Q: Italian Wine Dinner at French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar

French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar’s (https://thefrenchbroad.net/) signature wine dinner events are both bold and comforting, as they expand their knowledge and indulge their taste buds with creative and innovative food and wine pairings. They are pleased to have Nicole and Derek Cote from Crate Wine Market & Project lead lively and informative discussions on their wine parings for each course. And Chef Brian will walk us through the Italian landscape as he discusses his creations – how it’s made, where it comes from and why he chose it. Join us! Relax, sip, feast…and enjoy! Thursday, August 15th at 6:00 PM The Menu Antipasto for the table Beef Carpaccio served family style Stuffed Calamari shrimp sausage, caponata Intermezzo: Schiz Cheese and Tomato “Caprese” house-made northern Italian grilling cheese sauteed in cream and butter with fresh tomatoes, basil and aged vinegar Wild Mushroom Agnolotti & Truffles mushroom and ricotta stuffed pasta with black truffles Dessert: Zabaglione Budino Space is limited to 25 people for the Wine Dinner. To make a reservation for this special event, please call 828-595-9797 during normal business hours, or leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible. French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar 342 North Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 Hours Wed & Thurs, 11 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun 11 am – 8 pm

Q: Twisted Laurel Avl rebrands as Daphne at Twisted Laurel

Twisted Laurel’s downtown location has a new menu and name! With the same owners, staff and heart, it is now called Daphne at Twisted Laurel (https://www.twistedlaurel.com/location/asheville/) with a focus on casual, New American Cuisine by Executive Chef Michael Achberger. Some lunchtime favorites remain such as Old World salad and pasta dishes, Handhelds, and Stone Hearth Pies, and they have expanded to showcase an ever-changing, creative, seasonal menu. Their Soul Brunch Sunday has a unique menu that changes weekly accompanied by smooth, soulful sounds care of our resident DJ’s Jasper and Chris. With their beautiful, dog-friendly Daphne at Twisted Laurel’s patio that directly faces Pack Square Park, it’s the perfect place downtown to eat, drink, and soak up Spring in downtown Asheville. Their private event space upstairs, The Daphne Room, is a premier location for gatherings such as business meetings, birthday parties, and even wedding receptions. Be sure to also ask us about our expanded on and off-site catering menus.

Question 1

Italian Wine Dinner at French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar

Accepted Answer

French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar&#8217;s (https://thefrenchbroad.net/) signature wine dinner events are both bold and comforting, as they expand their knowledge and indulge their taste buds with creative and innovative food and wine pairings. They are pleased to have Nicole and Derek Cote from Crate Wine Market & Project lead lively and informative discussions on their wine parings for each course. And Chef Brian will walk us through the Italian landscape as he discusses his creations &#8211; how it&#8217;s made, where it comes from and why he chose it.
Join us! Relax, sip, feast&#8230;and enjoy!
Thursday, August 15th at 6:00 PM
The Menu
Antipasto
for the table
Beef Carpaccio
served family style
Stuffed Calamari
shrimp sausage, caponata
Intermezzo: Schiz Cheese and Tomato &#8220;Caprese&#8221;
house-made northern Italian grilling cheese sauteed in cream and butter with fresh tomatoes, basil and aged vinegar
Wild Mushroom Agnolotti & Truffles
mushroom and ricotta stuffed pasta with black truffles
Dessert: Zabaglione Budino
Space is limited to 25 people for the Wine Dinner. To make a reservation for this special event, please call 828-595-9797 during normal business hours, or leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar
342 North Main Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Hours
Wed & Thurs, 11 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun 11 am &#8211; 8 pm

Question 2

ASAP Announces 2019 Local Food Experience

Accepted Answer

Popular local food & farm event returns on Aug 15 at New Belgium Brewing Co.

ASAP’s Local Food Experience celebrates the connections between farmers, chefs, and artisan food producers in the region. The event, to be held on Thursday, August 15, 6-8:30 pm, at New Belgium Brewing Co., is an opportunity for attendees to meet farmers, chefs, and artisans while sampling small plates highlighting seasonal foods grown and raised in the Southern Appalachians. The evening also features an exclusive local food–themed silent auction, a scavenger hunt, and a friendly chef competition for favorite dish.

Participating vendors for 2019 include Sawhorse, Aux Bar, The Montford Rooftop Bar, Early Girl Eatery, Sugar & Snow Gelato, Serotonin Ferments, Shanti Elixirs, Buncombe County Schools, and more. These chefs and producers will highlight Appalachian Grown™ farm products from Looking Glass Creamery, Dry Ridge Farm, Brasstown Beef, Ivy Creek Family Farm, Farm Fresh Ventures, Jah Works Farm, other local farms. More restaurants and farms will be announced in the weeks leading up to the experience. Updated participating partners, as well as a sneak peak at silent auction items, can be found at asapconnections.org.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the ASAP Local Food Experience for the third time!” says Dan Silo, chef-owner of Sawhorse. “It’s been a fantastic way to highlight the relationships between people who grow and produce food and people who cook food in WNC. It’s also been a great way to network with the people who put love and care and thought into what they do with food, and how it impacts the environment, the community, and the local economy. I participated in my first Local Food Experience before I even had my own business to showcase, and now that Sawhorse is up and running it gives me great joy to continue the partnership.”

