The Outer Banks Taste of the Beach 2014 planning is underway!

It’s November and to most of you that means chili temperatures and lots of Turkey happening soon. To those of us planning Taste of the Beach 2014, November means putting on our thinking caps and developing the most exciting and mouthwatering event ideas yet. Our goal each year is to add to and develop new events, involve new restaurants, and bring you one of the largest annual food festivals in the country. In 2013 we had over 70 different events to choose from and 2014 will likely do about that again.

New, from an Outer Banks locals favorite, Mulligan’s Bar & Grille is stepping up their game and presenting a multi-course Italian dinner with wine pairing and Chef Ray’s input with cooking demonstration at each course. For those of you who haven’t been to Mulligan’s (ever or lately), the addition of Chef Ray Fiorelli this past year has taken Mulligan’s food to new levels. Mulligan’s placed in our Outer Banks Restaurant Association Fall Chili Cookoff with first place best beef chili, and best overall chili with Chef Ray’s smoked brisket and tomatillo chili. (Trust us folks, it was amazing!).

Other new themed events being developed are things like a sizzling “Bacon Buffet” by the folks at The Good Life Eatery in Kitty Hawk. A dynamic and imaginative exploration into all things bacon, including a bacon carving station, sweet candied bacon items, and bacon cocktails. It’s going to be mind-blowing (and artery-clogging) and sure to be a delicious addition to the Outer Banks Taste of the beach lineup in 2014.

2014 will also see the return of the very popular (2013 debut) event, the Joe Lamb Jr. Outer Banks BBQ Showdown. Taking place at the very centrally located Sea Ranch Resort right in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, this event features tasting and competition in four categories; Best Pork BBQ, Brisket, Chicken, and best OBX Ribs. Celebrating NC barbeque heritage and showcasing some of the areas most talented grill masters, along with live music and a fun festive outside atmosphere. Come out for this one and tie the feedbag on because you’re going to get to taste it all and vote for your favorites in each category. This event is being planned for Friday, March 14th, 2014, but check the event details for specific time and price.

As ticket launch begins in December check out all the new events being debuted in 2014 by simply clicking on the “New Events” category. Rest assured we are bringing back many of our most popular events too, all in the effort to create the most memorable FOOD DRINK FUN weekend you’ve ever experienced in a place you already know and love, the Outer Banks of North Carolina. See ya’ll in March 2014!!