A Seat at the Table

Our chef partners are planning a wonderful evening of food and festivities. We will begin at 6 pm with appetizers and entertainment provided by the Firecracker Jazz Band in the event space adjoining Rhubarb with The Rhu (enter through The Rhu at 10 S. Lexington; free parking at the lot across from the entrance to The Rhu). We will then move into Rhubarb for a meal with wine to complement that is sure to be a fantastic culinary experience [view the menu here]. Following dinner we will enjoy desert & champagne back in the event space while participating in the live auction.

This event will raise awareness and funds for the Downtown Welcome Table. It also gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and support of our restaurant/chef partners and strengthen the connection between our program and the Asheville community.

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS:

AN EVENING ON THE RIDGE: THE BEST SUMMER DINNER PARTY EVER -- RETAIL VALUE $6,000

Host your own party in one of the most beautiful spots in all of Western North Carolina. You and sixteen friends are invited to a one-of-a-kind dinner at Gaining Ground Farm, on the old stagecoach trail nestled between the pines overlooking the vibrant fields of the farm. The festivities will begin with transportation to the farm on a provided bus, complete with live music. Upon arrival, enjoy snacks, beer cocktails and live music provided by Andrew Fletcher and The Firecracker Jazz Band in the Dairy Barn. Gaining Ground owners, Anne and Aaron Grier will lead you on a farm tour to see the source of most of Rhubarb's produce and the bounty of your dinner. Then, make your way up the hill for a four-course family dinner on the ridge paired with unique small batch brews from Catawba Brewing.

THE SPANISH TABLE WITH KATIE AND FELIX -- RETAIL VALUE $4,000

Enjoy premium restaurant dining in the comfort of home with a dinner for eight with Katie Button and Felix Meana, co-owners of Cúrate and Nightbell. Chef Katie will prepare and cook a Spanish meal for you and seven guests. She will personalize a select menu featuring authentic Spanish flavors and ingredients. Felix will present collection wines from his private cellar to pair with each dish. This plated meal will take you on a journey through Spain with experts as your guides.

DINNER AT THE BIG HOUSE -- RETAIL VALUE, $5,000

Up to twelve guests will enjoy a multi course meal at Sherrill's Inn at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, featuring produce from Flying Cloud Farm & meats from Hickory Nut Gap Farm. The entrée will be served on the beautiful plates of Laura Cooke Ceramics which each guest will be invited to take home.

PARTY LIKE INDIAN ROYALTY WITH 20 FRIENDS -- RETAIL VALUE $4,500

Ever wanted to party like Indian royalty? Invite up to 20 friends to an unforgettable Bollywood Wedding Feast at MG Road Bar & Lounge. A 6 course exotic feast celebrating the royal haute cuisine of India, paired beer flights from a special local brewery, Indian inspired cocktails, and custom desserts by the artists at French Broad Chocolate Factory. Be transported to India with live Bollywood dance performances, Bollywood music, and traditional Henna hand painting, under the lights and glamour of a Indian wedding shamiana. 2-times James Beard nominated chef Meherwan Irani and his Chai Pani Restaurant Group team, along with French Broad Chocolates, will personally curate and prepare a night of food, fun, and wonder that you'll never forget.

SUNDAY BIKE TOUR AND KOREAN BARBECUE FOR 15 FRIENDS -- RETAIL VALUE $3,500

Chef/Owner Patrick O'Cain, of Gan Shan Station, working with fellow cyclists Dan Philips and Andy Poozer, leads guests on a 60 mile bike tour around Asheville. Before the day starts, guests will stop by The Rhu for trail bars and breakfast. The ride finishes at Gan Shan Station, and everyone is treated a whole-pig Korean barbecue, complete with Gan Shan Station side dishes and wines from Grateful Palate's portfolio.

DINNER FOR EIGHT WITH DEAN NEFF OF PINPOINT RESTAURANT, FREDERICK CORRIHER OF FREDERICK CORRIHER WINES, AND JOHN FLEER OF RHUBARB -- RETAIL VALUE $5,000

Chefs Dean Neff and John Fleer, of Pinpoint Restaurant and Rhubarb, respectively prepare a meal for a hosted lunch or dinner of eight, along with incredible wines from importer Frederick Corriher. The particulars of the dinner, including location, are to be determined from consultation with the host. Dinner can be located in Asheville, Charleston (SC), or Wilmington. Each guest will leave the dinner with a magnum of Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf de Pape!

VIP TOUR OF WICKED WEED'S FUNKATORIUM, FOR 10 PEOPLE -- RETAIL VALUE $1,800

Guests will enjoy a tour of the Wicked Weed Brewing Funkatorium, the southeast's only tasting room and barrel house dedicated to wild and sour ales. Located in Asheville's South Slope, the Funkatorium's professionally guided tours offer an in depth and behind the scenes look into the artistry and meticulous practices of wild fermentation. Learn about sour beer production and wood aging while wandering amongst the 1000+ barrels currently in our program. Included is a guided tasting of four sour and wild ales, as well as two special samples directly from our barrels. After the tour and tasting, guests will enjoy a private, prix-fixe dinner hosted in the barrel house. Each guest will receive a draft pour of their choice. As a final thank-you, each member of the party will receive a commemorative Funkatorium glass, t-shirt, and sour or farmhouse bottle of their choice.

DINNER AND A DAY WITH THE ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY -- RETAIL VALUE $2,000

Join the Asheville Symphony in the 2017 – 2018 season for a behind-the-scenes dress rehearsal in the morning. Enjoy dinner at Table in downtown Asheville before the concert that evening. Afterwards, you're invited to a private post-concert reception with musicians, staff, board members, and friends of the Asheville Symphony. Package includes two CDs from the Asheville Symphony.

Special thanks to our sponsor:

Visit us on the web to learn more about the Downtown Welcome Table.