Friday, March 29, 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomePet NewsCats NewsWhat’s brand-new in food: A coffee shop, with cats

What’s brand-new in food: A coffee shop, with cats

Date:

Related stories

-Advertisement-spot_img
-- Advertisment --
- Advertisement -

Feline fans can connect with cats while delighting in food and drink in a brand-new downtown coffee shop.

Cats at Play Café generated its very first batch of adoptable cats May 15, after experiencing a couple of hold-ups. The coffee shop will formally open its doors to clients on Saturday, May 27.

Owners Clare Owensby and Lisa Fox state the primary goal of the coffee shop is to act as an assistance for regional partners Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, as all cats will be available for adoption. But the space will likewise permit cat fans without cats of their own to delight in some feline time. These interactions will interact socially the cats and help people too — research study reveals that hanging out with cats can lower tension and stress and anxiety levels and even lower high blood pressure, says Owensby.

The coffee shop space is entirely different from the cat lounge, however you can bring food and consume bought from the coffee shop into the cat lounge.

“While the main attraction is, of course, the cats, we’re really proud of our menu offerings as well,” says Owensby.

MerTails, a line of elixirs made from minerals, electrolytes, plants and herbs developed by regional herbalist Jillian Ashleywill be served. Other offerings consist of Meowtain Mylk, Pawt Chocolate and a choice of regional items such as matcha from Matcha Nude, coffee from Dynamite Roasting Co., tea from Asheville Tea Co., gelato from Sugar and Snow Gelato and packaged baked items from West End Bakery. There will likewise be a completely equipped grab-and-go fridge with red wine, regional beer and nonalcoholic drinks such as hemp seltzers.

“Even if you’re not the biggest feline fan, we think our options in the cafe, both food and beverage, as well as local art and jewelry, are worthy of a visit,” says Owensby. “None of the food served at the cafe is prepared on-site, so while you’re welcome to enjoy it in the cat lounge, if you’d rather keep your tasty treat time and your cat time separate, feel free to enjoy them before or after your visit to the cat lounge.”

The owners prepare to hold unique occasions, such as cat yoga and motion picture nights with cats, and will be available for personal celebrations too.

The cafe is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Thursday through Saturday — and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The minimum age for guests is 10 and older, but those with children under 10 can inquire about booking a personal event.

Cats at Play Cafe is at 12 Eagle St. For more information, visit avl.mx/cp5.

Pizza and poutine

Although Jasper Jeromeco-owner of North Asheville’s newest pizza place, says taco pizza might be his favorite, it’s the poutine pizza that was influenced by his heritage.

Ieronimo, who opened The Local Pizza Joint with his husband and Asheville native Chris Ieronimo in late April, was born in Montreal. “As a French Canadian, poutine is a staple,” he says. “We decided to marry our love of pizza and poutine and create what we feel is pretty special. With a gravy base, freshly fried French fries and gooey cheese, this pie is different!”

Ieronimo says the couple owned a pizza restaurant in the past, however the pandemic hit right after they opened and forced them to shut down. “It was bad timing,” he says. “I’ve been in senior-level leadership for national brands for many years but never lost my desire to have a pizza joint again. We found the space by complete accident, and everything fell into place.

“We are asked every day if it is a franchise, and it is not,” Jasper continues. “We don’t plan to open additional locations, as we want this one to be special. We are happy to be a part of the amazing food community here.”

The New York-style pizzeria, which does primarily delivery and takeout, has seating for 28 and is open Monday through Thursday 3-11 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 3 p.m.-midnight.

The Local Pizza Joint is at 707 Merrimon Ave. For more details, see avl.mx/cp3.

Hot dogs in Maggie Valley? Totally.

Valley Dog, Maggie Valley’s ’80s-themed hot dog spot, opened at the beginning of 2022 but moved last month into a new custom building, the hot dog shop of their dreams.

“I kid about how we broke [the old location] with all of the bunches of hot dog fans coming through,” jokes owner Mike Juliano. But the reality was that the shop needed to be in a brand-new space built from scratch.

