Dig Local Asheville, NC

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Weekly Scoop (September 30-October 6) - Stu Helm gets a visit from the Gypsy Queen 👑🧆 Plus lots to do this week!


Eat This... with Stu Helm

 

A visit from Gypsy Queen Cuisine

Photo by Stu Helm; on Instagram @stuhelmfoodfan

Sometimes I wait too long to eat, and by the time I stop doing whatever it is I’m doing in order to eat something, I’m starving my face off. Also, I don’t drive, and walking to a restaurant when I’m super-hungry is not fun. Plus it’s been HELLA hot outside, so that makes everything that’s not literally air conditioning blowing right in my face -- such as walking in the hot sun -- no fun at all; bordering on a trip through Hell. 

AND the final part of this equation: My refrigerator is usually empty.

Solution: Delivery! Yay!

Recently, all of the above math and hunger added up to a box full of kibbe being delivered -- fresh hot and delicious -- from Chef Suzy Salwa’s Gypsy Queen Cuisine on Patton Ave in West Asheville, right to my front door near the River Arts District. I love me some Gypsy Queen, but I don’t get out to Patton often, so this was a really nice treat for me; and I tore into it like a rabid dog when it arrived. YUMMMM! I was so happy with my choice to order the kibbe!

For those of you who may not know, kibbe are lamb and bulgar croquettes (that’s fancy-talk for fritters) made with ground lamb, onions, pine nuts, pomegranate molasses, and Lebanese spices. They’re like little oblong meat-balls. In my world, kibbe is quasi-vegetarian, bordering on health food, and came with pita, hommus (some of the best I’ve ever had!), an exciting and wonderful mint cabbage slaw, house-made cucumber yogurt (aka tzatziki), diced tomato, and fresh parsley. 

I’m telling you what, to me this box of food saved me from a severe case of the hangries that day, and was about 300-500% healthier than most of the meals I eat. It was exactly what the doctor ordered to fix me up and set me right. It was, and I finished every scrap of food there was, and suddenly felt human again.

I’ve been a fan of Chef Suzy (both the person and her food) for many years, and I know she’s an Asheville icon and long-time local favorite, so many of you don’t need me telling you to go visit Gypsy Queen because you go all the time. BUT if you haven’t been in a while, or never at all, hit it up, yo! 

And don’t wait until you’re hangry.

Find all the food specials, new menu additions, events and more from Gyspy Queen Cuisine by checking out their Dig Local Profile.

Below you will find one locally curated Scoop chosen for each day this week — but make sure to check out all the Scoops this week on our Dig Local Scoop Calendar.

Monday, September 30

Group Run
with Jus' Running
Runners unite, and screw the heat! Meet at Jus' Running at 6pm for a 6 mile casual social run/jog to burn off some workday steam.
More details.
More to do Monday
Tuesday, October 1
Acrylic Pouring Beginner's Class
at The Bywater
Whatever the reason, taking a beginner's acrylic pouring class with Pour Darling is a great way to spend your evening and unwind by the riverside.
Tickets and more details.
More to do Tuesday

Wednesday, October 2

Wednesday Special: Walking Taco
at Asheville Tacos & Taps
Have you tried walking tacos!? A $3.99 individual-sized bag of Fritos or Doritos Nacho cheese filled with ground beef, lettuce, cheese, pico, and sour cream. Don't forget to add guac! Grab it, and walk away.
More details.

More to do Wednesday

Thursday, October 3

Baa'd to the Bone Shakedown Dinner
at Highland Brewing Company

Come and enjoy the greatest tunes of several generations with The Rewind House Band, beverages from the famous taps of Highland Brewing Company, and fill up with the "Creative Tex-Mex" from Baa'd Sheep Burritos food truck, all while raising funds for Throwing Bones!
Tickets and more details.

More to do Thursday

Friday, October 4

Hop On/Hop Off Beer Tours
with AVL Beer Bus

Hop on and off Asheville's premier beer bus at your leisure, and visit seven different breweries for only $20. Stay as long as you want at any brewery on the route!
Tickets and more details.
More to do Friday

Saturday, October 5

Oktoberfest
with Asheville Downtown Association

Join Dig Local for the 11th annual Asheville Oktoberfest! The event will feature beer, wine, cider and spirit samples, as well as "oompah" music, games, great prizes, and activities including our famous Dig Pong. Prost!
Tickets and more details.
More to do Saturday

Sunday, October 6

Kelby Costner
at The Grey Eagle
Don't miss Lincolnton, NC native and country music superstar Kelby Costner live!
Tickets and more details.
More to do Sunday
For all of this week’s Scoops and more, visit DigLocal.com or download the Dig Local App. Keep digging local!