After a few years of pandemic-induced twists and turns -- including cancellations, space limitations, and the wearing of masks that had nothing to do with the theme -- Outer Banks Taste of the Beach was back in full swing in 2023!  As far inland as Jarvisburg, and along the beach from Duck to Rodanthe, the area was abuzz with activity during this year’s event, held March 24 – 26.

Some restaurants kept their themes simple, fresh, and local, featuring the bountiful mouth-watering seafood harvested from our coastline, as well as a state-wide selection of beverages, cheeses, and produce.  A few chefs celebrated food and drink from other regions of the country and throughout the world—a welcome change of pace for diners and drinkers with a diverse palate.  Pop-culture fans had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite characters, with brunches paying homage to hit shows such as Bridgerton and The White Lotus.  Being stationary wasn’t even a prerequisite for event venues this year, with a “Grand Prix-Fixe” event on a bus! 

My husband and I, along with some fun-loving friends, took part in an epic event at one of my favorite restaurants:  The Saltbox Café.  My inner circle knows that I’m a huge fan of whatever chefs Randolph and Amanda Sprinkle are putting into the universe.  In fact, when Saltbox opens reservations for their annual winter wine dinner series, I touch “redial” until my fingers go numb to secure my table, like a teenager trying to win concert tickets on the radio (that’s still a thing, right?). 

A sign of things to come at the “A Deadly Vintage” wine pairing dinner at The Saltbox Cafe.

The theme:  A Deadly Vintage, a murder-mystery themed wine dinner.  The setting:  A vintage release party at fictional vineyard Chardonnay Crest.  My assigned character was Del Zinfandel, an attorney and the sister-in-law to Catherine Chardonnay.  My husband Michael was Joe Merlot.  The event was very well thought-out, with packets sent out to all of the participants in advance so that everyone could get into character (and dress the part!). 

The characters were greeted by champagne and appetizers in the “vineyard.”

The party started on the grounds of the “vineyard,” with an appetizer-and-champagne social.  We then moved inside and picked up our clue packages and embarked on an evening full of twists and turns (accompanied by a sublime 5-course pairing menu).   Each course provided more clues and more opportunities for us to channel our detective (or deceptive!) skills. 

Part of our elaborate and well-planned clue package.

Our friends Phil and Laura (second and third from left) understood the assignment.

For those who love a good game of Clue (or who might be reticent to mingle under ordinary circumstances), this event provided a creative way for the attendees to abandon their social inhibitions and meet some new people with common interests (yes, food and wine are interests!) in a fun setting. 

The 5-course pairing menu.

And this probably goes without saying, but the food and wine? TO DIE FOR.