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Bringing Mott Street magic to Merrimon
The Majestic will bring comforting Chinese-American classics to Asheville. | Photo by Brook Lyn White
A taste of New York nostalgia is coming to Merrimon Avenue. The Scheffer Group is transforming the former Musician’s Workshop into The Majestic, a Chinese-American comfort food spot, drawing inspiration from Chinatown’s Mott Street classics that shaped owner Eric Scheffer’s upbringing in New York’s Jewish community.
The kitchen will be led by Chef Kaya Rehnberg, a Scheffer Group veteran from both Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian and Gan Shan.
What’s on the menu?
Created with Gan Shan’s Executive Chef Ray Hui, the menu includes Chinese-American hits, from appetizers like egg drop soup to crab rangoon, crispy orange beef and sesame chicken mains, and lo mein and fried rice plates.
You won’t have to wait long to get a taste. The counter-service joint is set to open its doors in late May. By the looks of the comments on the restaurant’s announcement post, y’all are as excited as we are.
Events
Events
Monday, April 6
Sunset Yoga | Monday, April 6-Monday, Sept. 28 | 6-7 p.m. | Montford Park | $22
Local Reads Book Club | Monday, April 6-Monday, Feb. 7 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Battery Park Book Exchange | Free
Participating restaurants include 12 Bones South, Corner Kitchen, Twisted Laurel Downtown, and 50+ others. | Photos provided by WNCAP
On Thursday, April 30, more than 50 restaurants across WNC will donate a portion of proceeds to Western North Carolina Aids Project (WNCAP) in the annual Dining Out For Life event. The fundraiser hopes to raise $100,000 this year.
Dining Out For Life is WNCAP’s biggest fundraiser of the year. By eating at any participating restaurant, you’ll support local biz and help WNCAP in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Funds raised support the lives of those living with HIV, and life-saving services like:
Now in its 24th year, Dining Out for Life has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in the fight against HIV/AIDS around the globe. If you’re unable to dine out on April 30, you can support the cause by donating.
Beginning this morning, April 6 at 9 a.m., you can apply to be a tournament volunteer at the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville in September. To sweeten the deal, volunteers get an official polo, outerwear, and credentialed access to tournament grounds, even when off shift.
Award
The Pisgah Conservancy earned a 4.5-year, nearly $8 million grant from the National Forest Foundation on behalf of the USDA Forest Service to support extensive Helene-related trail infrastructure and ecosystem recovery projects. In addition, the funding will more than double the size of the conservancy’s full-time field staff.
Arts
UNC Asheville alumni are fundraising to permanently install “Wake,” the large-scale sculpture by artist Mel Chin, on Reynolds Green. The sculpture was first built at the campus STEAM Studio before touring public spaces across the US, including Times Square.
Festival
The Asheville Improv Festival is back for its second year, returning May 6-9 with more than three dozen troupes taking the stage. Are nationally acclaimed acts scheduled to perform? “Yes, and” local favorites like Saturday Manitee and the Bernese Mountain Hogs.
Plan Ahead
If you’re looking for more lively festivals, our monthly Plan Ahead is the best place to start. Here’s your guide to making the most of April’s festivities, from the Asheville Herb Festival to Sweeten Creek Brewing’s mystical Hobbit Affair.
Featured Home
This is it: The log cabin of our dreams. Located minutes from Lake James State Park, this home boasts gorgeous oak floors, custom trim, tons of deck space, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Browse 40+ photos.*
Jobs
The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
Featured Home
This is it: The log cabin of our dreams. Located minutes from Lake James State Park, this home boasts gorgeous oak floors, custom trim, tons of deck space, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Browse 40+ photos.*
The Buy
Popular warm-weather essentials to buy before they sell out:
🪭 Stay cool with this portable rechargeable fan that’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
🍔 Become the grillmaster of the neighborhood with this top-rated burger press that’s dishwasher safe.
🩴 Instead of flat sandals that make your feet ache, opt for these arch support flip flops with added support and cushioning.
🎒 Get this 4.9-star rated cooler backpack with a large, leak-proof interior, dedicated dry pocket, built-in bottle opener, and mesh side pockets.
👚 Beat the heat with this casual cap sleeve tee that’s available in 10+ colors.
Asheville’s been racking up some exciting food + bev announcements lately. ICYMI, last week Burial broke the news that they’re transforming the RAD’s Curve Studios into a new taproom.
