RiverLink Benefit Oyster Roast at Blannahassett Island in Marshall NC

December 8, 1 PM - 7 PM -  The Appalachian Oyster Bash and Seafood Boil:  A Benefit concert for RiveLink and DMA, and canned food drive for Neighbors In Need. The event is held at Marshall High Studios on Blannahassestt Island in  Marshall NC .

RiverLink is teaming up with Hills To Holy Water for a winter party on Blannahassett Island.  This is a way to celebrate the local catchers groups that promote a strong state and local economy.  The event will feature fresh seafood from Ocracoke Island and beer from Highland Brewing Company.   

This party can't happen with out amazing volunteers, and RiverLink still needs people to check IDs, serve beer, help with trash/recycling and maybe even fry some oysters.  Volunteer shifts are 12:00 PM -3:30 PM and 3:30 PM -7:00 PM. 

Volunteers will get a voucher for free food and beer. There are still shifts available, so come out to Marshall and have a great time for a good cause. To sign up or for more volunteer details contact Dave Russell:  828-252-8474 ext-11, email  dave@riverlink.org.

Chefs Challenge Semi-finals begin this week in Asheville

August 14  WNC Chef Challenge Semi-finals: Knife and Fork VS L.A.B. (Lexington Avenue Brewery) Chefs battle for the championship and dinner guests will receive six courses (3 from each team) and will participate in scoring the dishes to determine the winner of the Chef Challenge Semifinals. Special wines are selected based on the "Secret" ingredient and are available for purchase along with beers and cocktails. 

August 16   WNC Chef Challenge Semi-finals: Stewart Lyon (Boca), David Ryba (Inn on Biltmore Estate) 

With 10 teams  eliminated in previous competitions, The final 4 teams and competitors are: Returning 2011 Champion Nate Allen (Knife & Fork), Stewart Lyon (Boca), David Ryba (Inn on Biltmore Estate) and Jason Roy (Lexington Avenue Brewery.) The Century Room on the Park, located above Pack’s Tavern on 20 South Spruce Street in Asheville, will serve as host for the dinners on August 14 and 16. Tickets for the Semi-Finals are $49 and include the six plated culinary creations from the chefs, but not  alcohol, tax or gratuities.

Get a link for the WNC Chefs Challenge and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Slow Food Asheville Hosts FEAST

July 14, 4 PM to 8 PM at Highland Brewery, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville NC -  Slow Food Asheville teams up with Beer, BBQ, and You to support FEAST.   Support FEAST while enjoying a beer from Highland, BBQ and sides donated from local Asheville restaurants. There will be plenty to please vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike.

Groove to live music from the Galen Kipar Project and enjoy a dunking booth with a chance to dunk 98.1 DJ Heather Anders, Mountain Xpress food writer Mackensey Lunsford, Slow Food President Nan Kramer, Gypsy Queen Suzy Phillips, or Bob Bowles of Asheville Chef's Challenge fame. Door prizes include tickets to Navitat and tickets to the Asheville Food and Wine Festival!!

Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door - buy tickets at http://feastasheville.eventbrite.com/
All the Food and the price of one beer are included in the ticket price

Slow Food Asheville’s FEAST program empowers school age children to make healthy eating decisions through free cooking classes.

June Live Music at The Purple Onion

June's schedule of live music at the Purple Onion, 16 Main Street in Saluda NC:|

June 2 - Kyle Carey Trio - Unique combination of Celtic, gospel, and Appalachian music full of stories.

June 3 -  Sol Driven Train See more below.

June 7 - Johnson's Crossroads  - Roots, blues, soul, bluegrass from this Asheville group here for the first time.

June 9 - Roy Schneider Duo  - We could not wait to get them back after their debut with us last year.

June 14 - Peggy Ratusz & The Swing Dad  - Dance-friendly acoustic swing band plays most every style of music you know.

June 16 - The Zealots - Bringing us songs from their newly-released CD from Asheville.

June 21 - Bruce Piephoff  - We can't get through a year without having this singer/songwriter join us again.

