ICCA Culinary Immersions have become some of the most popular events of the year. We limit the members and/or potential members to 15 people and sponsors to five companies and all members pay is your airfare to Asheville and the ICCA Sponsors cover all other costs. This includes dining at the finest restaurants and visiting the numerous award-winning breweries and distilleries that have made this small mountain city one of the most sought after culinary destinations in the past decade. Asheville’s creative vibe and collaborative spirit has fueled the rapid growth of a thriving, eclectic restaurant scene. The large pool of talented chefs and market-fresh ingredients from Western North Carolina’s network of innovative farmers, foragers, and food artisans has created what is known as an Appalachian fare. From Southern comfort food with whole-hog barbecue to the bold flavors of Asia, Europe, the Middle East you will have a plethora of new menu ideas to bring back to your team.
More than a decade ago when chef Katie Button opened Cúrate in 2011, she set a standard that helped many other restaurants work to achieve and now the city has numerous award winning restaurants and chefs. The Spanish tapas concept restaurant won the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality and still charms both locals and visitors in their historic downtown space. The bar stocks an impressive list of Spanish and Basque wines, vermouths, sherries.
Limones chef and owner Hugo Ramirez’s cuisine is truly authentic based on his passion growing up as a native in Mexico City. The menu includes a selection of ceviches, tacos and numerous vegetarian options. He is also known for shifting the menu weekly depending on what’s available at local farms. There are usually about a dozen margarita variations on the bar menu, and his tequila and mescal selection is one of the best in the city if not the state. Obviously it has become an enduring local favorite since opening in the early 20s.
Within blocks of our host hotel Cambria, you will enjoy the flavors of Mexico, Italy, Japan, China and even Ethiopia. Age old classics including Grove Park Inn and The Biltmore started the trend toward tourism in the 80s and will play a role in the ICCA Culinary Immersion Asheville. The complete agenda will be out soon. Save you place today by emailing Kevin@ICCAchefs.com or Jessica@ICCAchefs.com.