Outer Banks Link Love: 2.24.12 – All Sorts of Goodies

Posted on February 24, 2012

Outer Banks Link Love

We have a full docket of awesome OBX links for our weekly dose of Link Love; so no time for me to wax poetically. Let’s get down to business.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, when faced with good news and bad, I’m the type that likes to get the bad out of the way so I can end on a positive note. So, let’s start with the not-so-great.

Via Con Dios Stewart Couch
The Outer Banks lost a member of the family this week. The owner of Hatteras Realty, Stewart Couch, passed away this week while on a surf trip to Nicaragua. Here’s a link to one of the many stories about Stewart’s untimely passing. Stewart was raised on Hatteras Island and created one of the most successful businesses on the Island. I had the pleasure of meeting Stewart on a few occasions, and his sense of humor and smile were infectious. He will be missed by many.

It’s hard to follow that announcement, but let’s keep our heads up and charge on. One more link on with a negative tinge, and then I promise we’ll get rolling with some positive OBX links.

Hurricane Irene & Manteo
Hurricane Irene just won’t go away. I’ve mentioned Irene’s lasting effects in a recent post Link Love, and here’s another article about the lasting effects of that beast. This time we’re focusing on Manteo. Do you visit Manteo when you come to the Outer Banks? It is definitely worth the trip. An amazing little town – the real Mayberry – with art, food, history, shops, and a great waterfront. They were hit hard by the flooding from Irene, and the downtown area is still recovering. Next time you’re in town, consider a trip to Manteo – you’ll dig it, and they’ll appreciate your love.

Outer Banks Beach Driving
OBX beach driving has been a hot topic recently. There are a lot of strong feelings around the topic, and now you have a chance to take action. Here’s an online petition that is being passed around that is calling for “free and open” beach access. Take a stand.

6 Ways to Enjoy the Outer Banks
Here’s a great article from The Montrealer offering some great tips for enjoying the Outer Banks all year long. Yes, Canadians love the OBX too!

The Most Scenic Drive in America
While we’re on the subject of great press for the OBX, here’s an article from VisitSouth.com that proclaims that Outer Banks Scenic Byway the most scenic drive in America! Who am I to disagree?! Great choice VisitSouth.

Outer Banks Everyday Magic
Earlier this week I shared a guest post about the amazing Surfing for Autism event held on the OBX each year. I have also shared some great stories of Outer Banks Everyday Magic over the past couple months, and my favorite Magic story is Toys from God about Jordan, who also happens to have autism. While I’m at it, let’s add another level to this discussion. How about the Blue Mind ideas saying that the Outer Banks (ocean as a whole) makes us happy? Seems like a strong connection between the ocean, happiness, and a calming affect for people with autism. And here’s another great example, an article from the Autism Support Network discussing how great a trip to the OBX can be. Blue Mind indeed.

Groupon Makes it to the OBX…Finally!
Are you a fan of Groupon? Seems like a good way to get some deals. But I wouldn’t know because that trendy little site hasn’t made it’s way to promoting OBX businesses…until now! Boom! The OBX is on the Groupon map with a skydiving deal. What, you didn’t know you can skydive on the Outer Banks?! Yep…and now you can save $100 to boot. Thanks Groupon.

OBX History Buffs
The Outer Banks History Center is going to debut is 150th anniversary Civil War exhibit at next week’s (March 2) “First Friday” in Manteo.

