We've had a lot to say about the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach and now that it's here and gone, it's time for a recap.
There is no perfect way to describe everything that happens over the four days of the event—there is just too much happening. Tapas crawls...we were partial to the Kitty Hawk Friday night crawl that featured Russo's Bistro & Bar, Ocean Boulevard and Coastal Provisions. But that was just one of many.
Wine tasting? Impossible to choose, although Sanctuary vineyards did an amazing job pairing wines with food at a number of events.
So that leaves us with the two major events, the Wings & BBQ Showdown and the Grand Tasting & Bartenders Bubbly Bash, both at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head.
Our tip if going to either event next year is do not eat breakfast. In fact, maybe restrict caloric intake the day before as well.
The Saturday Showdown featured some great wings, fantastic eastern North Carolina barbecue and melt in your mouth ribs. Tough call on our favorite. We really liked what Coastal Cravings did with their ribs, but the competition was close there was no clear favorite.
Fantastic music by Jonny Waters and Company.
Sunday was as the Grand Tasting and it was grand.
If there was ever any question about the expertise of Outer Banks chefs this one event should put all doubts to rest. There was a wonderful fresh rockfish over a sweet potato soufflé. The Carolina Crab Cocktail Coastal Cravings was serving up was really good. And the list goes on and on.
And of course there were the Champagne cocktails, which were also wonderful.
Tough call all around, so we'll take the graceful way out and not call out a winner.
Soul One was the music. Loved it.
Summer's coming! If you have not made your Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates reservations, do it soon for best selection.