ASAP’s Local Food Experience is exclusively sponsored by Katie Button Restaurants.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance at asapconnections.org. All proceeds will benefit ASAP’s programs to help local farms thrive and build healthy communities through connections to local food. New Belgium Brewing Co. is located at 21 Craven Street, Asheville, NC 28806.

ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)

ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more about ASAP’s work in the region, visit asapconnections.org, or call (828) 236-1282.

Question 3

Boojum Brewing Company - the Boojum is Real!

Accepted Answer

Where to meet a friend for lunch (or any meal) in Waynesville? How &#8217;bout a spot that&#8217;s as much restaurant as it is brewery, sporting a killer deck out back? That would be Boojum Brewing Company Taproom (https://www.boojumbrewing.com/). And if you&#8217;re looking for entertainment, don&#8217;t miss The Gem, the downstairs bar the folks at Boojum describe as &#8220;an affable downtown bar featuring 16 beers on tap, a full bar, TVs, a pool table & a limited but appetizing menu! Over age 21 only.&#8221; The Gem also hosts lots of live music. You can see what&#8217;s happening at The Gem on their Facebook Page.
Before getting talking about the brews and bites, I thought I&#8217;d look in to the &#8220;Boojum&#8221; name and what it might mean. Looks like I need to bone up on NC lore! You can read more about the Boojum on the beer menu.

&#8220;One might say the Boojum is similar to the Abominable Snowman of the Himalayans or the Wampas Cat in the swamps of Eastern North Carolina. But Boojum is a unique creature of his own and Haywood County is his home.&#8221; ~ visitncsmokies.com

Boojum&#8217;s main floor is semi-divided: bar to one side, dining room to the other. I was headed to the dining room, but took a minute to watch the bar lighting cycle through multiple colors. Fun, but would it drive me crazy sitting at the bar? Not sure. I&#8217;ll have to give it a try some time.

On first taste, I knew there was something special going on here. Every single dish we ordered was surprisingly good. Not just good for a brewery, but good for a restaurant.
Love tomatoes? You must try the Tomato Bisque Soup (Cup $4, Bowl $6) made with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, Boojum beer, and garlic fried croutons. Robust in texture, but not too thick, each bite is full of rich tomato flavor.

Salmon on a bed of seasoned chopped kale, drizzled with balsamic (don&#8217;t remember the price) was absolutely fantastic! My friend ordered this and gave me a taste. You can bet I&#8217;ll get it (if available) the next time I&#8217;m at Boojum. The salmon was cooked to perfection with a deliciously seasoned sear. Not a kale fan? Try it anyway. You may just be surprised at the burst of flavor and friendly texture with each bite.

Wait. What about the beer? This is a brewery after all. Just for fun, I tried a half pint of one of their &#8220;specialty&#8221; brews, a strawberry small batch release. It was light, fresh, and tasty with just enough hint of strawberry to make it interesting. When you go, ask to hear about their current small batch brews.

Take a good look at The Cataloochee ($12) burger below. This mess &#8216;o deliciousness comes with fries (not pictured). Substitutions are available at an additional cost.
Take a Brioche Bun, put some apple-fennel slaw on it, add a cooked-to-order burger, top that with house-made farmer&#8217;s cheese (scrumptious) and tomato jam (also scrumptious). After announcing I&#8217;d be taking half home with me, I ate the entire thing! Comfort food that should satisfy the hungriest of appetites, along with a Boojum brew of course.

Here&#8217;s a shot of the back deck and service bar. This was early on a quiet day, so it wasn&#8217;t set up yet.

The Gem downstairs bar and live music venue:
Image: Bojum Brewing Company Facebook Page
Epicurean Notes:

Boojum&#8217;s easy to find, right on Waynesville&#8217;s Main Street.
Service was good. Table and surrounds were clean.
As always, check days and hours of operation before going (I usually call).
Remember that online menus are not always up to date, but can be used as a reference for types of dishes and pricing.

Boojum Brewing Company Taproom
50 N Main St
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone: (828) 246-0350

Question 4

New Executive Chef and Waitlist Option at Good Food on Montford

Accepted Answer

Charlotte-based hotspot Good Food on Montford (https://www.goodfoodonmontford.com) is rolling out exciting changes in anticipation of its upcoming 10-year anniversary. The second restaurant from award-winning Chef Bruce Moffett puts a fresh spin on global small plates with one goal in mind – taste without borders. The menu changes seasonally with inspiration pulled from the produce they source locally or with their current culinary obsessions. To continue in pursuit of their worldly mission, Good Food on Montford tapped new Executive Chef Kieran Gonzales to take the lead. This transition comes as previous Executive Chef Larry Schreiber takes the helm of the restaurant group’s newest venture, Bao + Broth. The forthcoming restaurant, located at Optimist Hall, opens later this summer.
Executive Chef Kieran Gonzales
Chef Kieran Gonzalez was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia and found his passion for the culinary world through his Filipino heritage. His background provided an exotic and unique approach to food that was not available in his hometown at the time. He took his culinary acumen to Johnson & Wales to further his skills and work his way through the ranks of the restaurant world. Drawn to the chef-owned and family-based culture that surrounds the small-plates eatery, Good Food on Montford gives him the opportunity to pursue more creative expressions and his talent has proven to be a perfect fit for the restaurant.
“This city’s restaurant scene is nothing short of special. There is no shortage of restaurants with innovative menus and I’m proud to join the quintessential example of that in Charlotte,” says Chef Kieran Gonzales. “Good Food on Montford has long been known for its inventive, constantly evolving dishes – the food speaks for itself here and I’m looking forward to elevating the menu even further.”
The changes at Good Food on Montford don’t stop there. For the first time ever, the notoriously popular restaurant has begun utilizing Wisely. This option allows guests to add their party to an electronic waitlist in an effort to decrease wait times. As temperatures continue to rise in Charlotte, the ability to sign up for the waitlist online will be a welcome change for those who previously had to wait in long lines outside of the restaurant.
About Moffett Restaurant Group: Owned by Chef Bruce Moffett, Moffett Restaurant Group is a collection of restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurants include upscale, American cuisine at Barrington’s, tapas-style food at Good Food on Montford, authentic Italian at Stagioni, and a blend of Northern shore food with a Southern twist at N.C. Red. MRG understands that dining out is as much about the experience as it is about the food. While all four MRG restaurants have their own style, décor and cuisine, they share one quality: a comfortable setting paired with innovative, seasonally-driven dishes. In spring of 2019, MRG will be adding another restaurant to the group; Bao + Broth. To learn more about Bruce Moffett and Moffett Restaurant Group, visit our website here or follow along on Instagram at @ChefBruceMoffett, @stagioniclt, @goodfoodclt, @barringtonsclt, and @ncredclt.