Let’s close out with some OBX events…

Have an urge to jump into 46 degree water? Yeah, me neither. But if you do, the Penguin Plunge is taking place tomorrow at the Ramada Inn in Kill Devil Hills, and it is for a good cause – raising money for the YMCA. Break out your wackiest costume and prepare to freeze.
The Cash Pot Surf Series, sponsored by Arnett sunglasses, announced this week that they will be making a stop on the Outer Banks in August. Plenty of time to wax up the board and get a little practice in before the big event.
Love the Outer Banks Wild Horses? Me too. Here’s a great chance to show some support. The 3rd annual “Night at the Races” is being held on March 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk. It’s a fun night and a great way to raise some money for a great cause.
Another wedding show is hitting the Outer Banks in a couple weeks. The OBX is such a fab place to get married (or have a honeymoon)…of course we need another wedding show. Brides, mark your calendar for March 24.
Taste of the Beach kicks off in three short weeks. Four days of food, drinks and fun! For real, this is a great event…especially if you love food and drink…and who doesn’t?! Come on, you know you want to come. And to sweeten the deal (like that pun?), how about a free early check-in and late checkout from your friends at Seaside Vacations. You’re welcome.
Last but certainly not least, St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! Are you aware that the Outer Banks has the largest St. Patty’s Day parade in NC?! I’m not sure how we measure these things, but that’s what I hear, and I’m sticking to it until proven wrong. Check out this raging parade…

Time Capsule: Here are some popular posts from last year at this time.

2011 Taste of the Beach Winners

Posted on March 22, 2011

Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

The annual Outer Banks culinary extravaganza that has been dubbed the “Taste of the Beach” seems like a young event, possibly three or four years old. But, in reality, the Outer Banks Restaurant Association has been hosting the Taste of The Beach for more than 25 years! The “new” feel is the result of a renewed focus that happened around 2008 when the festival grew from a single ticket event that drew people from the East to celebrate local food to a multi-day festival with more than 50 events attracting tourists from as far as California and Canada.

This past weekend marked the 2011 Taste of the Beach, and good people, good times, and great food could be found up and down the OBX.

The final event of the annual culinary festival is the OBX Grand Tasting. This year, there were more than 20 OBX restaurants competing for various awards.

2011 TASTE OF THE BEACH WINNERS

Best Outer Banks Cuisine (voted by panel of judges)

1st place – Great American grill
2nd place – Peppercorns
3rd place – Sam & Omies

Best in Show (voted by panel of judges)

1st place – Great American
2nd place – Bad Bean
3rd place – Argyle’s

Best Booth Presentation (voted by panel of judges)

1st place – Outer Banks Brewing Station
2nd place – Brine & Bottle
3rd place - Coastal Provisions

Peoples Choice – Best Dessert

1st place - Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern
2nd place – Outer Banks Brewing Station
3rd place – Good Life Gourmet

Peoples Choice – Overall

Outer Banks Brewing Station
Chef’s Award (voted on by the last three years People’s Choice overall winners)
Brine & Bottle

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 3.18.11 – Warm & Sunny All Weekend!

Posted on March 18, 2011

Outer Banks - 3.18.11 - Gorgeous at Kitty Hawk Pier

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Friday, March 18, 2011.

This video was shot at the Kitty Hawk Pier at 9:30 AM.

Two days until Spring officially starts! And it is starting to feel like spring…just in time for a big weekend on the Outer Banks. Sun, blue skies and 70+ degrees today!

Great weather will be with us for the weekend, sun and 60′s. Perfect timing for great OBX events. The annual Outer Banks Taste of the Beach started yesterday, so there are four days of great culinary events, and Sunday is the 22nd Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The ocean is not very active today. There’s a light west wind cleaning up what little swell there is, but it looks like a fun little longboard wave…probably knee to waist high. This inactivity should stick with us for the next few days.

OBX fishing is going strong. There are a lot of reports of blue fin tuna catches offshore, and the big news is still the 805 pound blue fin tuna that was hauled into Oregon Inlet last weekend…new NC state record! The water is beginning to warm down south, and we are starting to get reports from Ocracoke of puppy drum catches out of the surf.

Enjoy!

Outer Banks Taste of the Beach Starts Tomorrow – With Some St. Patty’s Flare!

Posted on March 16, 2011

Outer Banks 2011 Taste of the Beach

Tomorrow marks the first day of the annual Taste of the Beach here in the Outer Banks. It promises to showcase the best the beach has to offer from restaurants to specialty beers. Since the event falls on St. Patrick’s Day many places have decided to go with an Irish theme for food and drink specials.

