Asheville chefs Neomi Negron, Sujitra May Chubthaisong, and Erica “Shorty” Glaubitz are just a few of the creative forces behind this summer’s Chow Chow culinary event series — which kicks off Thurs., June 23 and runs through Sept. 11.
Lucky for us, the trio — who represent Buggy Pops, Thai Pearl, and Bun Intended, respectively — are dishing details on their signature summer dishes, which include Banana Nutella Pops, Green Papaya Salad, and Pomelo Salad.
Because we’re popsicle fiends over at AVLtoday, we’re kicking off with Chef Neomi’s Banana Nutella Pop, which she says is inspired by her niece Olivia’s favorite dessert. Here’s what you need to get started.
Doesn’t this popsicle look extra pretty on this locally-made East Fork plate? | Photo via @buggypopsavl
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas
½ cup nutella
⅓ cup yogurt
¼ cup almond milk
Preparations
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Divide mixture evenly between popsicle molds.
Insert sticks.
Place in the freezer overnight (6-8 hours).
To remove pops, place mold in a small warm water bath for a few seconds.
Don’t feel like cooking? You’re in luck. These chefs will be at the upcoming Entrepreneurs of Color event featuring small dishes + craft beverages from six local chefs on Sat., June 25 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets start at $60 per person.
Downtown After 5 | Fri., June 17 | 5-9:30 p.m. | 115 N. Lexington Ave. | Free | Jam to high-energy Latin Fusion band ¡Tumbao! + Appalachian hip-hop group Free Radio at this monthly summer concert series.
1st Indigenous Walls Block Party | Fri., June 17 | 5-7 p.m. | 46 Aston St. | Free | Show love for the movement to Indigenize Asheville while enjoying music from DJ Malinalli, live painting from Indigenous artists, and vegan Peruvian eats from Ayni51.
Science at Sugarlands | Fri., June 17 | 1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Jeff Hunter, Senior Program Manager for the National Parks and Conservation Association, will discuss the history of the Smokies in this speaker series.
Saturday
Juneteenth of Asheville 2022 Freedom Festival | Sat., June 18 | 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. | 1 Court Plaza | Free | Celebrate Black liberation with vendors, food trucks, art, music, and other live performances.
PRIDE Pop-Up! Market | Sat., June 18 | 12-6 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 2A Huntsman Pl. | Free | Shop from 20+ vendors who create art, crafts, and other artisanal products.
Outdoor Toddler Yoga Pop Up Class | Sat., Jun. 18 | 9-9:45 a.m. | Location shared with registration | $18 | Join your toddler for yoga postures, mindfulness, songs, gentle movement, music, and quiet time.
Sunday
Juneteenth Celebration | Sun., Jun. 19 | 12-10 p.m. | Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave. | Free | Enjoy music from The Legendary House Band while Top Chef contestants Ashleigh Shanti and Nick Wallace serve up dishes like fried okra, smoked turkey leg, and burgers.
Mt. Joy | Sun., June 19 | 5:30 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave. | $39.50+ | This five-piece indie rock band is most famous for its song “Silver Lining.”
Father’s Day Trivia | Sun., June 19 | 4 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr. | Free | Expect prizes, dad jokes galore, and probably a few “Lord of the Rings” references.
Summer of Self-Love | Sun., June 19 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Aloft Asheville Downtown, 51 Biltmore Ave. | $20 | A dance and pilates fitness class with a view + a complimentary chair massage.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The 14th annual Asheville Comedy Festival — the largest of its kind in the Southeast — is back Wed., Aug. 10-Sat., Aug., 13 at Highland Brewing Company + Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for this event (which showcases an eclectic mix of 50+ comedians from around the world) go on sale Mon., June 20.
You can now fly nonstop from Asheville to Boston via JetBlue. The airline chartered its inaugural flight from the Asheville Regional Airport to Boston Logan International Airport yesterday, and rates are available for as low as $89. See the flight schedule. ✈️
Eat
Sip on “Dad Bod” Bloody Marys at Bottle Riot’s Father’s Day Blues Brunch this Sun., June 19. Celebrate father figures with food from Ladies Who Brunch, blues music + $2 off Bourbon and Scotch. Don’t forget to grab a fresh bouquet from HummingBlooms Flower Farm on the way out.
Try This
Ballin’ on a budget this summer? Buncombe County has released a weeklong itinerary of affordable recreation which add up to a maximum of $36 for a family of four. Activities include everything from free admissionto the Asheville Museum of Science to community concerts to County pools.
History
Brent Martin’s new book about legendary nature photographer “George Masa’s Wild Vision: A Japanese Immigrant Imagines Western North Carolina” will be published Tues., June 21. The book features 75 images from the photographer’s 400+ surviving shots. Pre-order here. (Mountain Xpress)
Arts
The 400 Years Project, an initiative that celebrates Indigenous photographers through its online platform of curated photographs, is seeking work by Native photographers to continue building its digital library of photo essays. 📷 (Mountain Xpress)
Active
Attention moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas: Did you know that a YMCA membership includes free childcare up to two hours per day at five locations in Buncombe County? Pro tip: New members who join now through June 27 receive 50% off their first program + no joining fee. 💪*
Looking for a dose of feel-good? Quench your thirst with gut-satisfying Buchi Kombucha — take 10% off now through the end of June withcode CHILL10.*
Shop
Asheville’s looking so bright we need sunglasses — Vincero sunglasses, that is. Your weekend adventures + happy hours deserve a great pair of shades, and Vincero premium eyewear checks all the boxes: High-quality, ethically made, and (best of all) 20% off. 🕶️ *
A pet message from our sponsor
Every dog has its day, and every yard has its grass. If your dog is constantly munching on the lawn, it could be a sign of nutritional deficiencies — Dr. Gary Richter explains why. 🐕 *
Featured Job
Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine is hiring a Social Media Specialist + Video Content Creator to help moderate the school’s social media while also creating high-quality, engaging video content. The ideal candidate has three to five years of experience and is skilled at engaging social media audiences and video creation. Learn more and apply.*
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The vibrant Thai flavors of pop-up eatery Cassia will be ripe for the tasting at this Saturday’s Cellarest Summer Lager Jam, which runs 12-10 p.m. at Cellarest Beer Project.
The menu features light, summery classics such as the pictured corn salad (with lime leaf dressing, chili + coriander), plus green papaya salad, watermelon salad, and coconut rice (with steak, shrimp, or mushrooms).
Food will be served from 12-8 p.m. (or until sold out). The event also features special beer releases, music from members of King Garbage, and live painting by local artist Jordan Garmon.
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Editor’s pick:If you’re looking for another way to honor Black history in Asheville this weekend, consider checking out the just-released historic map of African American landmarks in Asheville + Buncombe County. Pick one up at one of these locations.
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