Question 5

Capella on 9 Launches New Spring/Summer Menu

Accepted Answer

Known for its small plates and big views, AC Hotel Asheville Downtown’s ninth-floor restaurant, Capella on 9, has recently launched a new food and cocktail menu that’s full of spring delights.
Available now though the end of summer, the menu items boast refreshing flavor perfect for a warm-evening overlooking the city. With locally-sourced ingredients and an impeccable eye for visual presentation, the team at Capella on 9, led by Executive Chef Rakim Gaines, brings excellence to the table. The inspiration behind the season’s menu? Gaines was inspired by bright colors and was motivated to create “spring on a plate.” Look forward to dishes featuring edible flowers, fresh herbs and citrus-centric flavors.
Highlights on the new menu include Scallop Ceviche ($16), which features cilantro, heirloom tomato, edamame puree, corn and spinach tortilla chips; and, the Drop the Beet! cocktail ($12) made with mint-beet shrub, Absolut vodka, lemon juice, soda water and a mint garnish. Don’t forget about the little ones—an impressive Kids Gourmet Menu featuring delicious child-friendly-items such as the Capella Grilled Cheese ($9) and the Salmon Quesadilla ($12) are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Capella on 9 stands apart from the rest of the city’s impressive roster of restaurants thanks to its seamless combination of locally-curated dishes, handcrafted cocktails and stunning mountain views from nine stories above Asheville. Located in the heart of downtown, Capella on 9 sits as one of the most picturesque spots in Asheville to watch the sunset, dine and sip. Reservations are available by phone at (828) 258-2522.
About AC Hotels by Marriott®
AC Hotels by Marriott®, a lifestyle brand that celebrates a new way to hotel complemented by a European soul and Spanish roots, boasts more than 125 design-led hotels in 15 countries and territories. Design-driven AC Hotels by Marriott® edit away the unnecessary to remove friction, providing thoughtfully designed moments of beauty, allowing guests to focus on what’s important to them. The properties modern design for modern business include buzzing AC Lounges, the perfect place for locals or visitors to get work done in style or to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and tapas. High-design guest rooms and public spaces with sleek furnishings and intuitive technology features such as the Media Salons and AC Libraries inspire and connect. For more information, visit ac-hotels.com. For more information, visit http://achotels.marriott.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Question 6

Asheville Art Museum, w/rooftop cafe, opens this Summer after major remodel

Accepted Answer

Looking for a new reason to visit Asheville, N.C.? The eye-popping $24+ million Asheville Art Museum project will (https://www.ashevilleart.org/) focus on American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries and work from Western North Carolina and the Southeast.
Raoul Hague, Rainbow Lake, 1980, carved walnut, 68 × 48 × 44 inches. Gift of the Raoul Hague Foundation, 2012.52.32. © The Raoul Hague Foundation Photo of visitors examining sculpture by David Huff Creative.
Three reasons to consider the Asheville Art Museum for summer, fall and holiday travel:
1. Appalachia Now! An Interdisciplinary Survey of Contemporary Art in Southern Appalachia
will be the inaugural special exhibition on view through 2019. New York-based interdisciplinary scholar and curator Jason Andrew considered more than 700 artists from the Southern Appalachian states of North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. After 55 studio visits and an open call, which garnered more than 400 applicants, Andrew selected 50 diverse working artists. Mediums span photography, ceramics, glass, performance, painting, new media, music, sculpture and more.
2. Glass facade, rooftop café, and more&#8230;
The Museum&#8217;s expansion includes a stunning glass facade and art-filled atrium, an oculus window, sculpture terrace and rooftop café worthy of Asheville’s foodtopian values. Henry Richardson&#8217;s glass sculpture, Reflections on Unity, has been chosen for the first public art installation on the plaza in front of the Museum.
Visitor taking a hard-hat tour enjoys the view from the oculus in the Collection Hall. Photo by Asheville Art Museum.

