HE WILL BE MISSED…
TODAY’S PODCAST was originally broadcast by WPVM 103.7fm on Friday, March 24, 2023, and features conversations with Ivey Lamos, Chef Sean Ashbridge, and Chef Paul Cressend, who all knew , worked with, and loved James Shearon, the 28 year-old restaurant worker who was intentionally struck and a killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike in Downtown Asheville. The driver, Calvin Dion has been apprehended.
I also attended the grand opening of Guajiro Food Truck with my friend Lucho from Asheville Multicultural, and I went to two pop-ups.
JAMES HAYWOOD SHEARON: February 6, 1995 ~ March 4, 2023 (age 28).
Here are some excerpts from James’ obituary.
We are devastated to announce the passing of James Haywood Shearon of Asheville, NC, born February 6th, 1995.
He was raised in Wilmington, NC and was the seventh of eight children.
James was a precocious child with endless curiosity, lots of energy, and a knack for driving us a little crazy at times. He adored and always had a special bond with animals, especially cats. He moved to Asheville, NC at 18 years of age, where he has mostly resided since.
During his time in Asheville, he worked in various kitchens (Cafe 64, Blackbird and All Day Darling) and made a name for himself in the local service industry. His passion was food and to cook for others, with Anthony Bourdain being his idol. He loved reading, riding his bike and writing poetry. James made friends and helped people wherever life took him.
James is now at peace and preceded in death by his Father, James Michael Shearon and Grandfather (De-daddy) Haywood Ralph Watters Sr .
You can read the whole obituary by clicking HERE. If you’d like to send flowers to the family, or plant a tree in James’ name, please click HERE.
GUAJIRO CUBAN FOOD TRUCK: Lucho and I went on another Asheville Multicultural adventure, this time to the Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food truck grand opening at the Cotton Mill studios in the RAD.
I got a “Cuban burger,” Lucho got the pulled pork plate, and we shared some Cuban sandwiches, and flan done two ways.
It was a brisk but sunny day down by the river, the crowd was lively, the music was great, Shay & Company were there, and it was an all-around good time! ❤️
MASTER BBQ ASHEVILLE: A couple weekends ago I went to an awesome pop-up at Dssolvr brewery on N. Lexington Ave. The food was from Master BBQ AVL, a brand new Filipino street food concept here in Asheville! If you want grilled things on a stick — and I know you do! — then I highly recommend that you follow Master BBQ on social media, and show up to their pop-ups whenever you can! If they raise enough money with their pop-ups, they’re going to buy a food truck!
They are new to town, they moved here from the West Coast just to sell us there awesome food, which their family has been making and serving professionally for 80 years, so let’s show them some love, Asheville! I ordered some chicken skewers, and some lumpia, plus they brought me some pork skewers (not pictured) and I loved all of it!
I prayed to the food gods to bring me grilled things on a stick, and my prayers were answered! Yay!!! We are truly blessed here in Asheville, North Carolina, Y’all! Food City, USA.
MOTHER’S PIZZA: Dawn & I took a trip to Oak and Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain, North Carolina, specifically to try some artisanal pizza from Mother's Pizza and it was excellent!
We got a margarita and a “Lady in White,” and both were hot, fresh, and delicious, just like pizza ought to be! Recommend.
We also had drinks. Dawn’s had booze in it. Mine did not. Both were great! Another perfect day in Black Mountain. I love that town. ❤️
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Episode 107: A Grand Opening, Two Pop-ups & Remembering James Shearon