05.17.2024

Today’s Forecast

72º | 50% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:23 a.m. | Sunset 8:30 p.m.

Illuminating local fare

Illuminating local fare at Luminosa

Luminosa’s open kitchen offers a view of live-fire cooking. | Photo by AVLtoday

Graham House and Sean McMullen have known each other since high school, but the positions they now occupy as executive chef and chef de cuisine at the new Luminosa restaurant is nothing more than “serendipity” — as House would say. Not just because of their familiarity or coincidentally having their tasting interviews less than a week apart, but because they approach food with the same delighted, focused vehemence.

When they joined Indigo Road, the hospitality group behind the Flat Iron Hotel, about a year ago, they were given a general concept of Luminosa. It was going to be an Italian restaurant (partially because a pizza oven and pasta cooker were already in place), but other than that, the team was given free rein.

Two tables inside Luminosa's dining room — Local figures decorate the dining room walls.
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Photo by AVLtoday

An Asheville-focused approach

“We both get really bored of dishes quickly,” laughed House, “So we change the menu all the time.” And as much as this mercurial creative impulse governs the menu, it’s also influenced by Asheville. Appalachian culture, of course — but we’re actually talking about the weather.

Luminosa sources as much as possible from local farmers and food purveyors, so rolling out strict seasonal menus doesn’t really work because seasons can be fickle around here. Instead, House and McMullen have to follow the whims of the soil + sky alongside their culinary inspiration. Right now, you’ll find dishes like campanelle with country ham and nettles, risotto with spring alliums, and flowering broccoli with puffed quinoa.

The counter at Caffe Luminosa — Each morning, you can find pastries and coffee up front.
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Photo by AVLtoday

However, the weeks between initial menu development and actual opening meant a transition in available produce, and last week’s hailstorm required a revamp too. Even between Wednesday’s grand opening and now, two more dishes needed tweaks. Cooking hyperlocally and hyperseasonally requires flexibility.

The cocktail menu also falls right in line with those principles. "[Beverage and Restaurant Manager] Sarah Charles is just as nerdy about cocktails as we are about food,” said House. “She loves using byproducts of our cooking, like pickle juice or brine — there’s a lot of cross-utilization.”

Two more bars in the building

Events

Friday, May 17

“Thurgood” | Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln., Asheville | $10-$48 | Catch the last weekend of a show following the life and work of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court.
Downtown After 5 | Friday, May 17 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Asheville, 97 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Jam out with Yacht Rock Schooner and Lazr Luvr, grab food and beverages, and check out the offerings from local makers.
Cinema on the Square | Friday, May 17 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston Ave., Swannanoa | Free | Enjoy an evening under the stars while you watch the tale of an unlikely group of adventurers in “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”

Saturday, May 18

WNC Bridge 2nd Annual Local Nonprofit Yard Sale | Saturday, May 18 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | WNC Bridge Thrift Store, 75 Fairview Rd., Asheville | Free | Score some bargains and support a host of local nonprofits.
Yoga in the Park | Saturday, May 18 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St., Asheville | Free | Welcome spring weather with a gentle flow that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
Trial to Table Spring Celebration | Saturday, May 18 | 1:30-4 p.m. | plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St., Asheville | $25-$50 | Grab a drink, taste four chefs’ takes on Utopian Seed Project’s trial produce, and watch Chef Sunil Patel’s taro cooking demo.
Dolly Parton Dance Party | Saturday, May 18 | 8-11 p.m. | Shakey’s, 38 N. French Broad Ave., Ste. 300, Asheville | $16-$21 | Dance the night away to the Queen of Country in support of the Junior League of Asheville — Dolly-themed attire is encouraged.

Sunday, May 19

SPRITZ Makers Market | Sunday, May 19 | 12-4 p.m. | Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave., Asheville | Free | Browse the wares of local makers, get your tarot read, and indulge in special spritz creations.
Improv Comedy | Sunday, May 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville | $7.50-$15 | Enjoy a night of ad-libbed laughs from 13-year improv veterans Reasonably Priced Babies.

Monday, May 20

Montford Adult Walking Club | Monday, May 20 | 10:15-11 a.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr., Asheville | Free | Give your health a helping hand while you enjoy fresh air and community — designed for ages 25+.

100+ events in AVL

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News Notes

Open

Clad is ready to knock your socks off. The West Asheville retailer is now sharing space with Ware at 797 Haywood Rd., #101, selling sustainable + intentional attire and goods. Stop by to shop or browse the online store.

Transit

The NCDOT has contracted Archer-Wright Joint Venture for the Asheville part of the I-26 Connector project. The group will design and build the section that connects Haywood Road in West Asheville to US 19/23/70 and US 240. The NCDOT and the contractors will refine the construction plan for the next ~six months. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Number

30. That’s how old The Grey Eagle is turning, so the legendary local venue is celebrating the best way it knows how — with a stellar band lineup. The Budos Band, Amy Ray Band, and local acts Electro Lust and The Greenliners will take the stage tomorrow, May 18. Get your tickets for the festivities.

Cause

This fundraiser asks an age-old question: Are you stronger than a firetruck? The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of WNC’s TIPtug Challenge will take place tomorrow, May 18 at the Tanger Outlets Asheville, inviting teams to see if they can pull a 33,000-pound firetruck. You can also join for educational demos, vendors, games, and food trucks.

Award

Last weekend, Asheville music professionals lent their judging expertise to the 10th Annual LEAF Songwriter Competition. SC-based Americana duo Admiral Radio was crowned the winner and will advance to the NewSong Music Competition in November. You can submit your songs now too for a chance at a competition slot.

Arts

Class is back in session. ArtsAVL is now accepting applications for the Arts for Schools Grant, which supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County as well as arts-focused afterschool and camp programs. Apply for funding from $500 to $5,000 by Monday, June 17.

Tech

Following Buncombe County’s extension of its moratorium on cryptocurrency and data processing operations, Madison County has approved a change in Land Use Ordinance language to regulate the operations. New requirements address facility elements like height, access, and noise. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Plan Ahead

Party for a good cause, AVL. Help UNC Asheville raise $10,000 to give students in need a scholarship for the summer STEAM Studio SkillSet Program. Attend the Bridge The Gap! event on Thursday, June 6, for an evening of food, fun, tours, and fundraising. Get to know the program + snag tix ($30).*

Outdoors

Imagine waking up to the crisp scent of mountain air as sunlight gently filters through the forest’s canopy. AutoCamp Asheville invites you to experience the great outdoors in unparalleled comfort (think: Airstream suites, cabins with fire pits, and premium tents with spa-inspired bathrooms). Book early for the best rates.*

Finance

Ah, the art of the balance transfer. This card offers not one, not six, but 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, giving you nearly two years to save big. (Plus, you can earn 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee.) Learn more and apply.*

The Buy

Small biz. Celebrate National Small Business Month by exploring our retail shop, Six & Main, featuring local brands from across the country. Find unique gifts for your friends or treat yourself to something new.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

On Wednesday, Grace told all of you that she shares a birthday with Burger Bar (a pretty exciting claim to fame). Turns out, she also shares a birthday with the red wolf puppies at the WNC Nature Center — so we’re going to have to split the celebration between the dive bar and the festive activities the center has planned for the pups today, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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