Friends enjoy wine on the new rooftop terrace. Photo by David Huff CreativeFriends enjoy wine on the new rooftop terrace. Photo by David Huff Creative. | A visitor taking a hard-hat tour enjoys the view from the oculus in the Collection Hall. Photo by Asheville Art Museum.
3. Intersections in American Art Offers a Fresh, Diverse Look at the Collection
The Museum jumpstarts a conversation between the viewer, the region and American art with this exhibition. A grant from the Henry Luce Foundation allowed a diverse group, including an N.C. poet laureate, to help reinterpret the Collection with ideas derived from Black Mountain College.
Asheville Art Museum Atrium InteriorPhoto by David Huff
Note: Part of the project includes historic preservation of the 1926 Pack Library as the new Education Center

Question 7

Aloft Asheville Downtown Awarded Marriott International’s 2019 Alice S. Marriott Award

Accepted Answer

With great honor, the Alice S. Marriott “Spirit to Serve” Award is presented to McKibbon Hospitality’s Aloft Asheville Downtown. The award, which received hundreds of nominations per year, was initially created to honor the late Marriott Co-Founder Alice S. Marriott—mother of Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board, Bill Marriott. Those who have been presented with this award exemplify Alice’s philosophy, “By generously giving our time, energy and resources, we enrich the lives of others.”
The activities that earned Aloft Asheville this prestigious award include providing shelter to the homeless through Homeward Bound; working to end hunger with MANNA FoodBank; teaching students career and life skills through Eliada Homes; providing care and love to special needs and disadvantaged children; raising awareness for breast cancer; improving the arts and education in the Asheville community; and rehoming hundreds of rescue dogs through their successful foster dog program, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.
In acceptance of the award is former Aloft General Manager David McCartney—recently promoted to general manager of new downtown Asheville hotel concept, Hotel Arras, which will open its doors this summer—who received the news via congratulatory letters from Bill Marriott and Marriott’s President/CEO Arne Sorenson. “An authentic dedication to the community is of high importance at all McKibbon hotels, so this recognition is truly a special accomplishment for Aloft Asheville,” said John McKibbon, Chairman of McKibbon Hospitality.
‘We are beyond honored to receive this award, but more importantly proud of the efforts we’ve made in our Asheville community,” said McCartney. “The entire staff at Aloft Asheville embraces the golden rule and it’s so humbling to know that we all come to work realizing that our impact reaches far beyond the four walls of the hotel, and that our guests are always willing to give a helping hand, as well.”
Image: Aloft Asheville Downtown
McCartney and Aloft Asheville Downtown’s Operations Manager, Dexter Hazel, traveled to the home of Marriott Corporate Headquarters, Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 14, to attend the Marriott Awards of Excellence ceremony at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Adding to the incredible honor, Aloft Asheville Downtown is the first from the Aloft brand to ever accept this award.
Other awards being presented include the J.W. Marriott, Jr. Diversity Excellence Award, the Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence and the Stephan Garff Marriott Award of Excellence for Culture. Additionally, 10 Marriott associates who have showcased exceptional achievements, character, dedication effort and perseverance, will receive the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence, which was named after the company’s founder.
To learn more about Aloft Asheville Downtown, visit www.aloftashevilledowntown.com. For more information about McKibbon Hospitality, visit www.mckibbon.com.
About Aloft Hotels
With over 150 hotels now open in over 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,700 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 130 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
About McKibbon Hospitality
Headquartered in Tampa, FL, McKibbon Hospitality creates memorable hospitality experiences that inspire brand and property loyalty. It’s how we’ve grown into one of the largest (and most awarded) hotel development and management companies in the country. We build and operate hotels across the country for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and other iconic hospitality brands. We guide every facet of hospitality development and management, from site selection, design and construction management to hotel openings, operations and renovations. Beyond building and managing hotels, we create experiences that reflect and define the local culture.
Our legacy is built on a foundation of integrity, anchored in how we value our guests, treat our associates and partners, and give back to our communities. Visit McKibbon.com to learn more.

Question 8

Discover Asheville's Luscious Urban Oasis: Liberty House Coffee and Cafe

Accepted Answer

Normally I have a good idea what to expect before checking out a new (to me) spot, but not this time. Liberty House Coffee & Cafe (https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/) was close to a blank slate in my mind before heading over for lunch last week with my pal Barrie.
There was one article, probably old news written shortly after Liberty House opened three years ago, that talked about a lack of enough seating at the popular eatery. That was the main reason I nixed Liberty House for a last minute lunch with my two sisters, figuring none of us wanted to eat lunch sitting on stairs, the curb, or in our car.
We pulled up to the side entrance and patio, parking on Liberty Street. First impression: someone did a fantastic job transforming this cottage just outside downtown Asheville in to an adorable coffee shop/cafe!

Those red umbrellas really pop, adding so much to the overall exterior look.
As soon as we headed in the side door from the patio/terrace (not noticing the front entrance) we were impressed with the quality and creativity of decor and finishes. Even functional pieces like the water dispenser (bottom right in the image below) was special enough to be noticed, while not crossing the line in to kitschy territory.

Check out the ceiling boards, fixed transom window, dentil trim molding above, and casing around the door. Sit in the room where you order and you&#8217;ll be pulling yourself up to a live-edge counter on a wooden bar stool held together with with bright red metal fittings.

