Traditional Irish songs often revolve around a few well-explored themes: family, drinking, love (lost and found, and of drinking), war and immigration. All of these can be found on Shadow and Light, the sophomore solo album by guitarist/producer John Doyle. But here's where Doyle's album parts with tradition: Instead of recording a collection of jigs, … Read more
Home for the holidays is a nice notion, but having family around for too long can get claustrophobic. Whether you want to round up the troops and head out or just make a solo escape, chances are good that you won't want to eat heavily before any of the inevitable big meals. In talking to … Read more
Nov. 22, 2011 Asheville City Council meeting Aventine apartments pass first reading West Asheville alley closed Asheville City Council members wrestled with two conflicting arguments during their Nov. 22 meeting: “We need money to repair the aging Civic Center, and selling naming rights to a corporate sponsor helps achieve that,” versus “Putting a corporate name … Read more
Rep. Patrick McHenry made his first “public” appearance in Asheville with a talk before the Council of Independent Business Owners [“The Beat,” Nov. 16 Xpress]. McHenry is following the sinister Republican game plan: stay away from announced, truly open-to-the-public events, where he would face the anger and criticism that he deserves. The GOP’s unapologetic, pro-wealth, … Read more
According to the Constitution, Congress has the power "to establish post offices and post roads." It is clear from the context that post offices were not considered a business any more than roads were. Nor were they expected to make money. They were and are a service to our society, in the same way that … Read more
What: Izzy's Coffee Truck Where: 501 Merrimon Ave. When: Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 11 a.m. Item of interest: The truck’s horn plays the theme to The Godfather. This truck is located in the parking lot of Luella’s Bar-B-Que — just try to not crave ribs when you’re waiting for your coffee within scenting distance … Read more
What: Ursa Minor Coffee Truck Where: 191 Lyman St. When: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Hit beverage: Salted-caramel latte The Ursa Minor coffee truck was the first in operation of the three mobile joe units featured here. Ursa Minor originally opened on Swannanoa River Road earlier this year, but has since moved … Read more
What: Greg & Andi's Curbside Coffee Where: 172 Charlotte St. When: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Signature item: All of the coffee beans are roasted fresh daily. Greg Bounds can be considered one of the earliest pioneers of the food-truck movement in Asheville — he founded the Double Decker Coffee Bus on … Read more
The holiday season is a celebratory time of year, full of friends and family — many of them getting all kinds of snookered on liquid cheer. And, although it’s hopelessly heavy, eggnog certainly has its place. But we think wine — red, white or rosé — is the best way to celebrate with a little … Read more
Seems like Beirut might have a little crush on Asheville. In fact, when the Brooklyn band had a day off between shows in Richmond and Atlanta a few weeks ago, the musicians chose to drive their tour bus a good hour out of the way to hang out here in the mountains with us. And … Read more
