The inaugural Feast Wilmington took place this weekend at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington, North Carolina. The Weekend spanned four events Including a VIP Kickoff, Brunch Elevated, Pier Party and Craft + Cuisine.

Feast Wilmington 2024

Feast Wilmington was designed to celebrate the region’s exploding food and beverage scene. With over 70 local restaurants and 20 local breweries, There was no shortage of a fantastic eats and drinks all weekend.

Although the weather did its best to try to shut down the party, things carried on at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion, which is a fantastic venue on the Riverwalk. Each event also included musical guests, and during the Pier Party The Hatch Brothers put on one heck of a show.

There were a few beers available at each event, but on Sunday it was craft beer’s time to shine. Craft + Cuisine was designed to partner local breweries with local restaurants and chefs to create a dish and beer pairing. Of course, some breweries have their own restaurants and chefs, but others were paired up with area restaurants. The pairings were unique, intriguing and a lot of fun to sample.

It was a real treat to have restaurants and chefs from around the region all in one space. Attendees were able to try many, many different menu options all in one weekend. Restaurants and breweries that may not have been on the radar before for attendees are now on their must-visit lists.

Our Feast Favorites

VIP Kickoff

• Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria – Chef Evan Morton & Chef Ben Knight. Porcini and Fennel Pie: Whipped Ricotta base, Porcini and Cremini Mushrooms, mild Fennel Sausage, Garlic, Pickled Fennel, Parmesan, Fresh Mozzarella
• Floriana – Chef Lou Rivera. Lamb Gnocchi: Chianti Braised Lamb Ragu with Potato Gnocchi, Ricotta and Fifth Element Farms Micro Basil
• Olivero – Chef Sunny Gehert & Chef Lauren Krall Ivey. Crispy Lasagna: Fontina Béchamel, Romesco
• End of Days Distillery Gin & Tonic: Port of Entry Gin, and house-made tonic syrup

Brunch Elevated

• Buen Dia – Chef Marcos Cruz. Rajitas con Crema: Roasted Poblano Pepper, Onions and Corn in a creamy sauce
• Drift Coffee & Kitchen – Chef Thomas Mathers. Blueberry Coconut Lime Stack: Brown butter and buttermilk blueberry pancakes, topped with a lime curd, coconut cream, toasted coconut and sous vide blueberries
• Ellipsis – Chef Margot Robinson. NOLA Brunch: Miniature Praline Pecan Sticky Buns, Quiche Lorraine and Andouille Sausage
• Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails – Chef William Roberts. BLT Benedict: Bacon Jam, Lettuce and Tomato Benedict with Kewpie Hollandaise
• End of Days Distillery Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters Espresso Martini: Port of Entry Vodka, fresh Casa Blanca Coffee, vanilla, cacao nibs, and nitrogen

Pier Party

• Maine Lobstah Shack – Chef Olivia Maddox. Lobster Bisque
• Shuckin’ Shack – Chef Zack Watford. Dressed Oysters Two Ways: Ponzu Sauce and Candied Jalapeño + Bruschetta Inspired Fresh Tomato & House Mignonette Sauce
• The Half – Chef Charles Fogg. Marinated Zucchini, Tofu Feta, Eggplant, House-made Pickled Fennel Salad, Arugula, Vinaigrette on Wilmington Bread Company Olive and Thyme Focaccia
• True Blue Butcher and Barrel – Chef Presten Thompson. Beausoleil Oyster: Prime Strip Tartare, Truffled Crema, Pickled Mustard Seed
• Highland Brewing Cerveza

Craft + Cuisine

• Boombalatti’s + Hi-Wire Brewing: Tropical Papaya and Pineapple Ice Cream + Hazy Pitch New England-style Hazy IPA
• Burgaw Brewing: Confit Pork Belly and Anson Mills Grit Cake with Pickled Cabbage and Carrots and Hot Honey
• Broomtail Brewing: White Peach Galloping Gose
• Dram Yard + Bill’s Brewing Company: Anson Mills Grits with Tasso, Shiitake Mushrooms, Mirin, Togarashi, and Cream + Goodyear ESB Traditional English-style Bitter
• Outer Dunes Brewing: Riva Italian Pilsner
• Steam Restaurant & Bar + Salty Turtle Beer Company: Birria Beef Over Carolina Gold Rice with Gluten-free Fried Green Tomato base, Smoked Avocado Puree, and Cotija Cheese + La Surfeza Mexican-style Lager
• Mannkind Brewing: Dark Ages Black Lager

Check back next year for Feast Wilmington 2025! It is sure to be a stellar party celebrating the region’s delicious eats and drinks.

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