And here&#8217;s the extent of the kitchen, tucked in behind the counter where you place your order. The first person who told me about Liberty House was a chef. When I said I hadn&#8217;t been, he was insistent that I go, saying &#8220;they&#8217;re doing things with food that they shouldn&#8217;t be able to do in that space. You&#8217;ve got to give &#8217;em a try!&#8221;
See the espresso machine on the counter? A full suite of espresso/coffee drinks are available. I was happy to see they were selling beans from Hendersonville roaster Independent Bean Roasters. Didn&#8217;t do my normal latte test this time. Too full. See their coffee menu and prices here.

Barrie and I both ordered a B.L.A.T. ($9). In between the toast you&#8217;ll find an heirloom tomato, avocado, heritage farms bacon, organic gem lettuces, dijonnaise, and a little pepper, served with a side salad or chips. I don&#8217;t remember being asked what kind of bread I&#8217;d like, so you may not have a choice? It was good, though.
We both thought this sandwich was great. Not that it was some amazing new creation, but that the ingredients were so fresh and tasty. The only issue was it got a little slippery with those pieces of avocado trying to escape from all sides. The side salad was also very fresh.

Y&#8217;all know my M.O. If there&#8217;s a non-mass-produced, delicious looking scone in my line of sight, I&#8217;m going to give it a try. This apricot ginger scone did not disappoint! I was going to take it home with me, but it didn&#8217;t last that long.
See their menu HERE. See their Blog and/or Facebook Page for specials and menu updates.

So, here&#8217;s the kinda&#8217; funny part. Remember &#8220;Luscious Urban Oasis&#8221; in the title of this post? Coming in to Liberty House from the terrace, I had the impression (and had been told) that it was a small spot without a lot of space or seating.
Well, we walked out the front door and what did we see but an extensive organic garden, including fruit trees. And as far as not enough seating. Well, no problem there. Picnic tables run along the back side length of the garden along with a few other seats.

And again, attention to special touches like what looks like copper pipe railing all along a ramp up to a side entrance and logo metal cutout.
It&#8217;s tiny in the picture below, but see the small box between two posts in front of the brick building? That&#8217;s an active bee hive.

Their garden and local farms supply as much of the menu as possible.
Along the street side of the garden are more cut metal panels between brick pillars, each a different engaging design.

Cute mural on the side of what looks like some time of support/backup building, too.

Here&#8217;s the story, morning glory. Read owner Dylan&#8217;s story about growing up on Liberty Street at his parents bed and breakfast and converting the house his dad lived in for a few years into the now coffee shop & cafe.
Epicurean Notes:

Monday &#8211; Friday: 7am &#8211; 4pm, Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 9am &#8211; 2pm (It&#8217;s a good idea to call any eatery and verify hours if it&#8217;s important that they are open when you get there)
Wi-Fi is available
Take some time looking around inside and out at Liberty House, noticing all the attention to detail, big and small.

Liberty House Coffee & Cafe
https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/
221 S. Liberty Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-412-3225

Question 9

Finding happy in Harvey's new small plates

Accepted Answer

Two of us were lucky enough be invited to sample some fun, new Small Plates at  Harvey&#8217;s at The Henderson-Restaurant, Lounge & Bar this past Saturday.
Chef/Owner Michael Gilligan explained that he and his wife, Jeanne, have spent the better part of the last year and a half since purchasing the property redoing, refreshing, and repairing the Inn, including replacing broken kitchen equipment &#8211; hood, fridge/freezer, stove, oven &#8211; everything.
And now that they&#8217;re fully staffed and the Inn&#8217;s humming along, Chef Michael&#8217;s able to focus more of his attention on the restaurant: menu development, ingredient sourcing, events, etc.
Presentation of these Buffalo Deviled Eggs will definitely make you happy. Watch as a glass dome is lifted and smoke used to flavor the eggs billows out.
Buffalo Deviled Eggs with Smoke, Sriracha, and Blue Cheese Powder
The new menu is designed to be fun and a little adventurous.

&#8220;To dine with us is to eat by whim, free from rules or schedules. It is meant for those who wish to enjoy life to the fullest and pass time with family & friends.&#8221;

Prices range from a low of $8 to a high of $18, with an average around $12.
Chef&#8217;s She Crab Soup let&#8217;s you know it&#8217;s there with bold seasoning and plenty of crab.
She Crab Soup made with Paprika, Cream, and Sherry
We especially liked the flavor of the Kokanee Salmon &#8216;Sashimi&#8217;, brought to the dish by Scorched Sesame Oil and Yuzu Dressing.
Kokanee Salmon &#8216;Sashimi&#8217;, Scorched Sesame Oil, Yuzu Dressing, and Apple Salad
We found a little magic along with the happy in this Hudson Valley Foie Gras presentation. Just look at that crystal-like Ice Wine Gelée! Chef Michael explained that this was his way of honoring the traditional pairing of white wine with a dish like this.
Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Japaneese BBQ Eel, Ice Wine &#8216;Gelee&#8217;, and a Soy-Truffle Glaze
For me, the Duck Confit was the evening&#8217;s star. Not only was the duck cooked perfectly, a bite including all three ingredients added a mild flavor & crunch from the grit cake and sweet from the berry sauce.
Duck Confit on a Stone Ground Grit Cake in Local Wild Berry Sauce
We finished the evening&#8217;s tasting with a lovely Raspberry Crème Brûlée. If you love Crème Brûlée like I do and have enjoyed it at lots of different restaurants, you&#8217;ve probably experienced various custard textures and have a preference. This one surprised me at first, as a little loose, but then I got a scoop of the berries on the bottom along with the custard, and found my happy.
Raspberry Creme Brulee
Chef Michael hasn&#8217;t forgotten those with dietary restrictions. His new menu is clearly market with Vegetarian, Gluten Free, and Non-Lactose options. See the full Small Plate Menu HERE.
Watch for more fun and happy at Harvey&#8217;s with more menu development and reasonably priced &#8220;Dinner and a Movie&#8221; events, Wine Dinners, and special events like their recent Derby Watch Party.
Harvey&#8217;s at The Henderson
201 3rd Ave W
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Phone: (828) 696-2001

