Taste of Asheville
A Culinary Journey Through North Carolina's Foodie Haven
The Taste of Asheville is an annual culinary event that has become a cornerstone in celebrating the vibrant food scene in Asheville, North Carolina. Known for its diverse array of independent restaurants, Asheville has fostered a community where chefs and local producers unite, offering a taste of the region's best in one evening. The gathering not only tantalizes the taste buds of residents and visitors alike but also strengthens the sense of community and local economy.
The 2023 iteration of Taste of Asheville brought together food enthusiasts and connoisseurs, showcasing the culinary talents of the city. This experience allowed participants to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of flavors that define Asheville's unique gastronomy. The event presents a perfect opportunity for locals and tourists to explore new dishes, appreciate Asheville's food culture, and connect with the people behind their favorite meals.
As part of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association's ongoing efforts to support and promote local eateries, Taste of Asheville encapsulates the spirit of innovation and tradition. Each year, the event builds upon its past successes to provide an even richer, more engaging experience that celebrates the region's food and those who make it. This reflects Asheville's broader commitment to maintaining a thriving, dynamic local food scene.
History of the Taste of Asheville
Taste of Asheville is an annual event that showcases the culinary excellence of the local community, hosted by the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR). The event offers a unique opportunity to sample dishes from a diverse array of restaurants, reflecting the vibrant food scene of Asheville.
Initially spurred by a desire to promote local cuisine, the inaugural Taste of Asheville met with enthusiasm, laying the groundwork for what would become a much-anticipated yearly festivity. AIR has been instrumental in orchestrating the event, dedicating itself to enhancing the city's food culture.
Entities and Highlights:
Taste of Asheville: Focus on local culinary talent.
Community: Brings together food enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Asheville Independent Restaurant Association: Key organizer and promoter.
The event took a brief pause due to the pandemic but resumed, celebrating local flavors with great fervor. In its return, Taste of Asheville was held at new venues such as the Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center, allowing for a more expansive gathering.
Chronology:
1994: Seed planted with Highland Brewing's establishment.
Post-2018: AIR continues hosting the event annually.
2023: Returns after a pandemic hiatus at a new location.
Through the Taste of Asheville, AIR not only fosters a sense of community but also supports local businesses. The event encapsulates the essence of Asheville's independent restaurants, offering a slice of the neighborhood's culinary artistry to both residents and visitors alike.
The Venue
The Taste of Asheville showcases the city's culinary delights at impressive venues such as the Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center and features notable participants like Pleb Urban Winery.
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center
The Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center is a spacious and state-of-the-art facility that has been selected to host the 2024 Taste of Asheville. This center is well-regarded for its modern amenities and ample space, accommodating a large number of vendors and guests, ensuring a seamless Taste of Asheville experience.
The Venue and Its History
The Venue, located in downtown Asheville, has a rich history as a premier event space. Renowned for its beautiful interior and exceptional service, it has played host to the Taste of Asheville for many years. The Venue is recognized for enhancing community events with its elegance and has become an integral part of Asheville's event scene.
Pleb Urban Winery Participation
Pleb Urban Winery takes pride in being a part of the Taste of Asheville, showcasing their locally produced wines. They join other Asheville Independent Restaurants in celebrating the city's vibrant food and wine culture. Pleb's participation adds a distinct local flavor to the event, highlighting the best of what Asheville's wine scene has to offer.
Restaurants and Chefs
The Taste of Asheville spotlights the city's vibrant independent dining scene, connecting food enthusiasts with the chefs and restaurateurs who are at the heart of Asheville's culinary identity.
Independent Restaurants Showcase
Several independent restaurants come together during Taste of Asheville to present an array of dishes that highlight the region's diverse flavors. Each restaurant, such as the acclaimed Posana, known for its farm-to-table approach, and Rhubarb, where local ingredients take center stage, offers visitors a taste of their signature culinary creations.
Spotlight on Culinary Talent
Asheville's food scene is shaped by an impressive roster of culinary talent. The event shines a light on the creativity and skill these chefs bring to their kitchens, celebrating establishments like Benne on Eagle, which pays homage to the historical African-American influence on Appalachian food.
Featured Chefs and Their Backgrounds
The Taste of Asheville isn't just a feast for the taste buds—it's also a platform for the chefs behind the dishes. Renowned chefs from participating restaurants share their stories, backgrounds, and culinary philosophies. They embody the spirit of Asheville's food scene, which is as much about community and collaboration as it is about excellence in food and dining.
Menu and Offerings
Taste of Asheville proudly showcases a diverse menu with distinctive flavors ranging from traditional southern cuisine to creative culinary innovations. Patrons can expect a delightful array of dishes expertly crafted by Asheville's most talented chefs.
Signature Dishes
Pulled Pork Sliders: Succulent pulled pork atop a fresh brioche, garnished with coleslaw and a smoky BBQ sauce.
Truffle Mac & Cheese: Creamy blend of cheeses with truffle oil, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Sweet Treats
Blueberry Lavender Cheesecake: Infused with local lavender and topped with a compote of fresh blueberries.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie: Rich and decadent, with a hint of bourbon, served with vanilla bean ice cream.
