Asheville’s Old Europe, previously located on Battery Park Avenue, has relocated and redefined itself with a great new location on the corner of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street. The new spot retains a cozy European cafe atmosphere and the same homemade pastries and desserts that Old Europe is well known for, but has added table service and continental dishes with an emphasis on small-plate presentations. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends. In the rear of Old Europe, an upscale nightspot, the Z Lounge, is opening this Friday, Aug. 26; it will be open on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information, call at 255-7550.
The Battery Park Bistro has opened at 22 Battery Park Ave. in downtown Asheville. The upscale — but not overwhelmingly pricey — eatery, has a wide range of dishes but is focused on serving “the best steak in the world,” as Manager Carmen Arden puts it. The Bistro, which is in the space formerly occupied by the Uptown Cafe, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and features live jazz piano on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are suggested, but not required (as yet); call 243-2158. Uptown Cafe devotees take note: The Bistro has resurrected Pat’s Uptown Poppers, a favorite Uptown appetizer made of deep-fried fresh jalapenos and cheese.
Earth Fare in South Asheville and Highland Brewing Company are teaming up at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, to present a five-course beer dinner. The selected brews will include Highland’s crisp St. Therese’s Pale and ever-popular Gaelic, and will be paired with five carefully selected courses orchestrated by Earth Fare Culinary Specialist Christopher Aquilino. Menu selections include artisanal cheeses, steamed mussels with a gremolata butter and a Black Mocha Stout chocolate ganache with fresh berries. A vegetarian option will also be offered. Tickets are $20 a person, and can be purchased in advance at Earth Fare on Hendersonville Road or by calling 210-0100.
The Lobster Trap in downtown Asheville is hosting a multicourse wine dinner with lobster with all the trimmings as the main course. Wine pairings will be selected by the Weinhaus. This event takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. Cost is $75, all-inclusive. Call the Weinhaus at 254-6453 for reservations
