TowneBank Red Nose Wine Festival

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July 15, 2012

The inaugural TowneBank Red Nose Wine Festival last Thursday launched a new event as part of the Christmas in July fundraising benefit for the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Thankfully the rain held off, and cloudy conditions kept things cool and comfortable.

Marshes Light, downtown Manteo NC

 

As people milled about in a “Charleston” like setting, music played in the background. The performers included Mojo Collins, Laura Martier, Joe Mapp & The Coordinates, Ruth Wyand, and The Jazzmen. North Carolina wines were featured with Biltmore, Cauble Creek Vineyard, Childress Vineyards, Old North State Winery, Sanctuary Vineyards and Vineyards on the Scuppernong. Additional wines from around the world were provided by Mutual Distributing Company and The Wine Specialist of Kitty Hawk.

Miss Wine Bottle & Shearl Bell, Event Chairperson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was delicious food from Black Pelican, Café Lachine, Ocean Boulevard and Ortegaz. And, making it a full-on and fun afternoon, there were little shops set up along the Boulevard – Jewelry by Gail, The Cottage Shop and Mothervine Nutraceuticals. Wine, music and shopping? Oh my!

The final word isn’t in on how much was raised for the Relief Foundation, but many of the people involved expressed their enthusiasm with the event. Said Luanne Hege (who had the original vision to make the Wine Festival a reality):

“Our event this past Thursday surpassed our wildest dreams; the weather, which had been flukey at best, settled down, the heat wave broke, and the thunderstorms stayed away.  The remarkable (thank you, Roland!) Mike Fitzwater and his group (Special Events) did an outstanding job.  The attendance, while under the optimistic 2000 that we kept thinking we’d have, was a very respectable 1390, with all cabanas and reserved tables sold out. (Indeed three of our cabana purchasers have already “signed up” for next year!)  Our site, the Marshes Light complex in Manteo, right on Shallowbag Bay, was a terrific venue, right on the water, provided a perfect canvas for our layout.”

It could not have been possible without the help of our volunteers!

 

Categories: Arts, Dining, Food & Wine, Marshes Light Marina, News, outer banks, People of Interest, Shopping, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Recent OBX Discoveries

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July 14, 2012

Palmetto Cheese Spread, “The Pimento Cheese with Soul” by Pawleys Island Specialty Foods. Delicious, try with thin little Pretzel Crisps (by Snack Factory). Both available at Harris Teeter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie from Red Box: “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” with Jason Segal, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon. A heartwarming film about a couple of misfit brothers who come to each other’s aid –http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588334/#.

First Annual Red Nose Wine Festival at Marshes Light took place on Thursday afternoon, July 12. The place was transformed into a classy venue for wine tastings, live music, food, shopping and great fellowship all to benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Had fun helping Christine, The Wine Specialist, at the tastings tent. Stay tuned for more photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Dare County Library: The Woman Who Wasn’t There: The True Story of an Incredible Deception by Robin Fisher and Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr. I couldn’t put it down – great summertime read for the beach or the pool.

 

 

Categories: Arts, Dining, Food & Wine, Marshes Light Marina, outer banks, People of Interest, Shopping, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Wine? Cheese? Perfect Pairings in Kitty Hawk!

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June 21, 2012

My son, Michael, is working at The Wine Specialist in Kitty Hawk. He often calls when there is a new  wine or micro-brew on the shelf. He called yesterday to tell me about some artisanal cheeses that just came in and asked me to help spread the word.

Christine McMaster is The Wine Specialist. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Christine moved to France when she was 20 years old. She learned about grape growing and wine making and received a certificate from the French Department of Agriculture.  She moved to the Outer Banks, where she vacationed as a child with her family, and opened her store. Christine brings a level of knowledge and expertise to local wine enthusiasts. She will customize a wine or beer tasting for you in her bright and comfortable tasting “parlor” at her store at MilePost 4 in Kitty Hawk (next door to Capt’n Frank’s).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This assortment of cheeses will certainly pair well with a variety of wines and some may even stand up to a Stout/Porter Ale.

  • Black Mountain Cheddar – a combination of garlic, herbs and white wine blended with creamy American cheddar makes a potent, assertive cheese. Pairs with dry red wine, such as a very affordable Morro Bay White Oak Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008, in stock for $10.99.
  • Brillat Savarin Mini, – cow’s milk, triple-crème brie-style cheese from France. This lovely cheese is buttery, rich, creamy and decadent. Incredible on its own or served with a fruit jam on hearty bread. For a special event, serve Brillat Savarin with a bottle Pascal Doque Premiers Crus Champagne from France, in stock at $65.99. Brillat Savarin will also work very well with a Viognier, this one by Bonterra, 2009, is in stock for $19.99.