Question 10

Rezaz-underrated, but IMO one of Asheville's best restaurants

Accepted Answer

We wanted to treat our son to a delicious birthday dinner earlier this week. Considerations included great food, of course, a good wine & beer selection, and cocktails, but price was important, too. So that&#8217;s why we went to Rezaz (https://rezaz.com).
Bread For the Table is optional, but at $4 for nice variety of tasty house-made breads, it&#8217;s pretty much a given that you should go for it like we did. Breads this evening were House Focaccia, Oatmeal Blueberry, and Caramelized Onion & Parmesan. The bread is served with herbed dipping oil and whipped butter.

Birthday Boy opted for the Chef&#8217;s 3 Course Dinner: $36 per Person, gratuity & drinks not inclusive. Choose from quite a few items in each of three categories: Snack, Appetizer, and Entree.
From the Snack section, he chose the Israeli Lamb & Beef Bourekas with Muhamarra and Sheep Feta. Ordered a la carte, this yummy dish goes for $10.

For his appetizer, Charred Romaine Salad with Caesar Dressing, White Anchovy, French Onions, Golden Beet, Fried Capers, and Parmesan. A la carte cost is $11.
We were all surprised at the composition of this dish. It was kinda fun to pick and choose what to include in each bite.

And for his Entree, Bistro Beef Filet with Roasted Cauliflower Gratin, Oyster Mushrooms, Lemon Arugula, Veal Demi-Glace. A la carte $24. The filet was cooked perfectly to order and that cauliflower gratin &#8211; wow.
Silly me, I was so focused on the cauliflower gratin (which I tasted and loved), I pretty much missed the filet in the picture below.

And for The Hubs, one of his favorites, Spanish Paella ($22) with Scallop, Red Shrimp, House Chorizo, Chicken, Bomba Rice, Tapenade, Aioli, Soffrito, and Pea. He loved Chef Brian Smith&#8217;s take on this classic.

I&#8217;m a sucker for Chef&#8217;s Moroccan Tagine ($21) creations. Choose a protein to add &#8211; Local Chicken, Tofu, or Red Shrimp &#8211; to a luscious mixture of Fregola (pasta) Ginger, Apricot, Cashew, and Olive. The chicken was cooked beautifully and still very moist.

Throw in a couple beers for the boy, a glass of malbec for my husband, and a G&T for me, and you can understand why we were all pretty full by the end of this meal. But you have to have some kind of sweet end for a birthday dinner, right?
The only thing that fit the bill was a Chocolate Pot de Creme that came with a couple cookies. Our server knew we were celebrating a birthday and nice enough to bring out the Pot de Creme with a lit candle. I really was too full, so the guys shared this one.

THEN, our server brought these three house-made Chocolate Truffles to the table saying that Chef Brian heard we were celebrating a birthday. I&#8217;m guessing that Co-Owner/Pastry Chef Laura Smith made these. As it turned out, I was able to force myself (wink) to let one of these truffles melt in my mouth. It was delicious.

Rezaz is on the edge of Biltmore Village, just south of downtown Asheville. They have a small parking lot that seems to do the trick on most days.
Your server will probably tell you about a couple specials in addition to the regular menu. Whatever you decide to order, I&#8217;m guessing you&#8217;re going to be happy.
Rezaz Pan Mediterranean
28 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: (828) 277-1510

Question 11

Hendersonville Guided History Walks Begin June 2nd in Hendersonville

Accepted Answer

On Sundays, June 2 and 9 at 2 p.m., and on Mondays, June 17 and 24 at 5:30 p.m., Hendersonville guided history walks along its meandering Main Street will be offered. Participants will learn about the history of the town and its interesting architectural designs &#8212; including stops at the Historic Courthouse, Skyland Hotel, City Hall, and other historic shops and structures along Main Street. Cost is $10 per person 10 years and older. Children under 10 are free with a paid adult. Space is limited. Reservations are suggested. Gather in the lobby of Hendersonville City Hall at the Police Dept. entrance to begin the walk. City Hall is at the corner of Fifth Avenue East and King Street. Free parking is available at the Police Dept. entrance.
The walks will be about 90 minutes and will be held rain or shine. Stroll with tour guide Mary Jo Padgett to answer such questions as &#8212; who donated the land where the new town would be built, what is the age of the oldest block of buildings, what was on the third floor (and in the basement) of the old City Hall, who was the town named for, bordellos, shoot-outs, trolley lines and much more.
Main Street History Walks will continue through July and August. In addition, History Walks in Oakdale Cemetery will begin June 23. Walks in the Historic 7th Avenue District are offered in November. Visit http://maryjopadgett.com/hendersonville-nc-guided-tours-walks-main-street-oakdale-cemetery/ for more information.
Private tours for groups of 8 or more can be scheduled at anytime for Guided Walks on Main Street, in Oakdale Cemetery, or in the Historic 7th Avenue District.
“Locals and visitors may join me to celebrate and share the interesting history and architecture of downtown Hendersonville,” Padgett said. “And on certain Sunday afternoons, I’ll be at Oakdale Cemetery to share some stories. Later this year we will learn more about the 7th Avenue District as well. I believe that knowing our history enriches our lives.”
Padgett served on Hendersonville City Council for eight years, is a journalist and public relations consultant, co-founder and former executive director of ECO, was associate editor at The Mother Earth News magazine, and conducts programs and guided tours in Paris, France, on the American Revolution. Her parents spent their honeymoon in the Skyland Hotel on Main Street. She grew up on a farm in Rutherford County, and has lived in a 100-year-old house in downtown Hendersonville for 38 years.
To make reservations or for more information, phone Padgett at 828-545-3179 or email maryjo@maryjopadgett.com.
Visit www.maryjopadgett.com and click on Guided Walks for a complete schedule of guided walks, including Oakdale Cemetery (Look Homeward Angel) and the 7th Avenue District (Hendersonville&#8217;s Gilded Age).

