use the Open/Close Icon top left for flyout map location details.
Our weekend getaway was full of great food, drinks, and entertainment.
If you’re new to Nashville, definitely get a one-day ticket for the Hop On – Hop Off Old Town Trolley. That way you can get a good overview, making note of where you want to go back to and explore more thoroughly.
We took in the Christmas Show at the Grand Ole Opry. None of us had been before and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the one of, who shall remain nameless, that isn’t a country music fan, had a good time.
The Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum was amazing. Displays that included country musicians, as well as others like Jimi Hendrix and Elvis, sound equipment, instruments, and costumes worn during iconic performences went on and on. Live music and private events are also held here.
Finally, don’t miss the live music, neon, and partying on Lower Broadway, the city’s main drag, also known as Honky Tonk Highway downtown, and Printers Alley. I’d recommend going to both during the day, and again at night for the full effect.
We try to go to Milk and Honey whenever we’re in town, especially for breakfast and espresso. There’s a light, fun vibe, which may or may not involve the energetic full bar. A long wait isn’t uncommon in peak season, so plan ahead and get there early if it’s breakfast you’re after.
Good food! Good drinks! If you’re looking for excellent execution of traditional British dishes, order Scotch Eggs and Fish & Chips. Check out their whiskey and beer offerings, also. Cozy atmosphere, which was ramped way up with holiday decorations, and nice, attentive staff.
Best biscuit I’ve had to date. Crisp/crunchy outside – light, fluffy inside. Not embarassed to say I could easily make of meal of their biscuits with jam. If I did that, I’d mis out of the very tasty sausage gravy, though. Feeling adventurous? Check out their “Brunch favorites with a twist”. They serve up very good espresso drinks and take the time to top them off with a rosetta.
Open since 2013, serving up award winning BBQ. They “cook fresh every day and serve until items run out.” Everything was very good, but we were especially impressed with the juiciness of the 1/2 rack of dry rubbed ribs! Expect a line, but don’t worry, they move everyone through pretty quickly.
Adele’s – not the singer – was our choice for our final dinner in Nashville. We wanted to wrap up our weekend getaway with a special evening and excellent food. We experienced elevated, as opposed to fine (although it was fine), dining. They refer to their dishes as “comfort food”, which I’d definitely agree with. We were seated with a good view of where the magic happens – their very open kitchen. Prep, plating, garnishing, a wood-fired oven, and a wood-fired grill. Our meal and evening were deliciously perfect. Note that they change their menu regularly, so items here may not be available when you go to Adele’s.
Love that the building used to be a garage and that they’ve kept just enough of that “feel” to make it fun.
Six of us celebrated a friend’s birthday over dinner at Hendersonville’s Never Blue. I hadn’t been in a while, so was really looking forward to a “fresh” post-pandemic experience. Conclusion? They’re still rockin’ their menu, drinks, dessert, service, everything!
Notes:
The vibe at Never Blue is fun, colorful, and energetic.
Can’t talk about other’s experience, but our server did a great job.
Many menu items are unusually creative.
Expect quality ingredients.
Portions are generous.
Yes, the Pumpkin Love dessert looks a little . . . , but it’s supremely delicious.
Outside seating is available in warmer weather.
Descriptions of each image are in the gallery below.
Never Blue
119 S Main St
Hendersonville, NC 28792-5083
828 693 4646
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Folly Beach favorite Taco Boy will open in West Asheville, at 521 Haywood Road, marking the restaurant’s fourth location and its first in North Carolina. The restaurant will be serving its signature tacos and other Mexican-inspired eats, but with one caveat: West Asheville will house the company’s first in-house tortillera that will be producing scratch-made heirloom corn tortillas. Diners will be able to watch the process and taste the difference.
Longing for the ocean-side fish tacos of her youth, Taco Boy was created in 2006 by Charleston restauranteur Karalee Nielsen Fallert, a founding partner and co-owner of a dozen restaurant ventures in the Holy City and a leading advocate for community projects and women-led initiatives. She’s been recognized for her contributions to Charleston’s culinary community and for revitalizing Charleston neighborhoods. She’s also the founder of hospitality management group All Good Industries.
Taco Boy’s flagship location opened on Folly Beach in 2006, followed by downtown Charleston in 2009, and Summerville, SC, in 2019. West Asheville opens December 20, 2022 after only 2.5 months of construction. Plans are underway to introduce three more restaurants in the Carolinas in 2023, including a second Asheville location in Biltmore Park, with an anticipated summer opening.