From a swanky Champagne Lounge to pub crawls to Corned Beef and Car Bombs, Taste of the Beach (TOB) has it all. There are 77 events over the four days.

Some of the participating local restaurant owners have released details of their Irish themed weekend specials. Lucky 12 owner says they will be serving Irish Car Bombs along with the 100 beers they keep on hand all year long and corned beef and cabbage for dinner. Ocean Boulevard on the beach road has also planned an extensive Irish dinner and several drink specials.

In Duck you can experience the Duck tapas Crawl tomorrow and Friday night, featuring The Blue Point, Red Sky Café and Roadside Raw Bar and Grill. These culinary extravaganzas have become increasingly popular every year and according to Taste of the Beach’s Facebook page, there are limited tickets still available!

The Outer Banks Epicurean will also be showcased at Taste of the Beach. Focusing their amazing culinary talents on a unique OBX event, “Cookin’ Outer Banks Style, Kindred Seafood Spirits, A Cajun Influence” – folks will learn how to take their catch from the sea to the table.

As a side note, we are proud to have the Outer Banks Epicurean as one of our Club Seaside partners, offering a complimentary OBX cooking class to Seaside Vacations guests.

No matter what your taste or budget there’s an event for you.

Mangia, mangia!

2011 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach – 4 Days of Food, Drink, & Fun

Posted on January 12, 2011

Outer Banks 2011 Taste of the Beach

Well, we’ve flipped the calendar. It’s a new year, and we’re all welcoming in 2011 with open arms. But it’s January, and January is a tough month. The holiday festivities are over, days are short, and the weather is downright cold.

I saw this morning that 49 out of 50 US states have snow right now!…every state but Florida…even Hawaii?!

January can be a bear, but the good news is we are getting closer to spring every day, and I know it’s getting close because we are all starting to talk about the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach coming in March.

The Outer Banks Taste of the Beach is a one-of-kind event that enlists local restaurants for four days days of unique tasting opportunities with an OBX flare. The OBX Taste of the Beach was even named as one of the top 10 food and wine festivals in the US by Coastal Living!

The Taste of The Beach Weekend has been scheduled for March 17-20, 2011. The Outer Banks. This grand food festival event on The Outer Banks of North Carolina will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, celebrity guest chef appearances, brewery tours, tapas crawls and many more events with exciting array of creative combinations of culinary delights and fun activities on the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend is a fantastic way to sample the fare of several fine restaurants on the Outer Banks in one fun-filled, food-centric weekend! Casual chefs to full-on foodie fanatics will revel in innovative culinary opportunities offered up by members of the Outer Banks Restaurant Association. You can indulge in a fancy wine dinner one night and mix with the masses in an organic farm to fork experience the next. Or maybe an intimate cooking class with one of the area’s world class chefs is more your speed.

Freshness is the hallmark of dining on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Offering much more than just seafood, the barrier islands are home to over 160 locally owned and operated restaurants. You’ll be delighted by a diverse offering of culinary delights in unique settings, with menus dreamed up by the finest-trained chefs.

Nothing beats locally caught seafood – you can taste the difference in ours. We have the finest Watermen in the world who bring in plump oysters, savory shrimp, and fish entrees almost too gorgeous to eat! For discriminating palettes or pocketbooks, Outer Banks restaurants serve everything from true Italian fare, to Southwestern and French cuisine. And yes, you can find down home Southern-style barbecue and hush puppies. And you don’t have to break the bank. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find plenty of food, drink, and fun among the wide array of activities encompassed by the Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend.

You can find a calendar of events here.

Tickets will be limited so book ahead of time. You can order tickets here.

This will be a very busy weekend on the Outer Banks. There are some additional events planned for this weekend: the YMCA OBX Polar Plunge, Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Annual Running of The Leprechauns 8k. Lots to do!

