ASHEVILLE – New restaurant openings; a custom spice-making workshop; a holiday popcorn market; a festive drag brunch; a five-course winter dinner, more.
Restaurants now open
On Nov. 14, MochaBox Coffee Company held its soft opening at 1015 Haywood Road, in the former location of UpCountry Brewing, next to Diatribe Brewing. The establishment specializes in Yemen and other Middle Eastern-style beverages and pastries, while offering an extensive menu of other coffee, teas and freshing drinks, including a smoothie bar. A full dining menu is available with American-style favorites.
A pink drink at MochaBox Coffee Co. at 1015 Haywood Road in West Asheville, Nov. 11, 2025.
On Nov. 15, Xico, a modern Mexican-inspired restaurant, opened at 175 Biltmore Ave., across the parking lot from its sister restaurant, Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive. View the menu at xicoasheville.com and follow @xicoasheville on Instagram for updates.
Spicewalla’s spice-blending class
Discover the secret of creating a spice blend with Spicewalla’s culinary director, Alyse Baca, the expert behind the recipes of the Asheville-founded company’s diverse inventory. The new event series’ final course of the year will be from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 21 at Spicewalla’s retail store, 1 Page Ave. in the Grove Arcade downtown.
Spices line the shelves of Spicewalla’s spice factory along Riverside Drive in Asheville, May 14, 2025.
The intimate, interactive 1.5-hour class includes Baca’s lesson in spice history and instruction on making a custom blend. Guests will create their recipe and take home a tin can of their creation, complete with a Spicewalla label and recipe card. The cost is $85 per person. Register for the Cozy Fall Flavors and future workshops at spicewallabrand.com.
The Asheville Made Early Holiday Shop and Taste event will be from Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 6. Spicewalla’s early shopping event will feature Asheville makers, including Full Moon Tea, Infruition, Legally Addictive, Folk Saints, Sarilla, Hickory Nut Gap and French Broad Chocolate. Also, Spicewalla’s 6-, 10- and 18-packs will be on sale for 20% off, excluding the Made With Love in Asheville 10-pack.
Stock up on Spicewalla products during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale, in-store and online, from Nov. 28-Dec. 1. The retailer will offer up to 50% off, with most things listed at 25% off and non-Spicewalla pantry items at15% off. Sales exclude gift cards and the Made With Love in Asheville Collection.
Gift wrapping will be offered in-store all day on Dec. 13.
Popcorn pop-up market coming
Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn’s holiday pop-up market will return, this time in the historic Biltmore Village.
The Asheville-founded snack company’s assortment of signature flavors is sold in retail partners’ stores, grocery stores and online.
Stock the stuffings with locally made treats like Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
However, the company will offer a special shopping experience for the season at the holiday pop-up shop at 14 Lodge St., which will include festive flavors, in-store exclusives and special events through Dec. 31.
The opening date will be announced soon. For updates, visit poppyhandcraftedpopcorn.com and @poppyhandcraftedpopcorn on Instagram.
Asheville dining events and experiences
Save the date for these upcoming food and beverage happenings:
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Winter Wine Dinner. A five-course dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Nov. 20, prepared by Chef Amber Cate at Ivory Road, 1854 Brevard Road in Arden. The cost is $80 per diner. View the menu and purchase a ticket at ivoryroadavl.com.
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“Holiday Spectacular” Drag Brunch. Asheville Drag Brunch will host the “Holiday Spectacular” Drag Brunch, described as “a high-energy celebration of holiday nostalgia with a fabulous flair,” with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Ella, an event venue at The Hideaway, 49 Broadway Street. Biscuithead will provide a festive brunch. Ticket prices begin at $25 and are available at ashevilledragbrunch.com. The event is open to all ages. Proceeds benefit Loving Food Resources.
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Holiday Craft Bazaar. Asheville Music Hall and One Stop will host its 10th annual Holiday Craft Bazaar from Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 6 at 31 Patton Ave. and 55 College St. downtown. The free and family-friendly event will feature more than 27 local vendors, live music, a Bloody Mary bar, specialty mega-mosas, two raffle bundle prizes and a kids’ area. Admission is free. ashevillemusichall.com
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email [email protected] or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville restaurant openings, Spicewalla class, holiday markets, more
