6 achievable resolutions for Asheville foodies for 2023

Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen Times
·4 min read

ASHEVILLE - A resolution may be set at any time or day, but the beginning of a new year is often when a person may set a goal for self-improvement or accomplishments to achieve.

For folks with a particular interest in culinary arts, proclaim 2023 as the year to become an adventurous eater, an agricultural aficionado, and a well-versed reader of movers and shakers shaping local and national foodways.

Here are six achievable foodie resolutions to consider for 2023:

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Read, eat, repeat

A classic way to become well-versed in Western North Carolina’s rich food history and the stories of present-day culinary leaders is to pick up a book ― physical, digital or audio.

“Edible North Carolina: A Journey across a State of Flavor,” edited by Marcie Cohen Ferris, features Asheville contributors who share their personal tales and professional experiences with Appalachian cuisine, as well as recipes.

“Edible North Carolina,” edited by UNC food historian Marcie Cohen Ferris, is an anthology about North Carolina’s contemporary food movement.
“Edible North Carolina,” edited by UNC food historian Marcie Cohen Ferris, is an anthology about North Carolina’s contemporary food movement.

Also, join a book club to connect with others and share some food for thought.

Malaprop’s Bookstore hosts a monthly Foodie Book Club, led by local cook/pastry chef Bailey Landry, dedicated to regional and national food writing.

On Jan. 25, book club members will discuss “After Tonight, Everything Will Be Different,” a food novel by Adam Gnade.

On Feb. 22, the book selection hits closer to home in “Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes” written by Ronni Lundy and photography by Johnny Autry.

The book club meets virtually at 7 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month. Foodie Book Club members are eligible for a 10% discount for the book of the month at Malaprop’s. For more details and to sign up, visit malaprops.com/foodie-book-club or email landrybaileye@gmail.com.

Stock up on local ingredients

Become an avid agricultural supporter one ingredient at a time. This year, take more trips to area farmers markets to add more freshly harvested and crafted ingredients to your table.

The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, an Asheville-based nonprofit serving the Southern Appalachian region, offers information on year-round and seasonal tailgate markets.

In Buncombe County, the Asheville City Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market will be open this winter.

For more details and vendor highlights, visit asapconnections.org/find-local-food/farmers-markets/.

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Go straight to the source

Take it one step further and visit a WNC farm, winery, orchard and purveyor.

ASAP's Farm Tour, an annual series returning in September, sends attendees on a self-guided tour to diverse farms across several counties. For details, visit asapconnections.org/find-local-food/asaps-farm-tour/.

Be an epicurean

Break away from routine sometimes to try a new restaurant or dish. Asheville’s overflowing with new restaurants and longtime favorites serving classic, signature and seasonal specials that add to the city’s reputation as a foodie destination.

The Chop Shop Food Truck is located in the River Arts District.
The Chop Shop Food Truck is located in the River Arts District.

Make a date to visit that one you’ve driven or walked by but have never walked in. Forgo ordering your go-to entrée and request something new. Be bold and try an ingredient or cuisine style outside of your comfort zone. Put your trust in the chef and you just may discover a new favorite.

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Break away from tradition

In the spirit of embarking on new culinary journeys, have a dining experience in a nontraditional dining room setting.

Attend a pop-up to discover a new chef, menu and one-of-a-kind dining experience offered for one night only.

Follow a food truck to a venue you haven’t visited before.

Feast at a festival

Festivals offer the benefit of introducing attendees to a wide array of craft food and beverage producers. Attend and invite friends and family to join you at any of Asheville’s festivals, such as Chow Chow and VeganFest.

If traveling out of town, check out that area’s foodie scene to discover new meals and make more memorable experiences for 2023.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 2023 New Year resolutions for foodies in Asheville, WNC