Asheville continues to cement its reputation as a culinary destination, with a wave of exciting new offerings recently arriving. From vibrant Vietnamese street food to bespoke whisky dinners, there’s a significant buzz surrounding the city’s expanding dining landscape.
Vietnamese Flavors Take Root
At 89 Patton Ave., the former Sonora Cocina Mexicana now welcomes Sen, bringing the bold flavors of Vietnamese street food to Asheville. The menu is a celebration of classics, featuring *bún thịt nướng* – house-marinated grilled pork expertly layered over fragrant rice vermicelli – alongside the deeply comforting and aromatic pho.
Entrepreneurial Recognition
Asheville Tea Co. owner Jessie Dean recently received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Venture 15 Awards and Venture Asheville Honors, a testament to her dedication and vision. This accolade underscores the thriving entrepreneurial spirit within the city.
Whiskies and Cantonese Cuisine
The Zelda Dearest Hotel is set to launch a monthly dinner series, starting January 13th. Chef J Chong, in collaboration with Rise Over Run – an Asheville-based women-owned wine importer and distributor – will be presenting authentic Cantonese cuisine. These exclusive dinners, held on the second Tuesday of each month (January 13, February 10, and March 10 at 6 p.m.), promise a sophisticated evening with tickets priced at $125 per person.
A Five-Course Whisky Journey
Meanwhile, Cultivated Cocktails Distillery & Tavern is hosting a special Cultivated Whisky Dinner on January 13th at 6 p.m. This five-course supper will feature exquisite whisky pairings, meticulously designed to complement each dish. Expect a culinary journey, beginning with crispy pork belly with maple bourbon drizzle, and culminating in a decadent caramel bourbon crème brûlée. Tickets for this unique experience are $125 per person.
Asheville’s dining scene continues to evolve, offering a dynamic range of experiences for adventurous palates.