He takes pride in creating the hot dogs and has 186 of them in rotation on the menu. “They are all my babies,” he says. “I have painstakingly created them one bite … at a time. I go into the lab often.”

Juliano, who grew up in New Jersey but moved to Western North Carolina in 1997, has a background in opening and running luxury boutique hotels but always wanted to own a hot dog business.

“I grew up around them, visiting them on days I would spend with my grandfather — carts and little mom and pop ‘divey’ places that have been in business forever,” he says.

Juliano says he went with an ’80s theme because they were some of his “fondest years.” “When my wife and I were deciding to do a shop here in Maggie Valley, we decided on the name Valley Dog, then thought of the Valley Girls of the ’80s — then the theme made sense. The restaurant gave me a chance to re-create my childhood bedroom, pretty much.”

“I eat hot dogs almost every day,” he says. “I had been looking for these hot dogs around here right up until we opened the shop. Now I know where to find them — these are the hot dogs I had been looking for.”

Valley Dog is at 2779 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. For more information, visit avl.mx/cp4.

Homesteading how-tos

On Wednesday, May 24, homesteader Ashley English will teach her first class in a five-part homemade health and wellness series: “Jam, Sauce, Frozen, Vinegar and Quick Pickled Strawberries.”

The free classes, which will take location at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month throughout the summer at the Enka-Candler Library, will be a combination of lecture and demonstration.

Classes offered are:

  • June 28 — Perfect Picnics
  • July 26 — Home Canning 101: Materials & Equipment, Methods, Safety, Storage, Favorite Seasonal Recipe
  • Aug. 23 — Preserving Apples
  • Sept. 27 — Natural Health: Bugs Away Insect Repellent, Boo Boo Goo, Sunburn Soother, Electrolyte Replenisher, Sleep Salve

English, who has lived in a forested cove in Candler since 2007, learned homesteading ways from her maternal grandmother. “Nanny owned and operated a u-pick blueberry farm,” she says. “She also had a large vegetable garden and kept chickens. It was from her that I learned to can and developed an enthusiasm and appreciation for gardening.”

“I love teaching in general and, specifically, teaching practical skills that offer the potential to enhance a person’s knowledge of and relationship with their homesteads and the natural world,” English adds. “The snafus I’ve had over my years of homesteading with bears in my beehives, unexpected deaths in my flock of laying hens, canning jars that failed to seal and limp, watery yogurt have served as their own teachers, enriching and furthering my understanding of the topics, which I’m then able to pass on to folks I teach.”

The Enka-Candler Library is at 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler. For more details, see avl.mx/cp7.

- Advertisement -
Pet News 2Day
Pet News 2Dayhttps://petnews2day.com
About the editor Hey there! I'm proud to be the editor of Pet News 2Day. With a lifetime of experience and a genuine love for animals, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my role. Experience and Expertise Animals have always been a central part of my life. I'm not only the owner of a top-notch dog grooming business in, but I also have a diverse and happy family of my own. We have five adorable dogs, six charming cats, a wise old tortoise, four adorable guinea pigs, two bouncy rabbits, and even a lively flock of chickens. Needless to say, my home is a haven for animal love! Credibility What sets me apart as a credible editor is my hands-on experience and dedication. Through running my grooming business, I've developed a deep understanding of various dog breeds and their needs. I take pride in delivering exceptional grooming services and ensuring each furry client feels comfortable and cared for. Commitment to Animal Welfare But my passion extends beyond my business. Fostering dogs until they find their forever homes is something I'm truly committed to. It's an incredibly rewarding experience, knowing that I'm making a difference in their lives. Additionally, I've volunteered at animal rescue centers across the globe, helping animals in need and gaining a global perspective on animal welfare. Trusted Source I believe that my diverse experiences, from running a successful grooming business to fostering and volunteering, make me a credible editor in the field of pet journalism. I strive to provide accurate and informative content, sharing insights into pet ownership, behavior, and care. My genuine love for animals drives me to be a trusted source for pet-related information, and I'm honored to share my knowledge and passion with readers like you.
-Advertisement-

Latest Articles

-Advertisement-

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here
Captcha verification failed!
CAPTCHA user score failed. Please contact us!