LIFE
Andaaz’s downtown revival, The Majestic’s big debut, more tasty news
Tiana KennellAsheville Citizen Times
July 22, 2026, 1:13 p.m. ET
Hello, and welcome back to another edition of AVL Bites and Brews!
I hope you brought your appetite ― more restaurants have come to Asheville, with more on the way
Nearly two years ago, Andaaz was one of the many businesses destroyed by floodwaters during Tropical Storm Helene. The restaurant is back, at a new address downtown and a revamped menu of former favorites and new tasty additions exploring culinary traditions and flavors of more regions in India
Read this story for details about how Andaaz’s new chef and founders are reviving and elevating diners’ experience in their new restaurant home
Andaaz is the sister restaurant of another downtown Indian restaurant, Laila, and Jazmin Pan Asian
In North Asheville, the Scheffer Group that operates Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian (Original and South), Jettie Rae’s Oysters and Gan Shan has introduced a new restaurant concept tapping into Chinese American cuisine, called The Majestic
Read this story for a menu tour of the inspired dishes, and why the team imagined Asheville as the ideal place to bring its interpretation of restaurants visited in New York City’s Chinatown
Seeking more new restaurants in Asheville? Check out this list of more than a dozen establishments to open in the first half of the year
Unfortunately, several other businesses have closed. Here’s a list of places that have departed Asheville’s food and beverage scene
We’re on the hunt for Asheville diners’ favorite pizzeria. There’s still time to cast your vote in the reader’s choice poll, with the first-round closing on July 24. Follow this link to tell us your go-to spot for the best slice or whole pie
Gather your team of pickle pals for WNC Food Coalition’s pickleball tournament, a fundraiser for the nonprofit that’s combating food insecurity. Here’s how to register and attend Picklepalooza on Aug. 14. There will also be demonstrations on how to pickle produce to preserve food and reduce food waste
That wraps up this week’s food newsletter. Let’s end it with a photo gallery tour of The Majestic
Bon appetit!
Food and Dining Reporter, Asheville Citizen Times
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Co., covering the food and beverage industry, including the James Beard Awards, Michelin Guide, restaurant openings, closings and other hospitality industry news and events. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram.Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here