June 23 - Lauren St. Jane And The Dead Westerns - Country swagger and Americana rock from Georgia here for the first time.

June 28 - Dana Cooper - Nationally-known singer/songwriter returns with his new recording "Road Show."

June 30 - The Honeycutters - They were terrific at the recent Art Festival so you need to hear them now if you missed them then.

Every Friday Night - Fred Whiskin at the piano.

June 3, 7 PM - POSEM Concert Series presents SOL DRIVEN TRAIN   The Purple Onion Sunday Evening Music (POSEM) series continues with the energetic  Sol Driven Train.  Sol Driven Train's music weaves through genres like images in a Tom Robbins paragraph. The band's sonic schizophrenia absorbs songwriting influences like Jon Prine and Paul Simon, and afro-caribbean rhythmic explorations, into honest songs of life, love, loss, and long johns. The 5-piece band, based in Charleston, SC, features rotating lead vocalists, and multi-instrumental talent spread across horns, strings, and percussion. The band members share a musical history dating back to childhood, and their music and live shows are filled with a spirit of positivity and joy, even while traversing subjects of suffering and death.

Admission to the 7 o'clock show is $15 per person and seating will be limited. The doors open at 6 PM and light fare will be available on the patio prior to the concert.  Reservations can be made by calling the Purple Onion Café at 828-749-1179.

WNC Chefs Challenge this week between Boca and 12 Bones Smokehouse

May 8   WNC Chefs Challenge   Boca vs. 12 Bones Smokehouse   Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22.  Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition.

Get a link for the WNC Chef's Challenge and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

WNC Chefs Challenge Continues Tonight in Asheville

May 1    WNC Chefs Challenge   Inn on Biltmore Estate vs. Storm Rum Bar  Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22. 

Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition. 

Get a link for the Chef's Challenge on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

WNC Chefs Challenge for 4-17-12

April 17    WNC Chefs Challenge The Magnetic Field Café & Bar vs. Lexington Avenue Brewery Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22.

Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition.

April Live Music at The Purple Onion

April 5 - Jimmy Landry   You can't help but feel better when this singer/songwriter is in the house.

April 7 - Overmountain Men   Whenever David Childers is here, the energy is palpable and the music powerful.

April 12 - Michael Reno Harrell   Fabulous singer/songwriter/storyteller and old friend of the café.

April 14 - The Stray Birds   "Super-talented acoustic trio whose virtuosity doesn't get in the way of their soul."

April 19 - Greg Klyma   "Greg Klyma is a home-cooked meal and a vaudeville show in a fast food karaoke world."

April 21 - Barbed Wires   "Music from the roots of American musical style. Blues, country, bluegrass, and rock-and-roll."

April 26 - Shane Pruitt Band   We feel certain that their many fans here will mark their calendars now.

April 28 - Shana Burke & Pivotal Soul  While new to us, their repertoire covers the gamut from emotionally-charged ballads to energetic, danceable grooves.

Every Friday Night - Fred Whiskin at the piano. Music at the Purple Onion is scheduled by Robert Seiler.
The Purple Onion is located at 16 Main Street, Saluda, NC.  Get a link for The Purple Onion and other Slauda NC information on the Saluda NC Visitor Guide.

WNC Chef's Challenge begins this week in Asheville

March 20 WNC Chefs Challenge - This week: Square 1 vs. Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro. Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22.

Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition. 

This has become an exceptionally popular event, and advance reservation are recommended. Get a link for the WNC Chef's Challenge and other events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

West African Dinner and Drums in Asheville

March 21,  6:30 PM at The Market Place Restaurant, 20 Wall St. in Asheville NC - West African Dinner & Drums.  Chef William Dissen of The Market Place and Chef Nicholas Figel of Cyprus International Cuisine in Highlands team up for a West African-inspired dinner. The two award-winning chefs join forces  to prepare a gourmet, five-course dinner of West African-inspired cuisine.

