Watch Shanti work her magic this Sunday. | Photo via @utopianseedproject
James Beard Award finalist, cookbook author, chef, and owner of Good Hot Fish, Ashleigh Shanti, is taking her talents to the TV screen (again).
Back for a second season, Food Network’s “24 in 24" tests chefs’ flavors and fortitude. The competition pits 24 top-notch chefs against each other for 24 back-to-back challenges — all completed in 24 hours.
Shanti joins a wildly talented group of peers, like “Iron Chef” and “Top Chef” winner Stephanie Izard and restaurateur and “Chopped” judge Chef Marc Murphy. What’s on the line? The last chef standing will take home $75,000... and here’s hoping that pot makes its way back to Asheville.
Shanti isn’t a stranger to the cut-throat world of culinary competition shows. She competed on season 19 of “Top Chef,” where she earned a spot as a top-five finalist.
Tune into Food Network this Sunday, April 17, at 8 p.m. for the season premiere to cheer on Shanti from your couch, or catch the episode streaming the next day on MAX. Better yet, order some takeout from Good Hot Fish for the ultimate viewing experience.
Events
Events
Wednesday, April 23
Well Crafted Music Series | 6 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | The weekly, specially curated music series invites folk artist Wyndham Baird to share the stage with host Matt Smith for a unique collab.
Thursday, April 24
Dining Out For Life 2025 | 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Go out to eat at one of the 50+ participating restaurants to support the Western North Carolina AIDS Project.
Drop-in Tea Blending Workshop | 4-6 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Head to the library to create your own delicious blends and make up to 10 tea bags — bring a new book home for optimal tea time enjoyment.
Auction to Benefit Helene Relief | 4-8 p.m. | Village Pub | Free | Join the Women’s Council of Realtors to bid on jam-packed gift baskets and nosh on food and drinks, all to benefit people affected by Helene.
Friday, April 25
Bite Nite: Pierogi | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel | $6+ | Sip rare pours and dine on small plates of the Polish potato dumplings.
Saturday, April 26
Weaverville Art Safari | Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | multiple studios, Weaverville | Free | Explore artwork from 50+ artists while enjoying everything Weaverville has to offer.
Sunday, April 27
Crawdad Bash | Times vary | Jettie Rae’s | $65 | Bring the crew for a Louisiana-style crawfish boil with all the fixings — and a complimentary beer.
Saturday, June 28
An Appalachian Summer | Saturday, June 28-Saturday, July 26 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone | Appalachian State University’s An Appalachian Summer has events from Saturday, June 28 to Saturday July 26, including performances by Amos Lee, Joan Osborne & Lisa Loeb, and LINES Ballet.*
There’s another local making their mark on the big screen. Black Mountain artist Tom Haney is featured in an episode of PBS-NC’s “My Home, NC” for his automata. See the mechanical sculptures come to life as they’re moved by levers and cranks. The episode will air on Thursday, May 22. (Black Mountain News)
Shop
Citizen Vinyl is hosting a farewell party on Sunday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. as it prepares to close its cafe and record shop at the end of the month — the recording studio and vinyl pressing plant will remain open. Stop by for coffee, snacks, cocktails, and a live DJ. The store is also offering discounts on new and used vinyl through next Wednesday, April 30.
Sports
Local high schooler and paralympic swimmer Emma Roberts is heading to Indianapolis this week to compete in the Para Swimming World Series. At this meet, she could qualify for the world championships and subsequently, the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Good luck, Emma. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Number
25 years. That’s how long the Great Smokies Writing Program has been offering college-level writing courses for the community, covering poetry to playwriting. Registration is open for this summer’s courses, including both non-credit workshops and five-week for-credit courses, taught by fabulous local authors — see the schedule.
Plan Ahead
South Slope boutique hotel Zelda Dearest is paying tribute to a literary legend during Zelda Fitzgerald Week, Monday, May 5 through Sunday, May 11. The hotel has teased talks, performances, and pop-ups, with a full schedule to be released soon.
Development
A 19-unit apartment complex has been proposed at 215 Glenn Bridge Road in South Asheville. Local real estate firm Clifton Trust is aiming to develop the “no frills” studio apartments for service industry workers, renting at low cost, although the property won’t be deed-restricted as affordable. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Emergencies don’t keep office hours — now, neither does your care team. South Asheville’s new ER is open 24/7 and fully equipped for life’s most urgent moments. Learn more.*
Meet Hominy at RiverBlue — a premier outdoor-oriented apartment community now pre-leasing in West Asheville. Enjoy scenic hiking trails, a one-mile riverfront path, breathtaking mountain views, plus modern amenities like pickleball courts, coworking spaces, and more. Schedule a tour.*
Featured Deal
Psst — This week, spend $55+ online at Clinique and get a free eight-piece kit with code GIFT. We’re eyeing: a new Almost Lipstick and best-selling mascara.*
Category
Cause
Like a good neighbor
MANNA FoodBank has been distributing food since 1983. | Photo courtesy of MANNA FoodBank
It’s National Volunteer Week, Asheville. There are more than enough great local causes to support with your time, especially as many organizations work tirelessly to meet the ever-evolving needs for recovery. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or have a heart for healthcare, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 40+ ways to get involved in Asheville.
Bounty & Soul | Assist with providing the community meals, produce, and other essentials.
Food Connection | Help pack delicious meals for neighbors in need made from surplus chef-prepared food.
WNC Repair Cafe | Whether you’re a skilled seamstress or a general handyman, you can offer your skills to those in need with this Mills River-based organization.
Dogwood Alliance | Wanna help protect forests? Volunteer for research, campaigning, outreach and media, fundraising, organization, management, and special events.
A 100% leak-proof tumbler. The Hydracy Soulmate boasts a sleek design (read: it’s cup holder-friendly), three layers of insulation to keep your drink cold for 24 hours, and is dishwasher safe.
To celebrate the truck’s homecoming to the RAD, Summit Coffee is offering free oat milk lattes this Saturday, April 26. ICYMI, the mobile coffee truck will be parked at RAD Brewing Co. every day this spring from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Answered
Answered
What life skills deserve more of a teaching moment?
Last week, we showed you local opportunities to learn something new, like sharpening your knife skills, mending sweaters, creating a budget, and much more. Here are some additional skills readers shared (with resources, of course).
Compassion
Spend some time volunteering with a local organization.
Filing your taxes
Nonprofits OnTrack WNC and Pisgah Legal Services both offer free tax help.