Question 12

Executive Chef Michael Reppert Becomes Owner of The Blackbird Restaurant

Accepted Answer

This spring, The Blackbird Restaurant (https://theblackbirdrestaurant.com/) began a new chapter as Executive Chef Michael Reppert took over with co-owner John Tressler at his side. After a culinary career that included graduation from Le Cordon Bleu, positions in some of Boston’s most innovative restaurants, and years spent as The Blackbird’s Executive Chef, Chef Reppert was eager to take the next step and become the owner of The Blackbird. He and John Tressler purchased the restaurant from Jesson and Cristina Gil in late March.
“I’ve worked hard with so many people to nurture this place and after so long it is still here —still making great food— and I am proud,” says Chef Reppert. “I want to bring that to the forefront of the community and show everyone how The Blackbird is passionately run by people who work hard for each other and the restaurant.”
The iconic Biltmore Avenue restaurant has always focused on serving local ingredients with a southern twist, but Chef Reppert is adding his signature touch with a bounty of creative changes coming this spring. As a hands-on owner, Chef Reppert works with local and regional farmers and food producers. This not only ensures the restaurant has the freshest ingredients possible and maintains culinary integrity, but it also serves to support the local farmers.
“By working with our community to source products for the restaurant, we are establishing relationships but also encouraging a food mentality that is sustainable, meaningful, and just delicious,” says Chef Reppert.
In this spirit of community, Chef Reppert is striving to create a menu that is inclusive and encourages guests to maintain their own food intimacies while enjoying their friends and family. The seasonal dinner menu, which begins May 1, will feature an array of vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian dishes alongside the classics. This allows anyone to dine at The Blackbird in confidence while also challenging Chef Reppert’s team to expand culinary boundaries.
To expand those boundaries with some fun, Chef Reppert is serving a special $5 bar menu at The Blackbird from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. This gives guests an opportunity to relax and snack on fun creations between lunch and dinner. The menu is a perfect companion for exploring the restaurant’s expansive award-winning wine list or sampling the craft-made cocktails.
All the new changes mean one thing to Chef Reppert. He hopes The Blackbird becomes a gathering place for others just as it did for him and his family through the years.
“When I first started working at the Blackbird, I was a single dad trying to make a fresh start and a good life for my daughter,” says Chef Reppert. “I worked with my wife here, I developed my career, and my daughter feels at home in this restaurant. It’s always been a part of our family life, and I’m grateful to be able to make that more real by owning it.”
About The Blackbird Restaurant
Located at 47 Biltmore Ave in downtown Asheville, the Blackbird restaurant is locally owned by Executive Chef Michael Reppert and co-owner John Tressler. The Blackbird’s goal is to delight guests with cooking grounded in Southern tradition and developed with modern techniques, while creating an affordable and vibrant menu. Their signature is “New American” with Southern inspiration. Parking for the restaurant is available on Biltmore Ave, inside the Aloft Hotel parking garage. Reservations are available online through OpenTable or via phone at 828-254-2502.

Question 13

ASAP’s 2019 Local Food Guide Is Here!

Accepted Answer

The growing season has arrived in Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians! That means it’s time to discover farms to visit, weekly farmers tailgate markets, new restaurants, and more opportunities to savor the season and celebrate the farms that surround us. The latest edition of ASAP’s Local Food Guide, the essential resource for finding Appalachian Grown™ food and farms, hits newsstands this week.
“Whether you are looking for a farmers market near you or a restaurant that celebrates the bounty of our region, ASAP’s Local Food Guide is the best way to find it,” says Molly Nicholie, ASAP’s Local Food Campaign Director. “In the guide, you can find hundreds of ways to connect with and support local family farms, including u-pick, CSAs, farmers tailgate markets, restaurants, grocers, farm stands, artisan foods, and lodging.”
ASAP reconnects with Appalachian Grown farms and partners each year, so the Local Food Guide offers the most accurate, up-to-date information for consumers. The guide also features photos and articles that tell the story of the food and farms that make this region unique. ASAP’s online Local Food Guide, a companion to the printed guide available at appalachiangrown.org, is searchable by specific products or locations.
The Local Food Guide is available for free and distributed across Western North Carolina and to partners in the Appalachian Grown region. A full list of distribution points can be found at asapconnections.org. The guide can always be picked up at ASAP’s office, at 306 West Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
The 2019 Local Food Guide is made possible with support from Buncombe County Strategic Partnership fund, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Biltmore, and Asheville Area Airport.
ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)
ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more about ASAP’s work in the region, visit asapconnections.org, or call (828) 236-1282.

