2009-08-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Asheville is Yummy!

Many things draw me to Asheville - dancing, friendly people, cooler weather - and the food. Most Saturday mornings I head to the tailgate market on the UNC campus. I pick up divine greens and vegetables, local meats and cheeses, freshly baked artisan bread, eggs, kombucha tea. Almost everything I need for a bountiful table is there ... with the possible exception of olive oil.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market moved a couple of seasons ago (from behind the Brew and View on Merrimon ) to the loveliest spot on UNC campus. Vendors pitch their tents along the lower tier of a shady, tree-shrouded parking lot just inside the Edgewood Drive entrance to the campus. Parking is along the upper tier. (Campus map.)

More than 40 vendors offer locally grown produce and goods -- from the latest in gourmet organic vegetables to old-time favorites like half runner beans and fried apple pie! There's a remarkable abundance of produce, an assortment of fresh cut flowers, native plants ready to go into your garden, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, artisan brick oven baked breads, artisan cheeses, fresh organic pasta, a fabulous selection of baked goods, honey, farm fresh eggs as well as raised natural meats.

Sometimes I grab breakfast - there are several vendors selling freshly made crepes, empenadas and other delectables - and there are often new vendors. Today, I bought a gourmet frozen duck confit from Patrice to enjoy later in the week.

In addition to the food, the see and be seen factor is terrific. I can count on running into 4 or 5 people I love and pick up some happy hugs along with my healthy food.

Asheville has 17 local tailgate markets, throughout the week: this wonderful tailgate calendar lists them.

Asheville currently holds the Number 2 spot in a Huffington Post poll on top ten undiscovered cities for local food. Cleveland, Ohio holds the top spot. Could that be true?

Bon Appetit, Asheville!

Kiss My Asheville