Asheville Welcomes Wildwood Still Rooftop Bar, Dogwood Cottage Baking, and Culinary Recognition for Neng Jr.’s

Wildwood Still: A New Rooftop Gem in Asheville

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes its newest rooftop bar and restaurant, Wildwood Still. Situated on the seventh floor of the newly opened Moxy hotel at 61 Biltmore Ave, this venue is already generating a lot of buzz — and for good reason! Opened on September 12, Wildwood Still combines the beautiful views of the fall foliage with a wide selection of brown spirits.

An Invitation to Enjoy the Outdoors

With a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area catering to 152 visitors, Wildwood Still promises a unique experience. Imagine cozily sipping your favorite whiskey by one of three gas-powered fire pits while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Asheville’s fall colors. Christa Baer, who has been with McKibbon Hospitality for years, mentions the remarkable design of the restaurant, stating, “Half of the restaurant’s walls are foldable glass doors, making even the indoor seating feel like an outdoor escape.” Talk about a dream spot!

Japanese-Inspired Cuisine

The culinary gems crafted by Executive Chef Austin Tisdale are just as enticing as the views. The menu features a delightful array of Japanese-inspired snacks, hot and cold small plates, and standout dishes from the Robata grill. Guests can indulge in Wagyu sliders on Japanese milk buns, pork gyoza, and even kabocha gnocchi, all designed to beautifully complement the extensive selection of spirits.

A Passion for Whiskey

Speaking of spirits, Wildwood Still boasts an impressive collection of over 150 whiskeys, including Japanese and Irish offerings, as well as local favorites from distilleries like Oak and Grist and Chemist Spirits. “I am a huge bourbon enthusiast,” says Baer with a twinkle in her eye, “and I’ve visited countless distilleries in Kentucky!” With her personal passion driving the selection at the bar, visitors can expect signature cocktails that highlight the unique flavors of these various spirits. The Bourbon Barrel Buzz, a concoction of buffalo trace bourbon, coffee liqueur, and cold-brew coffee, is just one of the beverages that will surely tickle your taste buds.

Hours to Savor

Wildwood Still is open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 3 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day or kick off your weekend adventures.

Dogwood Cottage Baking: A Sweet Treat for Home Bakers

Just down the road, another exciting venue is capturing the heart of the community. Dogwood Cottage Baking, founded by Amanda Plyler, has recently moved to a new location on Weaverville Road. Despite being a self-described “baking school dropout,” Amanda’s passion for baking led her to create a thriving baking school — and she’s eager to share her love for baking with others.

The Journey Begins

Plyler’s journey started seven years ago when she created her first 100% sourdough bread. Since then, her passion has only grown, leading her to teach small baking classes out of her home. With their new, larger space, they can now accommodate more eager bakers! “We teach professional techniques to the home baker,” she explains, emphasizing the hands-on experience offered in classes like Sourdough Bread, Baking 101, and French Desserts.

Upcoming Classes and Events

Dogwood Cottage Baking hosts several baking classes throughout the fall, including Holiday Baking classes and special events like their open house in November. They’re dedicated to ensuring every participant leaves with not just a delicious treat but also the skills to recreate it at home.

Neng Jr.’s: Culinary Recognition in Asheville

Neng Jr.’s. Chef Silver Iocovozzi has recently been recognized as one of the 13 Best New Chefs for 2024 by Food & Wine magazine. Nestled in West Asheville, this small but vibrant restaurant introduces diners to a fusion of Filipino and Southern dishes, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

With these exciting additions, Asheville continues to grow as a culinary destination. Whether you’re savoring a whiskey at Wildwood Still, perfecting your baking skills at Dogwood Cottage, or dining on delicious fusion dishes at Neng Jr.’s, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!