Healing foods: If we are indeed what we eat, Dr. Michael T. Murray, a leading authority on natural medicine, wants us to be the healthiest our diet can make us. The author of several books, Murray’s latest, The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, bills itself as “the most comprehensive, user friendly A to Z guide on the nutritional benefits and medicinal properties of food available.” At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, Murray will discuss the book at a special presentation and reception sponsored by Earth Fare as a benefit for the Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets for the event, which will take place at the Theatre (at Pack Place), are $15 and can be purchased at Earth Fare or from the Pack Place box office (257-4530).
Sushi-Thai: Sometimes it seems like Asheville has the most sushi joints per capita outside of Japan. Downtown now boasts a new Japanese-Thai fusion restaurant, the aptly named Sushi-Thai. The restaurant offers a full sushi bar, as well as a menu that features such Thai classics as pad Thai and panang beef curry, alongside Japanese staples like gyozas and tataki. Vegetarians will find peace in vegetable curries, spring rolls and tofu satay. The Thai lunches are moderately priced, at $8 and under, and sushi lunches are similarly priced, though a 12-piece sashimi lunch will run you about $13. Sushi-Thai is located at 3 Biltmore Ave. in the building formerly occupied by Shangri La Cafe, and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, call 225-8887.
Tea and citrus: Did you make a New Year’s resolution to be more healthy? If so, Earth Fare’s got the event for you. During the weekend of Jan. 20-22, the health-food grocery will hold its second annual Tea and Citrus Festival. The festival celebrates the history, culinary uses and health benefits that these goods provide. Samples of various teas and fruits will be available throughout the event. On Saturday, Jan. 21, a Kid’s Cooking Class will be held at noon, 1:30 p.m and 4 p.m., and on Sunday there will be free cooking classes all day highlighting uses for both tea and citrus. For more information, visit www.earthfare.com or call 253-7656.
