Schoolhouse rock!

Taste of the Race culinary event supports Seaside School

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 22, 2023

SEASIDE – Race weekend is always Seaside’s time to shine, but Friday was Seaside’s night to rock!

The sold-out crowd of more than 700 filled the Lyceum Lawn at Seaside Neighborhood School Feb. 17 for Taste of the Race, sampling eats from 19 restaurants, sipping on drinks from the open bars, and rocking the night away to the classic rock sounds of The Velcro Pygmies.

The evening benefits the Seaside Neighborhood School Foundation, which supports the public charter school, and is held in conjunction with the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K.

The SNS eighth grade performance band opened the evening.

Marrow Private Chefs brought their pork belly kabobs.

The amigos 30a team offered chicken tacos.

Havana Beach plated beef ropa vieja over grits.

Sweet Henrietta’s offered a sweet spread.

Taste of the Race was the place to be Friday night.

The Velcro Pygmies kept the crowd rocking!

Shunk Gulley served a grilled BBQ chipotle bourbon butter oyster.

The chefs of Taste of the Race pose for a photo with the Seaside Neighborhood School culinary students.

Nathan Corchis, who was working the tables for his family’s restaurants amigos 30a and amici 30a, served up honey sriracha chicken tacos, cheese quesadillas, and tiramisu; and rigatoni vodka pasta, ravioli cheese sticks, and cannoli, respectively.

“Everybody’s loving it and we’ve been having fun, too,” Corchis said. “We love doing this every year. It’s awesome seeing this many people in a small space, having fun.”

Havana Beach Bar & Grill enticed guests with the flavors of Cuba from their beef ropa vieja.

“We did it our way, Southern-style, over Manchego cheese heirloom grits,” said Food and Beverage Director Kevin Dixon, pointing out the dish will be appearing on their new spring menu starting March 6. “This is a great local event, especially when we can support something like the Seaside School. We love getting to network with the other restaurants and see guests who dine with us all the time.”

Over at the Fish Out of Water table, WaterColor Culinary Director Blaine Wilkinson was plating up a tequila sunrise chicken satay, served with a shot of tequila.

“It’s Friday night and the tequila has been very popular!” Wilkinson admitted, adding, “The feedback has been very, very good.”

The participating restaurants and caterers compete for a trio of awards, voted on by ticket-holders, a panel of judges, and the restaurateurs themselves.

People’s Choice: Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi
Judge’s Choice: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Chefs’ Choice: The Shrimp Shack

A special VIP experience preceded the main event and included a performance from the SNS eighth grade performance band.

Other restaurant partners included Aegean Greek Restaurant, amici 30a, amigos 30a, Black Bear Bread Co., Blue Mountain Bakery/Swiftly Catered, Bud & Alley’s, Daytrader, Fish Out of Water, The Chicken Shack, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, Marrow Private Chefs, The Red Bar, Signature Catering of 30a, Surfing Deer, Sweet Henrietta’s, and Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs.

Photos by Michelle Farnham