My column in the June issue of Albemarle Tradewindshttps://issuu.com/crabber/docs/tradewinds_june_2014_web
has been published.
Here it is in its entirety with all the pictures.
Darrell’s 2 Comes To Nags Head
A New Pearl On The Beach
The Hawthornes are happy campers. One of our favorite restaurants, the iconic Darrell’s Restaurant in Manteo, has
opened a second establishment on the beach in the Outer Banks Mall, Darrell’s
2. Whenever I need my “fried fix,” I go
to Darrell’s. I go to Darrell’s for
their fried oysters. Period. When it comes to fried oysters, I don’t think
Darrell’s has been outdone. I’m happy to
say I won’t need to travel as far as Manteo any more. I can now get my fix on the beach!
Darrell’s 2, like its predecessor, is a family restaurant
with family prices featuring terrific seafood at its freshest, Carolina-style BBQ,
and southern country favorites. The
original Darrell’s in Manteo opened in 1960 as the Polar Bear Drive In, founded
by Darrell and Dora Daniels. In 1972,
son Allen Daniels and wife Lorna joined the business, expanding the restaurant,
and renaming it Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant. Now, a third generation Daniels,
Tanner, who has managed D #1 for the past ten years, has opened Darrell’s 2 in
the Outer Banks Mall on the north side, across from the new Fresh Market. Darrell’s 2 seats 60 and is open from 11am –
9pm, seven days a week.
Rosie, Mr. Hawthorne, and Middle Hawthorne checked out
Darrell’s 2 recently. Whenever I’ve been
to Darrells 1 in Manteo, the service has always been friendly, efficient, and
quick. It doesn’t matter if the
restaurant is packed. The service is
always spot on. I noticed Darrell’s 2
had some of the same waitresses I recognized from D #1. Service at D #2 was superb also.
Some cases in point:
#1 I ordered my usual unsweetened iced tea with
fivepiecesoflemonplease and the waitress stopped, looked at me, and said, “I
know you. I’ve waited on you
before.” It’s so nice to be greeted and
acknowledged, even if it is a dubious recognition at best. When our waitress
brought our drinks, along with my fivepiecesoflemon, she also brought a little container
with more lemon. She knows I’ll want a refill.
Smart gal. She’s thinking ahead!
#2 I ordered the
fried oyster appetizer, not the lunch dish, along with fries and cole
slaw. Our attentive, friendly, and
accommodating waitress, Heather, came back to suggest I order the lunch dish,
which comes with two sides… because it cost
less. It was a better deal. Thank you, Heather.
It’s little details like these which make me really like a
restaurant, appreciate their service, and recommend it to others - details besides terrific food.
When I ordered my oysters, I asked for lightly fried. Heather politely informed me that all their
seafood is lightly battered and lightly fried.
When I ordered my fries, I asked for extra crispy. I received some of the best fries one could
wish for – thin and skinny, brown and crisp. Two slightly sweet little hush puppies and a
light, refreshing coleslaw rounded out the dish. I asked for their cocktail and tartar sauces
and was rewarded with a cocktail sauce that actually boasted horseradish. Too many places go slack on the horseradish. I like cocktail sauce with a kick.
Middle Hawthorne ordered the chicken strips with hickory
smoked BBQ, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans. I was barely able to shoot off a picture of
it and when I asked him how everything was (since I am not allowed to touch,
taste, breathe, or hover over any of his food), he grunted and gave it a thumbs
up. This is a good sign.
On our way out, I noticed a chalkboard with the dessert
specials on it – key lime pie, coconut cake, 14-layer chocolate cake, among
other items, enticed. There is also a
large party carryout menu, family dinners, and party packages to go.
I have several criteria for judging a restaurant – taste
being number one, of course. And both
Darrells hit the mark on that.
But bottom line? If I
can get a pearl, it’s a winner.
Welcome to the beach, Darrell’s 2!
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