ASHEVILLE – An award-winning downtown restaurant gets a new executive leader; a popular Colorado brewery confirms its plans for Asheville; a 1920s-themed rendezvous to celebrate food magazine editor and cookbook author.
Cúrate CEO swap
James Beard nominated chef Katie Button and husband-business partner Felix Meana, founders of Cúrate, have announced a new chief executive officer to lead the restaurant, travel and e-commerce company.
In September, Susan Aplin stepped into the role previously held by Button.
Aplin, a 30-year business veteran, has held executive roles in large global brands from Williams Sonoma Inc. to The Gap to, most recently, Asheville-based Poppy Popcorn.
“The ownership team and I are thrilled to welcome Susan to the team. As Cúrate continues to grow, we know that the addition of an experienced and thoughtful leader is going to prove effective in achieving our vision for the business,” Button said in a news release.
“Susan joined us in September, and the business has already felt the benefits of the balance, strategy and enthusiasm that she brings to the team. As we enter this new phase, we are confident that Susan will lead Cúrate in alignment with our company values, including giving our guests and customers world-class hospitality, providing sustainable livelihood for employees, and creating to enjoy the small moments with friends and family that make life joyful.”
Last year, Cúrate won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.
One area that Aplin will concentrate on is continually improving the benefits and company culture that Cúrate has become known for, and growing its presence in the online and retail sectors.”
“Joining Cúrate at this pivotal moment is extremely exciting,” Aplin said in a news release. “The future holds tremendous opportunities that are reinforced by the team’s passion for excellence and world-class hospitality. I look forward to strengthening the position that Cúrate has earned in the restaurant space, and taking it to the next level in the Direct to Consumer (DTC), CPG, Travel, and Wine industries. I am excited to lead Curate restaurants and lifestyle brands into the next chapter of its legacy.”
On Nov. 27, Button announced the transition on Instagram, stating that serving as the CEO has been “exhausting and humbling work” since the restaurant opened in 2011. Button’s many accomplishments and roles include hosting her food documentary series, Magnolia’s “From the Source,” and authoring cookbooks with one in progress.
On Dec. 2, Button will host a cookbook signing event from 2-5 p.m. at La Bodega by Cúrate, a Spanish tapas and wine bar, market and bakery at 32 South Lexington Ave. Guests may bring cookbooks they own or purchase one at the exclusive event. For more, visit curatetapasbar.com.
Trve Brewing something for South Slope
Trve Brewing Co. has had its eyes on Asheville for a while, creating a buzz around town that the Denver, Colorado-based brewery would expand into the Asheville craft beer market.
On Nov. 22, the brewery’s new location was confirmed for 255 Short Coxe Ave. in the South Slope brewing district at the address of Eurisko Beer Co. which permanently closed this month.
“After four years of planning, hunting, navigating, and jumping over our fair share of hurdles along the way, we are FINALLY proud and elated to officially announce that TRVE Brewing is coming to the South Slope of Asheville, North Carolina in early 2024,” a post read on Trve Brewing’s social media page.
The brewers plan to present beers that existing fans may recognize with modifications, including the incorporation of malted grain and other ingredients sourced from the Appalachians.
A short menu of wine, batch cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages will be offered, too.
“We’re excited to be a member of yet another incredibly strong beer city, and can’t wait to meet some of the folks we haven’t already had the chance to meet here,” the post read. “Asheville has impressed the hell out of us over the near decade we’ve been visiting, and we’re excited to be able to call it a new home away from home.”
For more, visit trvebrewing.com and follow on Instagram @trvebrewing.
‘Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs and Juice’
Three-time James Beard Award-winning author and Cook’s Country Magazine Editor-in-Chief Toni Tipton-Martin’s newest book, “Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs, and Juice: A Cocktail Recipe Book” dives into the history of Black mixology and its influence on the American cocktail culture, plus 70 rediscovered, modernized or celebrated recipes.
On Dec. 9, get a taste of history at “Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs and Juice”: A Celebration of Toni Tipton-Martin!, a book release party presented by Plott Hound Books honoring the renowned journalist, from 7-10 p.m. at Carriage House Sundries, 7 South Main St. in Burnsville.
Guests are encouraged to dress to the theme in 1920s fashions for the Gatsby-style soiree and prepare to dance to swinging tunes from the era.
Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at Eventbrite. The cost includes a hardback copy of Tipton-Martin’s book.
The buffet will feature dishes and a cash bar will offer craft cocktails from Tipton-Martin’s cookbook, “Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking” and “Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs, and Juice.”
Tipton-Martin’s accolades include recipient of the International Association of Culinary Professionals Trailblazer, Book of the Year and Member of the Year Awards and Julia Child Foundation Award. The food and nutrition journalist has guest judged on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and was featured on CBS Sunday Morning’s annual Food Show.
She’s also the author of “The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks.”
For more, visit tonitiptonmartin.com and plotthoundbooks.com.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with asubscription to the Citizen Times.