If you’re heading down to get your fill of great food, we’d love to help you find a house that meets all of your vacation needs. You can find our houses at: www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

Outer Banks Taste of the Beach Award Winners

Posted on March 15, 2010

2010 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

It was a beautiful weekend on the Outer Banks for the annual Taste of the Beach food expo, and the winner are…

People’s Choice Award
Best Overall – Sugar Creek
Best Desert – Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern

Chef’s Award (1^st time this award has been presented. Panel of last 5 yrs People’s Choice Overall Winners made this choice)
Outer Banks Brewing Station

Panel Judged Categories

Best Booth Display
1^st Place – Coastal Provisions
2^nd Place – Good Life Gourmet
3^rd Place – The Black Pelican

Best Overall
1^st Place – Stripers Bar & Grill
2^nd Place – Sugar Creek
3^rd Place – Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern

Best Outer Banks Cuisine (1^st year of this category)
1^st Place – Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern
2^nd Place – Coastal Provisions Market
3^rd Place – Darrell’s

Healthiest Dish (1^st year for this category)
1^st Place – Argyle’s Restaurant & Piano Bar
2^nd Place – Peppercorn’s
3^rd Place – Aqua S

Winners of “Biggest Loser” Join Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

Posted on February 3, 2010

2010 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

Biggest Loser

“Biggest Losers” Ed and Heba to Teach Healthy Cooking Techniques at The Outer Banks Taste of the Beach Weekend

Outer Banks, N.C. (February 2, 2010) – Professional chef Ed Brantley and his wife Heba Salama, weight loss winners from Season 6 of TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” will bring a combination of healthy bites and celebrity to the Annual Outer Banks Taste of the Beach Weekend, March 11-14, 2010.

Ed and Heba will host the “Kickin’ It Up A Notch Kick Off” on Thursday, March 11th at the Outer Banks Brewing Station, hold two Healthy Eating / Healthy Living Cooking Demonstrations, presented by Dominion Power, and co-sponsored by Village Realty, Roanoke Island Designs and Kelly’s Hospitality Group, March 11th & March 14th, make special guest appearances at various events throughout the weekend, and act as celebrity judges at the Grand Finale Taste of The Beach Expo on Sunday, March 14th at Pamlico Jack’s Pirate Hideaway, where over 20 restaurants will compete for the 1st ever TOBY Awards. Awards include “Best Booth Presentation,” “Best In Show” and “Peoples Choice.” Ed and Heba will also participate in the 21st Annual Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Running of The Leprechauns 8k race.

A graduate of the prestigious Johnson and Wales College of Culinary Arts in Charleston, South Carolina, Ed worked under well-known chef Donald Barickman at Magnolia’s in Charleston’s historic district. He currently teaches European Cuisine at the Arts Institute of Raleigh, North Carolina.

In addition to his experience as a chef, Ed and Heba are working on a cookbook of healthy recipes for release later this year. The couple will hold cooking demonstrations featuring recipes from the book at the Annual Outer Banks Taste of the Beach.

“It’s an honor to be included in the Annual Outer Banks Taste of the Beach and the event’s culinary traditions. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to share some of our favorite recipes from the cookbook we’re working on at an event that combines good food and an appreciation for healthy living in our home state,” said Ed.

“We’re very excited to have Ed and Heba as special guests for this year’s Annual Outer Banks Taste Of The Beach Weekend. Between Ed’s experience as a chef, the couple’s upcoming cookbook and their North Carolina roots, they’re a perfect fit for this event,” said Outer Banks Restaurant Association President Ben Sproul.

Hosted by the Outer Banks Restaurant Association and sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the Annual Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend is an opportunity for anyone from casual chefs to foodie fanatics to sample a wide range of foods through events. You’re invited to The Outer Banks of North Carolina for one of the Top 10 Wine & Seafood Festivals in the US, according to Coastal Living magazine. The Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend is a fantastic way to sample the fare of several fine restaurants on the Outer Banks in one fun-filled, foodie-fanatic weekend! With over 50 individual events to choose from, you can pick your events and purchase your tickets all in one location. Events begin on Thursday, March 11th and end on Sunday, March 14th. You can indulge in a fancy wine dinner one night and mix with the masses in a tapas crawl the next. Tickets are limited and events sell out fast so get yours today.

