The AVL Food Series, a showcase of Asheville's culinary talent, had to postpone its first event due to the illness of the special guest chef. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date and enjoy upcoming events of the AVL Food Series.
Asheville's AVL Food Series Postpones Inaugural Event Due to Illness
( Credit to: Citizen-times )
Asheville's much-anticipated AVL Food Series, a showcase of the city's culinary artists, faced an unfortunate setback as its inaugural event had to be postponed just hours before its scheduled start time. The unexpected turn of events occurred due to the illness of the special guest chef.
On February 8, Shay & Company, the event presenter, announced their partnership with Devil's Food Beverage Co. to launch the AVL Food Series. The series was set to feature a range of events from February to December, highlighting the diverse culinary talent in Asheville.
The first event, a pop-up dinner featuring renowned Chef Michelle Bailey, former co-owner and executive chef of Smoky Park Supper Club, was scheduled for February 22. Guests were eagerly looking forward to experiencing Bailey's live fire cooking. However, they received an email from Shay & Company's founder and owner, Shay Brown, just after 1:30 p.m. notifying them of the rescheduling of the dinner to a later date.
Chef Michelle Bailey Falls Ill, Postponing the Pop-Up Dinner
Chef Michelle Bailey shared with the Citizen Times via text message on February 23 that she had fallen "extremely ill" in the afternoon leading up to the event. She assured that she is on the path to recovery but emphasized that the decision to postpone was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the staff and the guests.
Shay Brown stated via email that a new date for the dinner will be announced as soon as possible, ensuring that the event can still be enjoyed by the community.
The dinner was originally planned to accommodate 75 people, with 45 guests already registered to attend. Tickets for the event were priced at $97.50, with an optional $30 wine and beer pairing. Brown assured that refunds are being processed upon request, and there is no cutoff date for refund requests.
Excitement and Gratitude for the AVL Food Series
Chef Bailey expressed her excitement about the AVL Food Series and her honor to kick it off as a way to bring the community together in a welcoming and celebratory manner. She also expressed gratitude for the understanding and professionalism displayed by Shay Brown and the Shay & Company team.
Despite this setback, the AVL Food Series is set to continue with its next event, the Burger Bliss Food Fest, scheduled for March 23. The festival will feature over 10 chefs showcasing various styles of classic and gourmet burgers.
For the complete schedule and ticket purchases, interested individuals can visit shaybrownevents.com/avl-food-series.
Looking Ahead and Reflecting on the Postponement
While unfortunate, the postponement of the AVL Food Series' inaugural event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live events and the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of all involved. Asheville's culinary scene eagerly awaits the rescheduled dinner, and the community looks forward to enjoying the upcoming events of the AVL Food Series.