Asheville Welcomes Exciting Changes in the Culinary Scene
Asheville has been bustling with excitement as Chef Jill Heaton embarks on a new adventure, transforming her beloved Arden restaurant into a vibrant events and rental space. After seven successful years, the decision to close her restaurant in October 2023 was not an easy one. Jill shared that the strain of running a restaurant amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic made it feel like “too much for one owner.” But instead of stepping away from the culinary world entirely, she repurposed the charming stone cottage into a venue hosting various gatherings—from pop-up dinners to brunches.
In the midst of this transition, there have been personal milestones as well. Jill recently tied the knot with her long-time partner, Zach Heaton, and they are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child this October. There’s no doubt that this is a thrilling time for both Jill and Zach.
A Sweet Success
This past summer, Jill had the honor of representing Asheville at the eighth annual N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association Chef Showdown held in Durham on August 26. After impressing the judges in the preliminary and regional rounds, she was thrilled to be one of the five finalists in the pastry category, ultimately winning the People’s Choice award for Best Dessert for her delectable offering.
“The purpose of the competition is to showcase North Carolina ingredients,” Jill explained, excitedly sharing that her dessert featured sweet corn crème brûlée on a graham cracker cake topped with basil-marinated peaches and saffron milk crumble. Utilizing locally sourced ingredients like corn, cream, eggs, basil, and peaches, Jill delightfully prepared a whopping 500 mini brûlées, with Zach stepping in to assist as her sous chef.
Upcoming Events and Collaborations
As Jill prepares for the joyful addition of a new family member, she is also hard at work hosting culinary events at her revamped space. On September 14, she will be one of four chefs participating in the much-anticipated Utopian Seed Project’s Trial to Table event, where she will create desserts featuring bitter melon. Looking further down the calendar, a wine dinner with Mountain Brook Vineyards on September 19 and a bourbon dinner with Two Trees Distilling on September 26 promise to deliver some delicious pairings for food lovers in the area.
Meanwhile, Chef Terri Terrell, who joined Jill in the recent Chef Showdown, had an impressive journey of her own. As the only woman from Asheville to excel among a group of 64 competitors in the preliminary round, Terri wowed the crowd with her unique creation: collard-wrapped North Carolina catfish tamales served with tomato gravy. “I got to show and tell people about the Utopian Seed Project and its mission,” said Terri, highlighting her passion for local ingredients.
Community Celebrations and Local Flavors
The excitement doesn’t stop here! The N.C. Mountain State Fair is underway, running until September 15, offering fun rides and classic fair food like funnel cakes and corn dogs. Visitors are encouraged to check out the Got to Be NC Pavilion, where they can sample and purchase nearly 40 value-added, made-in-North Carolina products. With food trucks lining food truck alley, hungry fairgoers can savor everything from pretzels and ribs to gourmet desserts.
In another thrilling update, Chef Jacob Sessoms announced plans to open an Oakley location for his popular Montford restaurant, All Day Darling. With construction commencing in early 2025, the community awaits the launch party set for September 14, promising delectable barbecue and picnic dishes to celebrate the occasion.
Fall Festivities and Fundraisers
This September is also set for delightful events like the eighth annual Oktoberfest at Fonta Flora Brewery on September 14, and the Sow & Grow Fest at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, where enthusiasts can enjoy interactive gardening demos and learn about local agriculture.
As Asheville’s culinary scene continues to thrive with these exciting changes and celebrations, both locals and visitors can look forward to delicious dishes and memorable experiences. With a blend of community spirit and innovation, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant city.
