New & Notable - Fall 2021
New & Notable - Fall 2021: The scoop on WNC’s latest dining destinations, from a one-stop shop in downtown Asheville to Boone’s Beacon Butcher Bar and Black Mountain’s Bush Farmhouse
S&W Market - Asheville
A true pearl of Asheville architecture, the ornate, art deco building that housed an S&W Cafeteria from 1929-1974 then sat vacant, it seemed, for nearly as long as assorted businesses occupied it. Over the decades, it hosted many venues with significant sticking power or draw, but the newly opened S&W Market seems primed to change that. Its wide variety of local dining options includes fried chicken sandwiches from James Beard-nominated chef Elliot Moss’ Buxton Chicken Palace, Thai specialties from Bun Intended, scratch-made hotdogs from Farm Dogs, tacos from Peace Love Tacos, and ice cream from beloved Asheville creamery The Hop. You can also wash it all down with a draft beer from Highland Brewing, which operates here as well. With much of the historic building restored to its original appearance, inside and out, the ornate dining room serves as a unique glimpse into one of the city’s most treasured and enduring dining spots. 56 Patton Ave.; (828) 575-1500; swmarketavl.com
Beacon Butcher Bar - Boone
Tina Houston (Reid’s Cafe/Catering, Betty’s Biscuits) continues to build her culinary empire and elevate the Boone dining scene with her latest venture, the Beacon Butcher Bar. The takeout farm-to-table goods, or scratch-made dine-in offerings like rustic Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and whole grilled fish, all pair perfectly with the wide array of natural wines and craft cocktails. 125 Graduate Ln.; (828) 865-0087; boonebeacon.com
Bush Farmhouse - Black Mountain
There’s no overstating the charm of Bush Farmhouse, which opened this summer. From the tiny market inside, to the quaint, tin-roofed porch bar, to the sprawling garden, greenhouse, and pen with a menagerie of donkeys, pigs, and ducks, it’s a welcome escape from the real world. Chef and owner Mark Henegan (previously of the Asheville Public) doles out South African-inspired food like ostrich carpaccio, or giant prawns with peri-peri, with regular specials like whole roasted branzino. 151 S. Ridgeway Ave.; (828) 357-5367; bushfarmhouse.com