A TAQUERIA FOR THE SOUL – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Taco Boy’s mission is to use the power of tacos to nurture people and build community, which is why there is a very intentional goal to work within each community to partner with and support local nonprofit initiatives and charitable efforts.
In Charleston, a core beneficiary is The Green Heart Project, which was co-established in 2009 by Taco Boy founder Karalee Nielsen Fallert, and uses garden-based experiential learning to educate students and cultivate community through food. In addition to nutrition and hunger initiatives, Taco Boy also supports education, sustainability, equality, mental health, and other efforts that improve the world around us. Other Charleston area organizations Taco Boy has supported include Charleston Pride, Surfers Healing (autism advocacy), Waves for Women, SC Sea Grant Consortium, Pay it Forward Charleston, Charleston County School District, the National Down Syndrome Society, and The Trevor Project (LGBTQ suicide prevention).
Taco Boy’s first community partner in Asheville is Asheville on Bikes, which will benefit from the VIP Preview Party. The company has plans to support many other Asheville initiatives in the future.
“The impetus for our growth is to create a positive impact for our team members and the communities we call home,” says Fallert.
Additionally, Taco Boy is also a major supporter and advocate for its team members, offering generous benefits for full- and part-time employees, as well as an emergency financial assistance program, all of which supports long-term career growth and upward financial mobility. Taco Boy is always hiring, with details at tacoboy.net/jobs.
TACOS, TEQUILA, AND WHAT’S NEW IN ASHEVILLE
A citrus- and salsa-infused feast for the senses, Taco Boy offers scratch-made tacos, authentic sides including rice and beans, chipotle slaw, and Mexican street corn, guacamole and other satisfying starters, plus margaritas and Latin-infused craft cocktails, and a weekend brunch menu that delivers more Mexican-inspired flavors to the table. The restaurant is diet sensitive, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Taco Boy is committed to using responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Photo by Shell Royster
NIXTAMALIZED HEIRLOOM CORN TORTILLAS
Perhaps the most exciting element to be implemented at Taco Boy West Asheville is the development of an in-house tortilleria using traditional equipment and the centuries-old process of nixtamalization. The process involves steeping corn in an alkaline solution before rinsing it to remove the outer kernel cover (pericarp), and milling it into masa (maize dough). Nixtamalized corn produces a tortilla that is more flavorful, digestible, and is higher in nutritional benefits. Additionally, Taco Boy will be using heirloom corn, in a variety of hues, sourced from near and far. This process will be on view, behind glass, at the new West Asheville location.
NEW BEVERAGE PROGRAM
A longtime Asheville, NC, restaurant industry veteran of 30 years, mixologist Maty Hollingsworth developed the beverage program for Taco Boy. He’s managed and overseen beverage programs for a handful of Asheville establishments, including Limones and its erstwhile sister establishment En la Calle, Jargon, and the former Noble Cider Greenhouse.
The new beverage menu includes a fresh batch of original margaritas and specialty cocktails that lean into a lighter, fresher feel, and offers a multisensory layering of flavor profiles and textures. The new menu also highlights a shift to fresh juicing in-house and scratch-made specialty cordials, including a hazelnut corn orgeat that’s a beautiful complement to the nixtamalized heirloom corn tortillas.
Mezcalindo, Hibiscus Margarita, Baja Sunset. Photo by Shell Royster
Tequila flights are also in store, along with a curated selection of tequilas, cristalino tequilas (rested and filtered with activated charcoal), and smoky mezcals. The tequilas will be front and center for weekly Tequila Tuesdays, offering $5 house margaritas on Tuesdays.
A FRESH NEW SPACE
Expect a fresh new look that incorporates elements by Asheville artists at Taco Boy West Asheville, located in the former Zia Taqueria on Haywood Road. Arched windows are now open doorways, and the former front patio is now enclosed for additional seating. Ceiling beams have been sanded to bring in warmer wood tones. A reconfiguration of the back of house spaces allows for better flow, office space, and a tortilleria that’s visible to the public. Fresh paint and a wall-length mural inspired by Mexico’s vivacious tones by Asheville muralist Wyatt Grant enliven the space. Wooden screen installations by local artist Charles Goldberg also enhances the space. And ceramic cantaritas by Asheville creative
studio Batton Clayworks hold craft cocktails. Elm Construction did the construction work.
