Ocrafolk Delectable Bites

Annelise Straw
Fish cakes!
Fish cakes!

Mom & daughter date night consisted of a new, exciting event on Ocracoke! 

A Taste of Ocracoke was this year’s kick-off event for the weekend’s Ocrafolk Festival. 

Held on Friday evening at Berkley Manor, this event was full of delicious food, lively music, and commingling of locals and visitors alike.  A product of the creative masterminds of Ocracoke Alive, A Taste of Ocracoke dazzled participants with what Ocracoke does best: celebrating art, music, food, spirits, and lively conversations.

Eduardo and his assistant serving up delicious Mexican eats
Eduardo and his assistant serving up delicious Mexican eats

As well as being the newest addition of the Ocrafolk Festival, A Taste of Ocracoke introduced “Ocracbucks” to the festival participants. An Ocrabuck is a dollar-for-dollar currency that is to be used throughout the festival at participating restaurants and beverage stands. Ocrabucks are a wonderful new way to support the Festival while giving back to the local businesses. Food vendors and restaurants around the island will donate 10% of their sales back to the Ocrafolk Festival! (So don’t be afraid to buy that beer to quench your thirst!)

On this gorgeous Friday evening, Mom and I first stopped to get a well-earned glass of wine from the cash bar provided by Zillies Island Pantry. We sampled a crisp and refreshing Pinot Gris that hit the spot on the muggy night!

Ocracoke 4th grader Will O'Neal works in the family Puddleducks business with his parents, three brothers (Ethan is in the background), and baby sister.
Ocracoke 4th grader Will O'Neal works in the family Puddleducks business with his parents, three brothers (Ethan is in the background), and baby sister.

Highlights of the gastronomic samples were the oysters and fish cakes from Heather and Fletcher O’Neal. The family harvests some of the best oysters on the island from their oyster farm in the sound. (Undisclosed location due to family secrets!) Oysters on the ½ shell, crispy fish cakes made from the freshest blue fish, and homemade coleslaw and baked beans completed their wildly popular booth. In case you missed the fruits of this families’ labor, you can taste their juicy oysters at island restaurants such as The Flying Melon on a nightly basis. 

Eduardo’s of Ocracoke amazed the crowd at a Taste of Ocracoke with their selection of tacos. With choices ranging from spicy pork to succulent chicken, and even a vegetarian option for people like myself, the authentic Mexican food that Eduardo brings to Ocracoke makes everyone want to get up and dance! (The line to the tent spoke for itself and definitely did not disappoint!)

Alison and Robbie
Alison and Robbie

To accompany our scrumptious bites, Alison Weiner & Robbie Link of Mahalo Jazz 2 played expressive jazz while we chatted about the upcoming festival events. The dynamic, spirited world music of Craicdown and Friends, who we are lucky to be able to hear every year, began to play just as the live auction was gearing up to begin. However, due to some rain sprinkles, the auction was moved indoors.  But we did not let it rain on our parade… auction!  The art auction was composed of stunning works of art from local island artists as well as from all over the OBX. One of my personal favorites was a large mosaic of a sea turtle made by Julie Moye, Rosanna Gusher, and students of Ocracoke School.

The first ever Taste of Ocracoke went off without a hitch and was a fabulous kick-start to this festive weekend.  It embodied everything that is the Ocrafolk Festival: wonderful food, brilliant music, talented artists, and lively friends!

Festival weekend is one of the most anticipated events of the season and the Taste of Ocracoke is a new tradition that is sure to be a yearly feast of all of the scrumptious fare the island has to offer! Let’s do it again next year, Mom!

Craicdown
Craicdown
The crowd gathers for food and fun
The crowd gathers for food and fun
Mosaic turtle
Mosaic turtle

 

The author and her mom, Jeanie Owens, who is also Ocracoke School's 4th grade teacher
The author and her mom, Jeanie Owens, who is also Ocracoke School's 4th grade teacher
Nothing slicker, nothing moister
Nothing slicker, nothing moister

 

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