Cassava fufu fritters, banana leaf red snapper with joliof rice, roasted goat mafé—the dishes of West Africa are as exotic as they sound. And nowhere in Western North Carolina is there an opportunity to taste the traditional foods this rich culture has to offer. The dinner will present inspired and elevated interpretations of authentic West African dishes, as well as cocktail creations. A performance of West African drumming and dancing will enhance this cultural evening.

Tickets are $65 (alcohol, tax, and gratuity are additional) and interested diners should reserve seats by March 18 by calling The Market Place at (828) 252-4162. A credit card is required to hold the reservation.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Asheville-based, 33rd generation Ivorian djembe player and musician Adama Dembele, in an effort to help secure his permanent green card for U.S. citizenship.

John C Campbell Folk School hosts Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser this weekend

March 3, 5 PM - 7 PM -   Empty Bowls at John C Campbell Folk School   Event Tickets are $25.00 which includes a a take-home handmade bowl by a local potter plus soup, bread, salad and dessert. Enjoy  sharing a hearty meal and fun evening with friends while supporting local food banks. Extra bowls will be for sale for $20.00 after the event.  All proceeds benefit  the Clay and Cherokee County Food Banks.

The John C. Campbell Folk School provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing. The school also hosts concerts, festival and a variety of cultural events. Get a link for the Folk School HERE

News Year's Eve Gala at the Smoky Mountains Railroad

December 31 from 9 PM - New Year's Eve Gala - Welcome 2012 in Class - first class that is, with a night on the train. Enjoy dinner and dancing with a champagne toast at midnight. Do something different than the old traditional party and hop on board for the send off the season. The train departs from the historic Bryson City, NC depot at 9 PM and returns after the midnight toast.

The First Class meal will begin with a salad made of fresh baby greens in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing and warm yeast rolls. Choose from a selection of delicious entrees: Spinach stuffed chicken with a creamy;  parmesan sauce, Seasoned pork loin served with a tart raspberry glaze;  Portobello mushroom tower stuffed with smoked peppers, spinach and parmesan cheese.  Finish off your meal with a tasty rich White Chocolate Cheesecake covered with Fresh Berries.

Dance the Night Away...with entertainment provided by Alias Smith and Jones. Atlanta-based acoustic guitar/vocal duo whose vast repertoire ranges from the must-have classics to the totally unexpected.
Two experienced guitarists combine their voices with harmonica, flute, mandolin, percussion, and a few surprises to deliver a unique musical experience.

ARRIVE EARLY....for a special reception beginning at 7:45pm in the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum located steps away from the depot!  Start the night with an exclusive selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks.
Feast on array of hors d' oeuvres; Tiger Shrimp with Cocktail sauce,  Button Mushrooms stuffed with Shrimp/Crab and Parmesan, Fruit covered in rich chocolate.

Get tickets NOW - this event will probably sell out in advance. For a link to the New Year's Eve Gala at the Smoky Mountain Railroad and other Bryson City events and information HERE.

December Music and Events at The Purple Onion

DEC 1 - JON SHAIN - "his music is a refined Americana polyglot"
DEC 3 - OVERMOUNTAIN MEN  - evocative musical portraits of America by an old friend
DEC 8 - UPTOWN JAZZ QUARTET - straight-ahead jazz from great players
DEC 10 - WENDY HAYES - Hendersonville jazz stylist makes her debut
DEC 11 - POSEM Concert - Avett and Childers - old time hymns and gospel songs
DEC 15 - KELLIN WATSON - a favorite singer/songwriter from Asheville
DEC 17 - SHANE PRUITT BAND - their many fans need to plan ahead to be here  

DEC 22 - JEFFERY HYDE THOMPSON  - another fine singer/songwriter now living in Asheville
DEC 29 - JIMMY LANDRY  - knowing that Jimmy is returning makes me smile
DEC 31 - NEW YEARS EVE - BIG PARTY

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT - FRED WHISKIN at the piano

DEC 5, 6 PM - Bubbles & Bites: Sparkling Wine and Holiday Party Foods Tasting Monday.  The holidays are one of the best times to have sparkling wine chilled and ready for impromptu celebrations with friends and family. Aside from the inherent appeal of the sparkling appearance and subtle but seductive nose, all sparkling wines share a vibrant acidity which enhance the flavors of a broad range of foods and make them a perfect choice for many holiday foods from hors d'oeuvres to the entrée.