Tickets are sold by the event. To buy your tickets, see a complete list of events and to begin planning your culinary weekend on The Outer Banks of North Carolina, visit http://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com.

About Ed & Heba
Ed and Heba shot to fame as weight loss winners on TV’s “The Biggest Loser” by losing a combined total of 277 pounds. On the show, Heba became the first woman to win the “at home” prize of $100,000 for the highest percentage of weight lost overall. Her husband, Ed, finished the season in second place. Since then, the couple has been busy writing a cookbook of healthy recipes, working with non-profit organizations to prevent childhood obesity and promote fitness, as well as appearing regularly as guest speakers. Their cookbook will be available in the spring of 2010.

About The Annual Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend
The Outer Banks Restaurant Association began holding the Taste of The Beach over 20 years ago. Since then, the event has evolved into a four day foodie-fanatic weekend, exposing visitors to dozens of the Outer Banks’ finest restaurants and brewers through wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, guest chef appearances, tapas crawls and the Grand Finale Taste of The Beach Expo, where restaurants compete for “best in show” honors.

2010 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

Posted on February 3, 2010

2010 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

Perfect Spring Weekend on the Outer Banks – Taste of the Beach & St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on January 15, 2010

The 2010 Taste of the Beach Festival will serve as both a Spring Festival as well as a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This is the perfect combination for a spring weekend on the Outer Banks. There are a wide variety of events to choose from. Here are some events listed by Associated Content.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

From A Bubbly Beginning to Kicking’ It Up a Notch, you are going to immerse yourself into the wet life of the beach with entertainment, food, sand and so much more!
The Sanderling Resort and Spa is “the perfect place to be”. Enjoy a pomegranate smoothie and fresh granola while you relax and turn your feet over to the grandiose treatment.
Healthy Eating/Healthy Living Cooking Demonstration by the “The Biggest Loser” finalists, Ed Brantely and Heba Salama.
The Lucky 12 Tavern should get the attention of all lucky Irish folk. Beer and food – making it go together!
The Kick Off Kicks It Up a Notch! The Outer Banks Brewing Station will kick off the party from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM! At the Brewing Station, enjoy appetizers, hear how the Taste of the Beach got started and what it is planning for the rest of the weekend and the future. Have your picture taken with “The Biggest Losers” finalists Ed and Heba.
Salty Food Art Exhibition presented by the Dare County Arts Council at the Outer Banks Epicurean in Manteo, NC. Outer Banks artists and food enthusiasts will exhibit pottery, glass, textiles, photographs, paintings, and more motivated by culinary art.

Great vacation rental homes still available.

Proud Sponsor of the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

Posted on February 4, 2009

Seaside Vacations is a proud sponsor for the upcoming Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

MARCH 5 – 8, 2009

(One of the Top Ten Seafood and Wine Festivals in the nation by Coastal Living magazine in 2008)

Outer Banks, NC (February 3, 2009) – The Outer Banks 2009 Taste of The Beach Weekend is right around the corner, March 5-8, 2009. The Outer Banks Restaurant Association (OBRA) has been hosting the Taste of The Beach for over 20 years and has expanded its signature showcase event into a four day weekend affair in 2008. This will be the second year of presenting The Outer Banks Taste of The Beach as a weekend long event. The event will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, tapas crawls, brewery tours and an exciting array of creative combinations of culinary delights and fun activities on the Outer Banks, culminating with the Taste of The Beach Expo on Sunday, March 8^th at the Hilton Garden Inn located in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

“Capitalizing on the honor of being named one of the Top Ten Seafood and Wine Festivals in the nation by Coastal Living magazine in 2008”, notes OBRA President, Ben Sproul, “the Association is aggressively promoting the 2009 Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend outside of Dare County, as well as locally, to bring media and visitors to The Outer Banks for this extraordinary opportunity”.

The 2009 Taste of The Beach Weekend allows visiting and local foodies a chance to create a personalized itinerary of diverse culinary experiences and fun activities.

Great vacation rentals still available.