Around Town

Hands-On Cooking Class at The Farm

This past January, The Farm launched a series of culinary classes to offer area locals and their lodging guests alike a chance to learn about some of what makes their food so magic. These “Hands-On” cooking courses have proven to be wonderful opportunities to not only sharpen kitchen skills, but to experience one of the region’s most breathtaking venues. An evening at The Farm is truly unforgettable, and this new educational offering is one of the most delicious ways to experience it.

Previous classes have focused on seafood, Asian and vegetarian cuisine. On March 15th, the evening’s lesson focused on skillful and delectable braising. Led by award-winning executive chef Mike Ferrari, the night began with a hands-on demonstration followed by an intimate lesson. The educational portion of the night concluded with instructions in plating before moving to a well-anticipated finale — a dinner based on class criteria. Those interested in upcoming classes are encouraged to book reservations early, as classes are limited to twelve only. Visit thefarm.kitchen for more information.

Coldwell Banker King Home Marketplace Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

While some were celebrating St. Patrick’s day, Coldwell Banker King Home Marketplace had another reason to toast on March 17th: the real estate firm was celebrating the grand opening of a new location in Biltmore Park. This event welcomed all to not only view the new location, but to take a look at community listings. It also focused on the future of real estate and home ownership, with a full suit of live, interactive demonstrations of smart home technology.  Eventgoers were treated to wine and delicious hors d’ouevres, and the keynote speech given by Craig Hogan, Vice President of Coldwell Banker Previews International. With an inspirational message about the next generation of homes, this event educated and encouraged those interested in making Asheville an excellent place to work and live for years to come.

Color Me Goodwill Fashion Benefit for Goodwill Industries

More than 450 people attended Goodwill Industries of North Carolina’s Seconnd Annual Color Me Goodwill upcycled fashion show, held March 19 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. The event combined a fast-paced runway show of collections by local designers while highlighting the impact of Goodwill’s programs.

For the show, six designers chose a color and created fashion collections with pieces purchased from Goodwill. Each designer’s models included a Goodwill client; programs included Project Re-Entry, Youth Services, Skills Training, Community Access, and Operation: GoodJobs. Audience members voted on their favorite collection; the winner was Malou Cordery of Malou Style for her collection “Forever Blue.”

The attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour with live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Six area artists entertained the crowd by creating live “flash art” pieces in each of the six featured colors.

In his welcoming remarks, Youth Programs Manager Kevin Hayes reminded the audience that the colorful creations they were about to see had a purpose. “Donations are more than shirts on a rack. They have potential to transform the lives of people in our community. Just as our designers have taken simple pieces of clothing and transformed them into magnificent pieces of art, we at Goodwill take pride in helping others transform their lives into a masterpiece.” That’s something that’s always in style.

Open Space Asheville Open House

On March 24th, local organization Open Space Asheville invited friends and neighbors to take a peek around their new building while enjoying delicious food, beverages, and top-notch company. Open Space Asheville is a co-working, education and innovation hub that offers a number of resources to artists, entrepreneurs, techies and nonprofits in the area. Originally located on Haywood Street in West Asheville, the Open House event celebrated Open Space’s successful relocation into a larger and more centrally located building in downtown Asheville.

Co-founder Nathan Silsbee gave a speech that spoke to Open Space’s mission of boosting innovation and collaboration among the city’s many visionaries and changemakers. He discussed the process of renovating the new building, noting that the space — which had been abandoned for six years prior — had undergone a veritable transformation in recent months. With construction carefully overseen by Nathan’s business partner Daniel Stewart, the building at 56 Ravenscroft Drive has been repurposed to become an ideal work space for so many of the minds and businesses that make the city great.

The evening’s fun was fueled by a delectable spread of goodies from Everyday Gourmet, a locally owned catering business. Throughout the evening, families, professionals and creative minds of every stripe shared ideas and visions for their work and future in Asheville. Business cards were exchanged along with a number of hugs, high-fives and best wishes as Open Space Asheville sets off to super-power the city’s future. More information about Open Space Asheville can be found at openspaceavl.org