Breakfast Specials
Shrimp and Grits: A southern classic featuring sautéed shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits with a spicy tomato sauce.
Avocado Toast: Freshly mashed avocado on artisanal bread, topped with a poached egg and sunflower seeds.
Beverage Vendors
At the Taste of Asheville, beverage enthusiasts can delight in a comprehensive array of drinks with selections provided by esteemed vendors, including local crafts and non-alcoholic options. Among the contributors, Cheney Brothers and Performance Foodservice stand out for their role in presenting an impressive lineup.
Local Wine and Beer Selections
Taste of Asheville celebrates the city's burgeoning craft beverage scene with an impressive selection of local wines and artisanal beers. Visitors can sip on a variety of hand-picked wines from nearby vineyards, showcasing the unique terroir of the North Carolina mountains. Craft beer aficionados will appreciate the diversity of styles from Asheville's thriving breweries, ranging from bold IPAs to rich stouts, all highlighting the creativity and skill of local brewers.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the event doesn't disappoint. A curated selection of premium non-alcoholic beverages allows all attendees to toast to Asheville's culinary scene. From gourmet sodas to craft mocktails, these offerings are crafted with the same attention to detail as their spirited counterparts, ensuring a sophisticated drinking experience for all.
Special Events
At the Taste of Asheville, special events take a spotlight, offering visitors a more intimate experience with Asheville's culinary scene. From anniversary celebrations to engaging culinary demonstrations, these events are curated to showcase the best of Asheville's vibrant food culture.
10th Anniversary Celebrations
The 10th Anniversary of Taste of Asheville marks a decade of culinary excellence, bringing together food enthusiasts to celebrate the rich flavors and diverse cuisine of the city. This milestone event typically features special menus, one-of-a-kind dishes, and a commemorative atmosphere that highlights the growth and success of Asheville’s independent restaurants.
Culinary Demonstrations
As part of Taste of Asheville, renowned chefs conduct culinary demonstrations, where they share their kitchen secrets, techniques, and insights into creating some of their signature dishes. Visitors have the unique opportunity to watch, learn, and taste, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill and creativity that defines Asheville's food scene.
Order and Tickets
For those looking to experience the Taste of Asheville, securing tickets is straightforward and can be done with ease online. Below are the details on how to order tickets online and the necessary ticket purchasing information.
How to Order Online
Tickets for the Taste of Asheville are conveniently available for purchase through the Eventbrite platform. Customers simply need to visit the event's online page, select the number of tickets they wish to purchase, and proceed to checkout. An email confirmation will be sent upon successful transaction.
Ticket Purchasing Information
Date and Time:
Taste of Asheville 2024 takes place on February 1, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Venue:
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center, Asheville, NC.
Pricing:
General Admission: Details on pricing can be found on AIR's official ticket sales page.
VIP Admission: Includes early access to the event and additional VIP perks.
Availability:
It's advised that interested attendees purchase their tickets in advance as this event has been known to sell out in past years.
Note: Upon purchasing, attendees should ensure they have received a confirmation email to verify the transaction. Tickets are typically issued in a digital format, which can be printed or displayed on a smartphone for entry at the event.
Logistics and Planning
The Taste of Asheville event, hosted by the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR), takes meticulous planning and coordination to accommodate participants and guests. Central to this planning is ensuring smooth access to the venue, reliable transportation, and comfortable accommodations.
Venue Access and Transportation
The Taste of Asheville event is held at the Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center, a central and easily accessible location in Asheville, NC. Public transportation options available include bus routes that connect to various parts of the city, ensuring that attendees can reach the venue conveniently. For those driving, there is ample parking available on-site with clear signage directing visitors to the designated areas. Taxi services and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are also prevalent, offering comfortable alternatives for navigation across Asheville.
Accommodation and Facilities
Attendees from out of town have a range of accommodation options in Asheville, from luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Several establishments are situated within a short distance of the event venue, facilitating easy travel to and from the Taste of Asheville. The city is known for its hospitality and the facilities provided at these accommodations typically include:
Wi-Fi
On-site dining
Fitness centers
Leisure amenities such as pools and spas
For the attendee's convenience, information regarding hotels and facilities is often shared by AIR well in advance of the event, along with any offered discounts for event participation.
Community Impact
The Taste of Asheville, hosted by the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR), not only serves as a premier culinary event but also plays a significant role in shaping the local community landscape.
Supporting Local Businesses
An integral part of the community impact stems from the Taste of Asheville's commitment to bolstering local businesses. Restaurants in the Asheville area gain substantial exposure through this event, translating into an increase in patronage and, potentially, long-term customer loyalty. A unique feature of this event is its collaboration with 50 food partners and a selection of beverage partners, each bringing their distinct flair and cuisine to the table.
Sustainability and Food Ethics
The event is not only about indulgence; it also promotes sustainability and food ethics. As leaders in the local food scene, AIR emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and environmentally responsible practices among its members. By spotlighting restaurants that align with these values, the Taste of Asheville encourages a food culture that prioritizes the health of the planet alongside that of its patrons.