Several sparkling wines from Prosecco to Champagne will be tasted along with a buffet of delicious hors d'oeuvres available from the Purple Onion during the holiday season. Madeline Kearns from Empire and Robert Braswell from Tryon Distributing will be on hand to enlighten you on the sparkling wine selections. It's a perfect opportunity to stock up on sparkling wines for the season and also preorder some Purple Onion specialties such as the Sunburst smokes trout dip, fig salami and rabbit liver pate. Seating is limited so please make your reservations early. Cost is $45 and includes tasting seven different sparkling wines and a buffet of delicious hors d'oeuvres.

New Years Eve at the Purple Onion offers two seatings: 5:30 Seating with Fred Whisken on Piano Playing Blues to Brubeck   Al a Carte Menu.    8:00 Seating - Music from 9:00 until 12:30 with The Scoot Pitman Trio, Four Course Dinner with Optional Appetizers, Champagne Toast  $65 (plus tax and gratuity)

The Purple Onion is located at 16 Main Street in Historic Downtown Saluda NC. Get a link for the Purple Onion and other Saluda attractions here.

Foodie Alert - 5th Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend

November 10-12  5th Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend  is a Foodie's dream come true with the backdrop of  Highlands’ majestic mountain location, appealing accommodations, unique retail shops, and extraordinary cuisine. Thanks to creativity and community support, Culinary Weekend has blossomed and become a popular destination on many social calendars. This year, look forward to an array of exciting new events and special guests chefs to keep the momentum strong.

Friday begins the weekend with "Sip and Stroll" encompassing over a dozen venues and events and including activities such as a Creole, Cajun themed dinner complete with a live band at on the Veranda; a Vive la France wine dinner at Inn at Half Mile Farm; the absolute best and hard to find in American Craft beers at Ruka’s Table; Lambert Bridge wine and food tasting at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro; a Late Night Hang Out at The Ugly Dog Pub.

Saturday's events continue with cookbook signings, An exploration of traditional Sicilian seafood dishes, Champagne with The Saucy Sisters,  An American Craft Beer Pig picking & Music Festival, An Eggnog Reception, Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Wine Dinner, Cellar Gems Dinner and more.

Get a link for Highlands Culinary Weekend and other

Highlands NC events, Lodging and information HERE

Anthony Bourdain comes to Asheville

November 5 at 5 PM , the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at the Asheville Civic Center hosts  World-traveling chef, author of Kitchen Confidential and host of television's No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain for a foodie event extrodinaire'. The evening begins with a lecture, Q&A and book-sigining by Bourdain followed by a VIP Dinner at Curate.

Cúrate chef and co-owner Katie Button of the popular downtown Asheville hotspot has created a special Spanish-themed menu in celebration of Tony Bourdain's recent travels to Spain.

VIP tickets for "No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain" are still available and include:

• Post-show meet & greet/book-signing with Anthony Bourdain
• Premium seating for Anthony Bourdain's talk and Q&A at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Access to a private VIP after party at Cúrate, bar de tapas, in downtown Asheville,
immediately following the show, featuring: Traditional and modern tapas by Cúrate, bar de tapas; Spanish wines and beer; Access to cash liquor bar.

Get a link for this and other  

Asheville NC Events, Lodging and visitor information HERE

Slow Food Asheville hosts F.E.A.S.T

September 22 from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM at 21 N Market Street in Asheville NC - Enjoy Asheville’s finest restaurant fare at F.E.A.S.T. Asheville Affiliates and Slow Foods Asheville are excited to host this special culinary event including live entertainment, silent auction, raffle, local cuisine, and refreshments.

