NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers weekly program to dine on fresh local seafood prepared by local chefs
Imagine the smell of local shrimp sauteed in lemon pepper seasoning or the spicy salty smell of Old Bay seasoning concluding your visit to the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
If thinking about the different ways to cook local seafood for dinner makes your mouth water, don't hesitate to visit the aquarium at 2 p.m. Monday for the "Succulent Seafood" program where local chefs teach how they cook their favorite fishy dish.
The weekly program has become a favorite with aquarium goers and staff alike.
Not only do local chefs cook their favorite seafood dish, but those who attend get to participate by asking questions and sampling the dish - much like a television cooking show.
"It's a popular program. We want to get the word out," NC Aquarium staff member Curt Hendrix said.
A few of the local restaurants that have participated in the program over the years include William's and Floyd's 1921 Restaurant Bar and Grill. Some of the dishes have included shrimp and grits, sesame seed incrusted tuna and Monkfish Newberg.
At $15 a person, for ages 12 and up, the succulent seafood program has been a success and Mr. Hendrix thinks it will continue to be.
Classes fill up quickly; call the aquarium at (252) 247-4003 to find out which dish will be prepared and to make reservations.
Lindsay Street
As 2009 gets moving, we have many coming activities and events, one of which is the series finale of Lost at the end of January. But, if you are looking for more active activities and are simply tired of waiting for Jan. 21 to roll around, check out the Contra Dance in the Catacombs in New Bern Saturday or one of the many historic or natural sites in the area.
Of course taking a hike or a bike ride in the Croatan is free, but there are other guided options as well.
If the wind dies down and it gets warm enough, another idea is to enjoy a chilly walk on the beach, pier or waterfront - followed by some hot chocolate. The coast is beautiful this time of year, and there won't be hordes of people on the beach.
Of course, visiting a local restaurant is another option to consider. Our unique culture in eastern North Carolina has created a wide choice of food from barbecue to oysters and refined to diner. The N.C. Aquarium offers fresh, local seafood with its Monday program.
For more ideas on what to do this week, check out our comprehensive calendar.
