Spend a Day at the East Asheville Tailgate Market

The East Asheville Tailgate Market is more than just a place to grab fresh produce—it's a vibrant community hub where local farmers, artisans, and food makers come together to showcase their talents and passion. This market, which is open every Friday from 3 to 6 PM, is a beloved fixture of the community. For those visiting or staying at our modern cabins in East Asheville, the tailgate market is a must-see destination to experience the flavor, culture, and craftsmanship that make Asheville so great.

A Market Rooted in Community

Located in the heart of the neighborhood, the East Asheville Tailgate Market serves as a gathering place where friends, families, and visitors come together to enjoy the bounty of the season. With vendors offering everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to handmade crafts and gourmet treats, there's something for everyone.

But what truly sets this market apart is the deep sense of community it fosters. Vendors know their customers by name, and there’s a palpable sense of camaraderie as people chat, laugh, and share stories over the stalls.

Meet the Makers: J Chong Eats

One of the market’s standout vendors is J Chong, the mastermind behind J Chong Eats. J has become a beloved figure at the market, known for her incredible dumplings and vibrant sauces, including our favorite chili oil. Her journey as a food entrepreneur, including being a finalist on HBO Max's The Big Brunch, is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to build a successful small business from the ground up.

J’s process begins in her commissary kitchen, where she meticulously prepares each batch of dumplings and sauces. “Each week and season varies with the amount of time I am in the kitchen,” J shared. “I love the flexibility that I have as a business owner and am fortunate to be in a kitchen where we have the freedom to come and go as needed. I typically do one type of dumpling a day and make my sauces near the end of the week so they are fresh for the weekend markets.”

The preparation for a market day is no small feat. Starting on Monday, J gathers all the ingredients she needs for the week and begins prepping for the upcoming markets. By Thursday, she’s ready to pack up her essentials, including everything from tent weights and tables to menu signs and, of course, the dumplings and sauces that her customers have come to love.

But the work doesn’t end there. “Fueling up with food and staying hydrated is important as well,” J notes, emphasizing the physical demands of market day. Despite the challenges, J thrives on the direct connection she has with her customers. “I love being a vendor because I have a direct relationship with the people who choose to purchase my products. It’s important to support local tailgate markets because it’s the most literal sense of supporting local small businesses. We are all very fortunate to have the opportunity to share our passions and crafts at the local markets.”

J’s passion for her craft and her community shines through in every interaction, making her booth a must-visit at the market. Her presence at the market is not just about selling dumplings; it’s about building relationships and contributing to the local economy. “I am a vendor at tailgate markets because I am passionate about my craft and love being able to share it with our community,” J explains. “Whether it be my frozen dumplings and sauces at tailgate markets or private dinners and pop-ups around town, I love showcasing my people’s food!”

For those looking to explore more of Asheville’s culinary scene, J recommends stopping by Leo’s House of Thirst for a glass of wine and small bites, The Golden Pineapple for the best martini, and 5 Points for that perfect old-school diner experience. Her love for the local food scene is evident not just in what she creates, but in how she lives, making her a true ambassador of Asheville’s vibrant culinary culture.

Meet the Makers: Propaganda Pastry

Another gem of the East Asheville Tailgate Market is Delilah Pergola, the creative force behind Propaganda Pastry. Delilah’s journey into the world of baking began on Cape Cod, MA, and has taken her across the country, honing her skills in various facets of pastry making. Today, she specializes in custom cakes, and her booth at the market has become a go-to for those looking to indulge in something sweet and unique.

Delilah’s path to becoming a pastry chef is as rich and layered as the cakes she creates. After starting her professional baking career in 2013 at Easy Tiger in Austin, TX, where she mastered the art of laminated doughs like croissants and danishes, Delilah moved around the country, gathering experience in everything from plated desserts and sourdough bread to breakfast pastries and whole grain baking. Eventually, she landed in Asheville, where she decided to reboot her cottage bakery, Propaganda Pastry, as a cake shop focusing on custom orders. The tailgate markets have been an essential part of her business strategy.

“I rely heavily on seasonal ingredients and my pantry for both inspiration and execution of my cakes,” Delilah explains. One of her recent creations was a riff on the classic “peaches & cream,” featuring chiffon cake layers with a blend of buckwheat flour and Carolina Ground 85 pastry flour. The cake was filled with an orange peach compote and sweetened whipped cream, topped with a golden milk buttercream made with turmeric, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, and a little olive oil. 

“I split up my cake prep throughout the week—I have clock-in jobs too, so I have to work around those schedules. I’ll dedicate an evening to prepping each component—the fillings, cake layers, and buttercreams. Then I assemble the cakes the morning of the farmers market.”

For Delilah, the tailgate market is a lifeline for her business. “Tailgate markets have proven to be a vital source of real on-the-ground marketing for my small business,” she says. “If I skip a week, I can directly see my custom cake orders drop off. Constant presence in the community at the farmers market is a driving force in where I’m looking to take this little cake business.” 

Delilah’s passion for her craft is matched only by her commitment to supporting a closed local food system, where community and sustainability go hand in hand.

Her market day routine is a whirlwind of activity, often starting with a fresh batch of buttercream in the morning. “It’s really: wake up, make coffee, and start assembling cakes,” she says. 

Working out of her cottage bakery, Delilah’s process involves constant resetting—doing dishes, wiping down surfaces, and preparing for the next step. Once the cakes are assembled and decorated with buttercream, they rest in the fridge while she tidies up and loads the car. On her way to the market, she stops by Bloom, a flower farm on her road, to pick up floral decorations for her cakes. At the market, she adds the finishing touches to her cakes, often decorating them live, much to the delight of early visitors.

Delilah’s love for the local food scene extends beyond her own creations. She’s a fan of Mother Bakery & Cafe, Leo’s House of Thirst, and Smiley’s Flea Market in Hendersonville, a weekend-only spot filled with fun food vendors offering tacos, pupusas, elotes, and more. For Delilah, these places represent the best of what the local food scene has to offer—unique, community-driven, and filled with flavor.

A Market Experience Like No Other

Visiting the East Asheville Tailgate Market isn’t just about shopping—it’s about connecting with the people who make the local food scene so vibrant. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, this market offers a window into the heart of Asheville’s community spirit.

Next time you find yourself in East Asheville on a Friday afternoon, we highly recommend stopping by the tailgate market. Parking is available within walking distance and you can bring goodies back to your accommodations at Firelight. Grab a jar of chili oil, browse seasonal fruits and veg, indulge in a slice of cake, sample bread and butter, and take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a market that truly embodies the essence of this beautiful community.