A painted logoed sign adorns the building, while the vintage light-up sign out front will be adorned with the words “Hot Tacos Cold Margs” by the end of the month. And in spring 2023, an overhaul of the landscaping will be undertaken by Osgood Landscape Architecture of Asheville. The front parking lot has seen a revision for better flow. And the side parking lot will eventually hold outdoor green space for outdoor dining and communal events.
Planning International Travel? If you don’t have it already, apply for the Trusted Traveler Program “Global Entry“. Basically, Global Entry is TSA PreCheck on steroids and specifically for international travel. In fact, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which runs $80 for 5 years. So why not when Global Entry is $100 for 5 years.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN
Basically, it’s a go-to-the-head-of-the-line pass for quick re-entry to the US after international travel. When I re-entered the US via Newark, I moved ahead of a couple of hundred people using Global Entry.
BENEFITS
No processing lines
No paperwork
Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
Available at major U.S. airports
Reduced wait times
TSA Pre✓® Eligibility
The application process is done almost completely online. After you are “Conditionally Approved” online, you log back in to your account and schedule a 15 minute in-person interview. Interviews are usually in an office at an airport that services international flights. They ask you a few questions, take your picture for facial recognition, and fingerprints.
IMPORTANT:Interviews are HARD TO GET, but doable, at this time. Plan WAY ahead and make your appointment online after finding a location, date, and time that works for you. If you can’t get an appointment, you can do it at the airport as you return from your first international flight after being “Conditionally Approved”.
NOTE:I was at a cooking demo tonight (11/15/22) and the new-ish European Market in Arden, NC came up. Forgetting I’d only posted about it on Facebook, I told interested folks they could search this website for information, especially the Market’s address. Realizing it wasn’t on my website after getting home, I’m sharing my Facebook post here so they can find the information.
Looking for Chocolate and other unique groceries from European countries? Check out the NEW European Market, Arden, NC that’s just opened in Arden! It’s the 9th (first in NC) out of 10 (10th opening soon) locations of a regional chain.
We had a blast exploring their latest location in Arden. finding more than a few products at surprisingly lower prices than seen elsewhere. We left with some great finds.
It’s a small regional chain that opened it’s first store in Chattanooga, TN in November 1999. At first, they stocked Russian products, gradualy adding things from other countries. They also make homemade cabbage rolls, pierogies, bulochki, chebureki, blintzes and bake German bread.
It was a dark and stormy night . . . but totally worth battling wind and rain from the edge of Hurricane Nicole to celebrate a birthday at Milton’s in Black Mountain.
I first met Executive Chef Edwin Bloodworth eight years ago when he was running the kitchen at Lex18, a N. Lexington Ave restaurant (no longer in business) in Asheville. He served up one of the best meals I’d had to date!
It wasn’t until we chatted with Chef Edwin this time that I realized he’d been at Gamekeeper Restaurant & Bar in Boone during the time I was producing the High Country Small Plate Crawls. If you’ve never been to Gamekeeper, you must go. Their food is interesting and fantastic. They’ve done some major remodeling since I’ve been, so I also need to get back up there.
This is the second time my husband and I have been to Milton’s, in the historic Monte Vista Boutique Hotel. Both were the type of dining experience you can’t stop thinking about. Chef Edwin has been at the helm of Milton’s Black Mountain in the The Monte Vista Hotel for about 8 months now, and he’s knockin’ it outta’ the park! Feast your eyes on some of what’s coming out of his kitchen now, as well as what’s to come on his soon-to-be-finalized new menu in the Gallery below.
Every, Single, Dish was presented beautifully and was absolutely delicious! Flavors were balanced, yet set each other off perfectly.
We were there for dinner, not a media preview, but Chef didn’t let that stand (smile). As we were about to give our most fabulous server, Jennifer, our order, she looked me directly in the eye and said, “you’ll get what you get.” Oh, okaaay . . . We did eventually get what we were going to order, but before that happened, a “new menu preview” tasting parade happened. Do. Not. Get. Me. Wrong. We loved every minute of our evening! It was a completely fun, magical way to celebrate Bill’s birthday! Especially as we’d had to cancel the original date due to a family emergency.
NOTES:
As you look through the Gallery at all the lusciousness, keep in mind some of the tasting dishes – marked as NEW MENU COMING SOON – are still in the process of being tweaked, so they might look/taste a little different when finalized. Read “finalized” as “Chef’s best and most delicious take on the dish”.
Pictures from our first meal at Milton’s are marked PREVIOUS MEAL in the Gallery.