The Event offers a bounty of local food generously donated by The Marketplace, Curate, Fiore, Roots, Cucina 24,Solace, Cafe Ello, The Southern, Earth Fare, West End Bakery, Corner Kitchen, Greenlife, and Table. Beer will be provided by Catawba Valley Brewing Company.

Buy your tickets now by clicking HERE. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

FEAST is a program of Slow Food Asheville,  providing a hands on, group cooking experience focusing on locally grown fruits and vegetables. Slow Foods Asheville seeks to advance the benefits of locally produced food and healthy eating by working with educators, farmers, restaurants, professional organizations and advocacy groups. The Asheville Affiliates is a community network that hosts “Parties with a Purpose” to support Asheville area non-profit organizations.

Starlight Night on the Farm Fundraiser for Full Spectrum Farms

September 17 from 5 PM - 9 PM - the  4th annual Starlight Night: A Night on the Farm. This is an exciting event for the whole family and  includes a Southern-style meal, silent auction, wagon rides, fun activities for the young and young at heart, and live music. Dance under the stars and enjoy a great night in support of Full Spectrum Farms, located at 3101 Old Cullowhee Road Cullowhee, NC

Tickets for Starlight Night are $45.00 for adults and $10.00 for children ages 4-14. Children under 4 may attend free of charge. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Full Spectrum Farms' office at 828-293-2521 or e-mailing at info@fullspectrumfarms.org. Starlight Night 2011 is sponsored by Aramark, Stanberry Insurance, Cullowhee Real Estate, WCU Campus Dining Services, F. Patrick McGuire, DDS, Andy Shaw Ford and Budweiser.

Auction Items and Donors:
Annie’s Bakery: Gift Basket WCU- PAC Center: 2 Tickets Art
Work, Hand Made Dolls Balsam Mountain Preserve: Golf for 4
Backgammon Set Catamountsports: 2 Tickets
Chad Hallyburton: Guitar Lessons Dollywood: 2 Tickets
Golden Carp: Gift Certificate Grove Park Arcade: Dinner for 2
Hairport: Free Haircut Heinzelmannchen: Growler of Beer
Highlands Brewery: Gift Basket Jarrett House: Dinner For 2
Lulu’s:$20.00 Gift Certificate Mountain Diva: Hand Bag
Oaks Gallery: Fine Art Phoumala Salon: Cut and Color
Queens Junque: Decoupage Stained Glass Piece
Tree House Pottery: Vase Tuckaseegee Outfitters: Raft Trips
Chinese Calligraphy Drawing Handmade Necklace & Earrings
Hand-Quilted Lap-robe Scott Hotaling - Framed Photo
Gourd Bird Feeder Wal-Mart: $25.00 Gift Card
West Carolina Internet Café: Gift Basket
Kel Save: Tin Ornamental Hanging
Kris Mart: Bracelet and Earrings Set
Ear rings and Necklace sets made with FSF pottery
Fusions Day Spa: 2 Gift Certificates
Lydia Aydlett: A Dozen Fresh Eggs each Month for 6 Months
Lynn Dillard: 2 Silk Flower Arrangements
Smoky Mountain Country Club: 1 Round of Golf
Smoky Mountain Pet Services: $40.00 Grooming
Special Bottle of Wine Valued over $100
Donations and sponsors are still being accepted

August Music Schedule at the Purple Onion

August 4 - Markley & Balmer - www.myspace.com/markleyandbalmer  making their debut at the café with voices that blend together like rich honey

August 6 - Bucktown Kickback - www.myspace.com/bucktownkickback hot bluegrass/honky tonk band returns

August 11 - One Leg Up - www.onelegupjazz.com our favorite Gypsy-style band is back

August 13 - Aaron Burdett - www.aaronburdett.com no further words necessary for this home-grown troubadour

August 14 - Sol Driven Train - POSEM Concert Series.  Details below.

