If you’ve been here, you know the Outer Banks has no shortage of restaurants, some of which are REALLY good restaurants. It’ll be no surprise to anyone who’s been to the Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head that the owner’s newest endeavor, the Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar at Pirate’s Cove Marina, will be joining them on the REALLY good list. I’ve been for lunch, and can’t wait to get back for dinner. Jim Trotman covers all the yummy bases in this delightful review on the Outer Banks Voice.
“After a year of waiting and anticipating, Outer Banks food enthusiasts can at last celebrate as the Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar has opened its doors.
The restaurant, with its commanding presence atop the Pirates Cove Marina, is the latest venture from Scott and Melissa Shields, who brought the popular Blue Moon Beach Grill to Nags Head six years ago.
Scott’s parents, Will and Karen Shields, are co-owners and are actively involved in the operation. Scott’s sister Cara Godwin likewise is also on board as assistant general manager of both restaurants.
Blue Water Grill takes full advantage of the location, with expansive views of the marina and sounds. Below, Mimi’s Tiki Hut, which the Shieldses opened in 2014 will continue seasonal operations offering outdoor, dockside libations and bar fare.
Scott Shields may have been destined to be a restaurateur. Scott’s grandmother and his parents owned restaurants back in Pennsylvania. He began in the kitchen at a young age and has followed a natural progression from cook to chef to manager to restaurant entrepreneur.
“I was managing my first restaurant at 15. My folks had to drive me to work,” he said a couple of days after a soft opening of Blue Water.
Will Shields is obviously proud of his son, but reminds him of the early days, “He started out cutting potatoes . . .” but he’s cut off by Scott, laughing, “and here I am, still cutting potatoes!”
With real-time food service experience under his belt, the young Shields attended IUP Culinary School of the Arts. On graduating he moved to the Outer Banks and joined the line at the venerable Owen’s restaurant in Nags Head.”
[box type=”bio”] Get the rest of this delicious scoop over at the Outer Banks Voice![/box]