Rob Robinson (front) and Matt Payne demonstrating the cuisine of Mexico.After Dark at All Saints is a reminder of how wonderful winter can be on the Outer Banks. There is nothing earth shattering or headline making about what happens throughout the month of February at the Episcopal Church in Southern Shores—it's just community at its best.
Started seven years ago as a way to bring the church to the community and the community to the church, After Dark has grown into a marvelous month-long offering of classes in cooking, wine and beer tasting, art, healthy living and more.
Stu Baldwin offers two courses in surf-fishing—beginning and advanced; the staff of Trio in Kitty Hawk is on hand for wine tasting, beer tasting and an evening of "Discovering North Carolina Cheeses"; this is the time to learn about reflexology or the history of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
The most popular classes by far are the cooking classes, and those fill up almost right away. Wes Stepp from Red Sky Cafe teaches an evening class based on his Healthy Gourmet menu; Rob Robinson and Matt Payne of Bad Bean and Baja Grill are on hand to demonstrate the cuisine of Mexico. There are dessert preparations and seafood demos—all classes, unfortunately filled . . . although there is always next year.
Classes are just $20, and there are still some openings. The net proceeds after expenses—mostly printing costs—are all donated back to the community. Through last year over $60,000 had been given to five local organizations: Interfaith Community Outreach, Food For Thought, Community Care Clinic, Beach Food Pantry, and Room in the Inn.
A great way to spend a winter evening, gaining a little bit of knowledge and all for a good cause.