August 18 - Red Hot Sugar Babies - www.jazzandpoetry.com these women will knock your socks off with their energy and harmonies

August 20 - Uptown Jazz Quartet - www.uptownjazzquartet.com straight-ahead jazz from these old but still hot musicians and friends

August 25 - Rod Picott - www.rodpicott.com making his annual visit with a newrecording "Welding Burns"

August 27 - Gigi Dover and; The Big Love - www.gigidover.com a good time is had by all when Gigi is in the house

Every Friday Night - Fred Whiskin at the Piano

The Purple Onion Sunday Evening Music (POSEM) series continues with the energetic Sol Driven Train on August 14 at 7 o'clock.  There will also be a free children's concert that afternoon at 4:30 to commemorate Saluda's 130 Year Anniversary.

Sol Driven Train is a band in motion. At shows, the band members bounce to the pulse of the music along with the crowd. Stylistically the band "seamlessly mixes Allmanesque Southern rock, languid world-beat, swampy funk and downright catchy melodies as they swap lead singers and instruments. A punchy horn section adds an extra dimension of sweaty soul to the genre-blurring jam party" (Atlanta Creative Loafing).

Sol Driven Train's music weaves through genres like images in a Tom Robbins paragraph. The band's sonic schizophrenia absorbs songwriting influences like Jon Prine and Paul Simon, and afro-caribbean rhythmic explorations, into honest songs of life, love, loss, and long johns. The 5-piece band, based in Charleston, SC, features rotating lead vocalists, and multi-instrumental talent spread across horns, strings, and percussion. The band members share a musical history dating back to childhood, and their music and live shows are filled with a spirit of positivity and joy, even while traversing subjects of suffering and death.

Admission to the 7 o'clock show is $20 per person and seating will be limited. The doors open at 6 PM and light fare will be available on the patio prior to the concert.  Reservations

can be made by calling the Purple Onion Café at 828-749-1179.

The Purple Onion is located at  16 Main Street in Saluda NC.

Tweetsie Railroad last Cool Summer Night and Barney Performance this Weekend

Everyone's favorite purple dinosaur will be performing for all his friends at Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park.Barney's performances will be on July 15-17 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM and he will be available to pose with Tweetsie guests for photos at 11:45 AM and 2:45 PM.  Barney's special Sing-Along will feature 12 of Barney's beloved tunes, including If All The Raindrops, Mr. Knickerbocker, and more!

It Will Be A Cool Summer Night This Saturday!

It's summertime at Tweetsie Railroad, and the park is celebrating this Saturday, July 16, with our last Cool Summer Night of the season!

Live music will be performed by Creekside Grass, a traditional Bluegrass Band from Boone, N.C . and an all-you-can-eat Chuck Wagon dinner featuring "Sunday Dinner on Saturday Night" will be available from 6:00-8:30 for $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 3 -12.

Tickets for Cool Summer Nights can be purchased at Tweetsie’s ticket office on Saturday. These evening-only tickets (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) are $15 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 through 12.

Admission to Cool Summer Nights is included in a regular Tweetsie ticket bought on July 16, and guests that purchase full admission tickets after 3:00 p.m. can return to the park for more Wild West fun the next day at no additional charge.

Knife and Fork Restaurant Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Benefit Dinner

July 16th 2011 marks the two year anniversary for Knife and Fork, a Spruce Pine NC restaurant featuring local ingredients and environmental responsibility. Knife and Fork Chef/Owner Nathan Allen is a finalist in the 2011 prestigious Western North Carolina Top Chef Competition.

Knife and Fork will celebrate the anniversary with a party to benefit a  favorite WNC organization, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (more commonly known as ASAP). ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. Ask any farmer you know and they'll tell you what a great and helpful organization ASAP is.

On July 16th from 4-9  the street in front of Knife and Fork will be closed off and local farmer's will be set up with food for sale. There will be live music from Polly & The Posse and beer from Dry County Brewing. Dinner will be served inside the restaurant. Tickets are $30 with all proceeds going straight to ASAP.

Make reservations at 828-765-1511 and  help celebrate a  two years of an exception dining experience.