A fun time at Sanctuary Vineyeards.
This is the way to celebrate Mardi Gras—some great Dixieland music, some kickin’ jambalaya, little bit of vino. Throw in four or five layers of beads and, Voila!…the Cajun Occassion, an Outer Banks Fat Tuesday celebration courtesy of the folks at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg.
Oh sure you can go to New Orleans or Rio, but if those options aren’t available, what Sanctuary Vineyards has put together is great substitute.
Walk in the door and the first thing that happens—beads get draped over your shoulders. Lots of them.
The music of Just Playing Dixieland fills the room. Really, who else could possibly be playing for an Outer Banks Cajun Occassion. Their version of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” is worth the price of admission. Starts slow, then the march cadence kicks in from the drums and the next thing you know, it feels like everyone should be dancing through the streets of New Orleans, hands raised and feet stomping.
Everyone is wearing a mask. That’s tradition and probably pretty important at one time since it meant you could party with anyone and everyone and no one would know if you were a king or a pauper.
And the gumbo and jambalaya. Wow! Some of the best ever courtesy of Chef David Garrenton of Coinjock Marina. Had a bit of a kick to it, but the flavors blended together perfectly.
The nice thing about the way Garrenton fixed his gumbo—and jambalaya—just about any wine from the Sanctuary Vineyards selections would go with it.
One of those full-bodied reds that John Wright and his team are turning out? The Cajun Occasion food had the body to stand up to it.
Something instead crisp, light and chilled? The white wines are perfect for the flavors ranging through the gumbo.
Looking to cut through the heat a bit? The Sanctuary Vineyards sweet wines would be perfect.
It was a great day. Great food, great music, wonderful wine and a really good time.
Content provided by Kip Tabb.