Though Kate Nash’s camp tried to talk her out of naming her debut album Made of Bricks (Polydor, 2008), she couldn’t be swayed. And if the dizzying selection of sometimes-bubbly, sometimes-biting songs on the album is anything to go by, Nash sticks to her guns—no matter how bad an idea those guns may represent. Potty-mouthed, … Read more
Asheville developer Antonio O. “Tony” Fraga had already shared his audacious vision with neighbors and tenants of the Haywood Park property he’s looking to redevelop. Last week he unveiled it for the media as a prelude to launching the laborious process of gaining the necessary city approvals. Can he build it?: Yes, he can, says … Read more
“Gumdrop” wedges by Rocketdog are the ultimate high-heeled sneakers. If cruelty-free footwear (or just cute canvas skimmers) are on your list for spring, local retailers are carrying an array of leather-free styles. 2008 is a great year for vegan shoes because, among other reasons, it’s the 100th anniversary of sporty shoe company Converse, which is … Read more
Kenilworth residents know they live in the city: It’s just five minutes to downtown, and a convenient bus route runs right down Kenilworth Road. On holidays, you can hear the fireworks at McCormick Field. On a sadder note, I once saw a discarded crack pipe among the leaves at Kenilworth Park. An urban neighborhood with … Read more
As the sky grew light on the morning of April 1, a half-dozen activists locked themselves to the heavy earth-moving equipment parked at the Cliffside power plant construction site in Rutherford County. At least three Asheville residents joined others from across the state to protest Duke Energy’s recently permitted, 800-megawatt coal-fired facility. The 20 or … Read more
In mid-June of last year, I arrived on a North Carolina mountaintop that stays carpeted in a tapestry of flowers from earliest spring until the final killing frosts of late fall. To the untrained eye, this place might not seem like a garden: Here, nature is given an equal hand in the placement of many … Read more
While the grilled-cheese sandwich may not be the ultimate comfort food, it’s close. Kid-friendly and equally adored by adults, this humble lunch entrée is the staple of diners and the perfect companion to ketchup and french fries, while easily translating into multiethnic snacks (the quesadilla, the paneer-stuffed naan). Cheesy does it: The “basic grilled cheese” … Read more
Westville Pub in West Asheville is turning 6, and its customers are getting the birthday gifts. A customer-appreciation raffle will run all next week, with the celebration culminating at a Saturday, April 19, party featuring Ten Toes Up. The Admiral, also in West Asheville, has added another meal to its repertoire, serving Sunday brunch on … Read more
Run, Natty, run!: The third annual Earth Day Reggae 5K will take place on Saturday, April 19, in Black Mountain. Participants are encouraged to dress themselves in tie-dyes and dance (or limbo) across the finish line. Categories include a 5K, a 5K Stroller Push and a 1-mile Fun Run. Prizes will be offered for the … Read more
Plant extravaganza: The Western North Carolina Farmers Market will play host to Growin’ in the Mountains, the 13th annual plant show and sale of the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association, on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26. Beginning at 9 a.m., the event will feature a slew of vendors selling a wide variety of annuals, … Read more
