Ray Hui and Lunar New Year traditions at Gan Shan in Asheville
Chef Ray Hui of Gan Shan West shares his Lunar New Year traditions and how the restaurant is celebrating the holiday on Feb. 17, 2026.
ASHEVILLE – An Appalachian farm-to-table favorite reopens with classics and new recipes; a French restaurant debuts with a refined menu; a new restaurant is planned for North Asheville’s greenway; a fusion eatery returns after a winter hiatus; a local grocer closes temporarily; and an Asheville hotel and restaurant receive four-star ratings by an esteemed global awards program.
Rhubarb reopens downtown one year after closing
Rhubarb, one of Asheville’s first restaurants to promote the farm-to-table philosophy and Appalachian food traditions, will make its triumphant return on Feb. 19 at 7 SW Pack Square downtown.
In January 2025, Rhubarb closed and will reopen under new ownership and management, Marble City Hospitality Group, with the consultation of its founder, Chef John Fleer, who opened the restaurant in 2013.
Executive Chef Mallory Foster and Director of Operations Chelsea Deming, who’ve worked at Rhubarb and its sister cafe, The Rhu and Rhubarb’s Event Space, are taking the restaurant into a new chapter.
Rhubarb’s hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sunday and Monday and 5-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For updates on the complete menu, visit rhubarbasheville.com and follow @rhubarbavl.
Le Parisien opening with refined French menu
Following a soft launch, Le Parisien restaurant will open on Feb. 19 at 62 Lexington Ave. downtown, in the location of the now-defunct French comfort-food restaurant Bouchon, which is not affiliated.
Owner and Executive Chef Gabriel Attala, who also owns The Bohemian Restaurant in Brevard, is sharing upscale recipes from his native home of Paris with Asheville diners. The menu features dishes such as the Wild Morel Cordon Bleu ― smoked jambon de Paris, Comte AOp, morel mushroom, velouté, Yukon gold purée ― and Lamb Chop à la Menthe ― a mint demi glace, gratin dauphinois and haricots verts.
Le Parisien’s hours are 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Reserve a seat via OpenTable. View the complete menu at leparisien-asheville.com.
Salsas reopens with Caribbean and Mexican menu
On Feb. 12, Salsas reopened at 6 Patton Ave. downtown after taking a winter break that began on Nov. 17.
Stop by for lunch from 12-3 p.m. and dinner from 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Lunch and dinner are served from 2-9 p.m. Sunday.
For more, visit salsasnc.com and follow @salsasnc on Instagram.
Hygge Markets closes in downtown Asheville
On Feb. 6, Hygge Markets closed at 188 Coxe Ave., with plans to reopen at a new, undisclosed address this spring in Woodfin.
The retailer specializes in unique local and global groceries and offers prepared meals and more.
Shoppers can learn more at hyggemarkets.com and @hyggemarketavl.
Forbes awards four-star rating to Biltmore Estate restaurant
Forbes Travel Guide has upheld the four-star rating for The Inn on Biltmore Estate and its restaurant, The Dining Room, for the 25th and ninth consecutive year, respectively, for its 2026 Star Awards.
Forbes Travel Guide, which rates and recommends luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships worldwide, in 100 countries. It’s the 68th year of the guide’s annual Star Awards.
Amanda Frasier, president of standards and ratings for Forbes Travel Guide, said in a news release that the awards program’s winners exemplify excellence in hospitality.
“This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest,” Frasier said.
Five-star, four-star and recommended ratings are earned through an independent inspection process.
The anonymous inspectors consider the service and the facility. Service is prioritized over the look of the surroundings, as guests’ experiences shape what they remember most about their visit.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Dining Room are on the 8,000-acre estate, complementing the former home to George and Edith Vanderbilt, Biltmore House, constructed in 1895.
The Inn on Biltmore, opened in 2021, offers 210 spacious guestrooms and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Inn’s restaurant, The Dining Room, offers white-tablecloth service, as well as the Library Lounge, where guests can enjoy Biltmore wine and craft cocktails. The Inn’s spa and outdoor rimless pool were also noted in the guide.
In 2025, a two-year renovation was completed at The Inn on Biltmore that included a redesign of the guest rooms, suites and corridors.
For more, visit biltmore.com and forbestravelguide.com.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. 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.
Dining and Cooking