The Annual Outer Banks Taste of the Beach kicks off next weekend and the big event has to be the BBQ and Wings Showdown on Friday, March 24 at the Event Site in Nags Head.
Here at Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates we sponsor the event with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, so yes, that's at least part of the reason we think it's so great. But beyond that after doing this for the past few years, we can honestly say it is a fun, fun event.
A Couple of Hints
Bring a good appetite. With 15 area chefs creating remarkable barbecue and wings, there is a lot to sample. The event starts at noon, so it's probably a good idea to skip breakfast. Better yet, don't eat the day before either.
Don't vote until everything has been sampled. This is easier said than done. Our experience is that somewhere around the 11th or 12th booth, the realization that the consumption of calories is roughly equivalent to two days of feasting takes root. And there's still more booths to go.
Nonetheless—forge on. This is for posterity, after all.
Take your time. There is no rush. The listed times for the event are 12-3 and that's plenty of time to try everything.
Other Things to Do
Although the BBQ and Wings Showdown is the highlight of the Taste of the Beach, the event is actually a four day affair beginning on Thursday and ending on Sunday. There is so much to do, we couldn't possibly list it all here, but by all means, pick out two or three events every day and go have fun.
Two other happenings that have become part of the Taste of the Beach tradition is the Chowder Cook-off on Saturday at Southern Shores Crossing in Southern Shores and the Grand Tasting & Bartenders Bubbly Bash at Port O' Call in Kill Devil Hills.
The Grand Tasting has become so popular that there are two opportunities to go—noon until 2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:30.