    Brillat Savarin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Manchego Wedge – Perhaps the most famous Spanish cheese, Manchego is a D.O. (Denominacion de Origen) protected cheese, meaning that only 100% Manchego sheep milk is used in a traditional recipe. The breed has proven sturdy enough over the centuries to traverse the rocky, arid central plateau region known as La Mancha- where cows just can’t hang. It has a deep rich flavor and would go well with apple slices, ginger snaps and rich, fruity wines. Traditionally paired with Rioja.
  • Purple Haze Goat Cheese – sprinkled with tender purple buds of lavender and fennel pollen, Purple Haze goat cheese is intense, floral and piquant. Serve this cheese at room temperature with crackers with this crisp Chardonnay from Argentina: Catena Chardonnay, 2008, in stock $22.99.

Categories: Dining, Food & Wine, outer banks, Shopping, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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A Few of My Favorite Things: Art & Wine

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January 27, 2012

There are lots of reasons to visit the Outer Banks now: it’s quiet, there are no crowds and there are lots of things to do and see. The beaches are deserted, practically guaranteeing a bounty of shells and sea glass waiting to be found.

Rather than post all the current events here, I highly recommend that you check out www.outerbanks.org. They have a great new look and it’s easy to navigate. The current calendar of events is found here. For art happenings, check out Dare County Arts Council’s stylish new website here.

Be sure to check out Sip & Dip, offered at Art Space in Southern Shores. Workshops by local artists. www.artspace.com.

Off Season usually means discounted rates and local specials.  And to me, that means  WINE. We are fortunate here to have several great wine shops with knowledgeable vintners and incredible selections.

The Wine Specialist in Kitty Hawk is located at Buccaneer‘s Walk (next to Capt’n Franks). Owned and operated by my friend Christine and her husband, Fernando  da Mota, they offer free wine tastings on Wednesday nights from 5 until 8 p.m. It’s a great way to sample new wines before purchasing. My husband especially liked the Highway 12 Cabernet Sauvignon, admiring the ripe aromas of dark berries and soft French oak nuances. I especially like the name.

We recently discovered ½ Price Night at Trio in Kitty Hawk – on Mondays, starting at 5 p.m., all wines by the glass, draft beers and wine station tab cards are 50% off. The wine station is the talk of the OBX. It’s a help-yourself automated station where you can enjoy a taste, half or full glass from a selection of high and medium priced wines. I tried a glass of the Biltmore Viogner 2010 and can heartily recommend it as a well balanced white wine with a smooth finish.

Check back again and I’ll share more on restaurants, shopping and what’s fresh at the Beach Road to Manteo.

Categories: Arts, Food & Wine, Holiday Happenings, outer banks, People of Interest, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Winter Wednesdays & Wine

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February 24, 2011

This is a percolating time of year along the Outer Banks; it’s not coffee yet, but it’s brewing. We are on the threshold of Spring and up and down the beach businesses are getting ready for the season. It’s also a great time of year to enjoy specials hosted by local shops, such as the wine tasting I visited last night at The Wine Specialist  (Milepost 4.5 on the Bypass in Kitty Hawk).

Wine specialist Stacey Walters of Tryon Distributing, showcased wines from La Posta Vineyards in Argentina. We enjoyed sampling a white wine, Blanco de Blancos, 2009, which was a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Torrontes. It was crisp and light and will be delicious on a warm summer evening. I also tried a smooth Malbec, 2008, a dark ruby colored wine that is full bodied, balanced, and very fruit forward which I purchased (about $15.00). A reviewer of Malbec wines from the New York Times states: “They were consistent, generally unchallenging and crowd-pleasing. In short, what’s not to like?”

Categories: Arts, Dining, Home & Garden, outer banks, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Free Golf

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October 29, 2009

Did I say free golf?

Now, for a limited time, our “sister community,” Viniterra in New Kent County, Virginia, is offering free golf on their brand new Rees Jones designed golf course. I recently toured the golf course and it is very inviting with beautiful Fall foliage, rolling fairways and cart paths meandering through portions of mature, deciduous forest.

According to Rees Jones’ website, ponds were created to provide both strategic and aesthetic value. Multiple tee angles, combined with the thoughtful and strategic location of a variety of grass, sand and water hazards, assure an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

After your game, you must stop by the New Kent Winery and enjoy a tour and wine tasting. The building is unique and unlike any winery you will ever visit. The structure is built from various recycled materials ranging from pre-civil war bricks to cypress and heart-pine reclaimed from buildings well over a century old. All wine making, storing and bottling are done on site.

While the Winery is breathtaking, the wine tasting will delight your senses – the 2006 Chardonnay Reserve and the Meritage are popular sellers. There’s also a 2005 Merlot, 2008 Vidal Blanc, and a unique White Norton available for purchase.

Taste them all and let me know your favorite! And, when you visit, tell ‘em you heard about it on The Beach Road to Manteo!

Categories: Uncategorized.

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