New & Notable - Spring 2020

Jettie Rae’s Oyster House - Asheville

This new concept by longtime local restauranteur Eric Scheffer of Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian restaurant and Asheville developer Jim Diaz is scheduled to open in April in the Gan Shan Station space on Charlotte Street. There, Will Cisa, Gan Shan chef de cuisine, will stay on as Jettie Rae’s executive chef, overseeing the menu of classic seafood dishes, such as oysters, lobster rolls, and po’ boys, as well as burgers and fried chicken. (Note: Gan Shan’s West Asheville location remains open.) 143 Charlotte St.; jettieraes.com

Homeplace Beer Company & Hog Hollow Wood Fired Pizza - Burnsville

Earlier this year, Homeplace Beer Company—a craft brewery founded in 2017 by Yancey County native John Silver—reopened across town in the old Banco Lumber. The move allows the brewery to double its brewing capacity and expand its role as a community gathering spot for all kinds of events. 321 W. Main St.; (828) 536-9068; homeplacebeer.com

Bodega Cubana - Asheville

Although Sam Fabian has only been cooking in Asheville since last fall, her Cuban cuisine, offered up at various pop-up dinners, is already attracting notice. The former seamstress and bartender has a commercial kitchen space downtown, where she makes her flavorful empanadas, roasted pork known as lechon asada, classic beans and rice, and more. For now, catch the rising culinary dynamo at her weekly events at newish entertainment venue Asheville Beauty Academy (at 28 Broadway), complete with Latin music and dancing. Facebook: bodegacubanaAVL

Open Oven Brunch & Bakery - Black Mountain

Last fall, Open Oven Brunch & Bakery set up shop in the former Black Mountain Bakery in the historic downtown district. Co-owners Stephanie and Steven Paulson are familiar faces to fans of their long-running Asheville food truck operation, Melt Your Heart, which helped many a diner redefine their grilled cheese aspirations. At Open Oven, find some of those signature sandwiches as well as a smorgasbord of homemade waffles, shrimp and grits, chicken and salmon dishes, a fully stocked bakery counter (scratch-made “pop tarts,” anyone?), and much more. 102 Church St.; (828) 357-8553; Facebook: Open Oven Brunch & Bakery