2023 is set to be a landmark year for the deeply rooted but ever-evolving mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina with the arrival of several highly anticipated restaurants led by James Beard-nominated chefs, designer boutique hotels and experiences cultural assets. in the area. Asheville’s history as a haven for creators, innovators and adventure seekers continues to play out in exciting openings, making it a top bucket list destination in the new year.
2023 is set to be a landmark year for the deeply rooted but ever-evolving mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina with the arrival of several highly anticipated restaurants led by James Beard-nominated chefs, boutique hotels designed and cultural property. experiences in the area. Asheville’s history as a haven for creators, innovators and adventure seekers continues to play out in exciting openings, making it a top bucket list destination in the new year.
Chefs delve deeper into regional and international food traditions
- Asheville’s first crowd-funded Filipino restaurant, Neng Jr is one of the most talked about dining experiences. Helmed by non-binary chef Silver Iokovozzi (named rising star of the year by Esquire), the intimate 17-seat dining room opened in July and has since won national acclaim for its uncompromising approach to food and expression. Iocovozzi keeps diners on their toes with exceptional dishes that blend traditional Filipino fare and Southern ingredients, like deep-fried banana, generously crowned with seared foie gras.
- James Beard-nominated chef Ashleigh Shanti’s upcoming restaurant, Good hot fish, promises to be a continuation of its focus on the culinary traditions of Black Appalachia. It’s expected to open in the summer of 2023. Meanwhile, Shanti often hosts pop-ups around town at places like Cultura and Burial Beer Co.