If you haven’t been to the historic (National Register) Monte Vista Hotel in a while, things have changed. A few years ago, Southern Proper Hospitality (Atlanta), “together [with] a few other Black Mountain partners acquired the hotel and redesigned the accommodations to create a comfortable and classically hip boutique mountain oasis.”
It’s lovely inside and out! In nice weather, it’ll be hard choosing between cozy inside dining, and dining on their pretty back patio. Both have fireplaces.
Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails
308 West State Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711
828-669-8870
Ciao Asheville-Learn to Make Limoncello wraps up Metro Wines‘ (Asheville) 2022 line of events just in time for the holidays. Join them on Sunday, December 11 at 2pm to learn how to make the popularItalian Liqueur, Limoncello. Howard Rampersaud, Food and Wine Traveler in Italy, will present the process pursuant to an authentic Italian recipe garnered from his travels.
Howard will demonstrate the process from start to finish, including bottling this magic elixir and give us shopping and packaging advice, too. Typically made from grain alcohol, Howard will also discuss how to make limoncello from vodka, which has a lower alcohol content. And you’ll get to sample both versions to see which one you like best! You’ll also get to take home a copy of Howard’s recipe.
Registration will include limoncello tasting, a glass of Prosecco (it IS the holidays after all!), copy of the recipe, and everyone attending will be entered to win a door prize – a bottle of limoncello made by Howard!
This is a unique opportunity to learn how to make this year round digestif for your home or as a gift to friends and family.
Ciao Asheville says: “When life gives you lemons, make limoncello!” And come celebrate the holidays with Ciao Asheville and Metro Wines!
The class is $20 + tax and participants are limited to 24. Register by calling (828) 575-9525 or via their online wine store here.
An Epicurean Adventure: ‘Savor Charlotte’ Comes to Greenville, SC on Nov 10th
A creative haven for foodies in the Southeast, the Queen City encourages zealous pursuit of new flavors in Southern cooking and beyond. In celebration of Charlotte’s ever-evolving food and beverage landscape, eight of the city’s most buzzed-about chefs and mixologists will come together for a one-night-only culinary experience in Greenville, South Carolina on November 10, 2022.
In partnership with euphoria Greenville food festival and The Local Palate, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) is bringing the Savor Charlotte event to four local Greenville restaurants: CAMP, Jianna, The Lazy Goat and Oak Hill Café & Farm. The exclusively curated menus will showcase why Charlotte is a must-visit destination for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
“Charlotte’s culinary community represents an incredibly diverse and dynamic group of passionate individuals,” said Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer at the CRVA. “In Charlotte, food service makes up more than 70% of all leisure & hospitality jobs and 25% of visitor spending is attributed to food & beverage. We are excited to showcase the talented chefs and mixologists bringing Charlotte’s unique flavors to Greenville, giving us a platform to inspire a trip to the Queen City and experience our culinary community firsthand.”
The pairing of four of Greenville’s top restaurants with Charlotte chefs and mixologists offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for diners to get a taste of the culinary artistry of both destinations through a unique epicurean experience.
The chef, mixologist and restaurant collaborations include:
CAMP – Chef Alex Verica of PARA and mixologist Justin Hazelton of Leah & Louise Jianna – Chef Bruce Moffett of Moffett Restaurant Group and mixologist Russ Johnson of The Public House The Lazy Goat – Chef Shai Fargian of YAFO Kitchen and mixologist Colleen Hughes of Supperland Oak Hill Café & Farm – Chef Christa Csoka of The Artisan’s Palate and mixologist Yoshi Mejia of Super Yosh Cocktails
The ‘Savor Charlotte’ Greenville adventure is easy to experience. Those interested in a taste of Charlotte can reserve a table directly at one of the four participating restaurants. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, as space is limited.
As part of the exclusive event in Greenville, restaurant patrons who dine at one of the four restaurants on November 10, 2022 will have the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a Charlotte Westin hotel stay and a pair of Charlotte Brew Badge passes.
Charlotte is a city of culinary opportunity with many young, innovative chefs graduating from local culinary school Johnson & Wales University. From James Beard Award nominees and creative mixologists to well-established restauranters and international chefs, the city’s success in food & beverage is a testament to the creativity and passion of all who make up the collaborative community.
For more information about the participating chefs and mixologists, and to make reservations for November 10, 2022, click here.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.
top left for flyout map location details.
Contact Info: 521 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 // 828.370.TACO (8226) // 