Question 14

Hotel Arras in downtown Asheville set to open this Summer

Accepted Answer

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces today it will open a new hotel in Asheville, North Carolina this summer. A historic conversion of the former BB&T Bank building, Kimpton Hotel Arras will transform the tallest building in the city into a 128-room boutique hotel and bring to life a modern mountain aesthetic with locally curated artwork, culinary craftsmanship and a laid-back-meets-luxe experience. The property, located in the heart of downtown Asheville at 7 Patton Avenue, also includes 54 residences, and two independently-owned restaurants, Bargello, offering Mediterranean fine-dining, and the all-day restaurant and bar, District 42.
Developer John McKibbon of award-winning McKibbon Hospitality and Glenn W. Wilcox, Sr. of Asheville-based commercial real-estate company Tower Associates, Inc. joined forces to create a top-of-the-line hotel that highlights culture, connection and community. “It’s an honor to have been trusted to transform this historic landmark into a modern destination,” says hotelier John McKibbon. “And to be able to do it under the unique Kimpton umbrella makes this project even more notable. As the pioneers of the US boutique hotel space, Kimpton’s been on our radar as a partner for quite some time. We’re thrilled to be joining their portfolio of best-in-class hotels.”
Designed as an inviting retreat and an immersive getaway, Hotel Arras offers a crafted experience drawn from the culture of Asheville. Named for a region in France famous for its woven fabrics, Hotel Arras captures the essence of the eclectic Asheville arts community. Immediately upon arrival, regionally influenced interiors and artwork welcome guests in the lobby. The culinary offering includes a Mediterranean restaurant dedicated to large format dishes and hand-made pastas and pizzas and a restaurant and bar space that will focus on small plates and handcrafted cocktails in a warm and relaxed setting. Both are from local husband-and-wife duo Peter and Martha Pollay of Mandara Hospitality Group. The property also features more than 5,000 square feet of flexible meetings and events space with an option to secure an exclusive wine cellar for private entertaining.
Kimpton’s chief executive officer Mike DeFrino echoes McKibbon’s sentiments. “Welcoming Hotel Arras to the Kimpton family at a time of accelerated international growth for the brand as our first property in Asheville and our third in North Carolina is exciting in many ways,” says DeFrino. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with McKibbon and know that guests will love the local feel of the hotel that’s come to be synonymous with our boutique offering.”

Further immersing guests in the arts experience, all guest rooms feature works by local artists, with pieces from Catherine Murphy, John Wayne Jackson and Naomi Rogers. Other standout room amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows and spa-like bathrooms. Visitors will also appreciate the hotel’s serenity cart. This artisanal handcart, which is filled with everything from books by Asheville authors to lavender sachets and evening cordials, will be available upon request for guest room delivery.
In addition, hotel highlights include morning coffee and tea service, complimentary PUBLIC bikes, private Hotel Arras art tours, nightly social hour and mobile check-in. Wellness amenities abound with a massage room, yoga studio and state-of-the-art fitness center. And as with all Kimptons, Hotel Arras welcomes pets of all breeds and sizes.
Kimpton Hotel Arras is owned and will be managed by McKibbon Hospitality. To learn more about Kimpton Hotel Arras, visit www.hotelarras.com.
ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the original boutique hotel company, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton now operates more than 60 hotels and 80 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up-and-coming markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Caribbean and Greater China. Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests, offering inspiring design to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered, so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal.
In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.
ABOUT MCKIBBON HOSPITALITY
Headquartered in Tampa, FL, McKibbon Hospitality creates memorable hospitality experiences that inspire brand and property loyalty. It’s how we’ve grown into one of the largest (and most awarded) hotel development and management companies in the country. We build and operate hotels across the country for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and other iconic hospitality brands. We guide every facet of hospitality development and management, from site selection, design and construction management to hotel openings, operations and renovations. Beyond building and managing hotels, we create experiences that reflect and define the local culture. Our legacy is built on a foundation of integrity, anchored in how we value our guests, treat our associates and partners, and give back to our communities. Visit McKibbon.com to learn more.

Question 15

Twisted Laurel Avl rebrands as Daphne at Twisted Laurel

Accepted Answer

Twisted Laurel&#8217;s downtown location has a new menu and name! With the same owners, staff and heart, it is now called Daphne at Twisted Laurel (https://www.twistedlaurel.com/location/asheville/) with a focus on casual, New American Cuisine by Executive Chef Michael Achberger.
Some lunchtime favorites remain such as Old World salad and pasta dishes, Handhelds, and Stone Hearth Pies, and they have expanded to showcase an ever-changing, creative, seasonal menu. Their Soul Brunch Sunday has a unique menu that changes weekly accompanied by smooth, soulful sounds care of our resident DJ&#8217;s Jasper and Chris.
With their beautiful, dog-friendly Daphne at Twisted Laurel&#8217;s patio that directly faces Pack Square Park, it&#8217;s the perfect place downtown to eat, drink, and soak up Spring in downtown Asheville.
Their private event space upstairs, The Daphne Room, is a premier location for gatherings such as business meetings, birthday parties, and even wedding receptions. Be sure to also ask us about our expanded on and off-site catering menus.

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