What’s New in Food: El Patio opens in the RAD

Seeing Red at El Patio de Guajiro

Since opening its windows for service in October 2022, Guajiro food truck has provided outdoor seating at the Asheville Cotton Mill Studios in the River Arts District. With the May debut of El Patio de Guajiro, options for diners have significantly expanded. The new space inside Cotton Mill, previously home to Great Wild Nowhere bar and music venue, now includes 45 indoor seats, a full-service bar, and outdoor seating on a front deck and back porch. The El Patio bar serves beer, wine, cider, and cocktails that diners can enjoy with traditional Cuban dishes from the truck’s menu.

Guajiro, known for its “Cuban Comfort Food,” was inspired by owner Chris Barroso’s memories of dishes cooked by his maternal grandmother, Rosa Morejon. With roots in Florida and a family home in Asheville, Barroso made a significant change from managing his parents’ law firm in Miami to opening a food truck in North Carolina. Chef Joel Morales, Barroso’s cousin’s husband, brings Nana’s recipes to life in the kitchen.

Guajiro started with breakfast and lunch and later expanded to dinner service until 10 p.m. six days a week (closed Wednesdays). El Patio is still undergoing renovations to enhance the dining experience, with plans to introduce live music in the future. Guajiro and El Patio de Guajiro can be found at Asheville Cotton Mill, 122 Riverside Drive.

Chef Etheridge Launches Pop-Up Dinners

Chef Sam Etheridge, former owner of Ambrozia in North Asheville, has been hosting pop-up dinners around town since selling his restaurant in 2019. Etheridge will now be presenting a seated, four-course dinner at Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. as part of the AVL Food Series on Thursday, June 13. The menu will feature a summertime theme with all cooking done on grills at the event. The dinner is a collaboration with Metro Wines and an upcoming wine bar and bistro in Reynolds Village. Tickets are available for purchase at an exclusive price.

Bento Box Lunch Delivery with Yamaneko Bento

Khan Kogure’s new business, Yamaneko Bento, offers fresh-made bento boxes inspired by traditional Japanese single-portion meals. Orders are available via Instagram and delivered on Fridays, providing Asheville residents with a unique lunch experience. The menu features rotating items, including a variety of protein choices and vegetarian options.

Grin and Bear it at WNC Nature Center

WNC Nature Center hosts Brews and Bears events, offering guests the chance to watch resident black bears engage in popsicle enrichment activities. The family-friendly events include local food trucks, live music, and glimpses of new animal residents at the center. Proceeds from ticket and drink sales support park programming and animal enrichment.

Gemelli Offers Unique Espresso Blend

Gemelli Italian eatery has partnered with Coffee Library to create Espresso Italiano, a private-label espresso blend available exclusively at Gemelli. Developed by the restaurant owner and the coffee roaster, Espresso Italiano features a rare Brazil peaberry and is used for all Gemelli house espresso drinks.

Hot Enough for Ya? Hot Box Reopens at Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse launched the seasonal reopening of its outdoor bar and sandwich counter, Hot Box, on May 23. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, Japanese sweet potato fries, and original cocktails, available Thursday through Sunday each week.