Edenton Social Light:the town's good news newspaper

Blake Byrum has a taste for food and music

Blake's Bistro to Open in Former Law Office

The law books offering ingredients aiding a successful trial previously shelved in Mayor Hackney High’s former Queen St. office have been replace with cookbooks, offering flavorful ingredients, setting the stage for Edenton’s newest chef operated restaurant, Blake’s Bistro. While the name is new, the culinary skills in the kitchen have been tutored by a tenured teacher.

As many already know, Emilio’s closed on N. Broad Street. Edentonians have loved Emilio's for years. He founded his business in 2012 ,originally located in the Taylor Theater building where Carrozza currently operates. A few years back he made the move to his N. Broad Street location.

Over the past five years, Emilio has been teaching his grandson the culinary business in both the front and back of the house. Blake A. Byrum will now take over the business at a new location in downtown Edenton at 102 E. Queen Street (former High Law Offices), right next to Carolina East Real Estate office.

“I have had the pleasure to learn classical culinary skills and techniques directly from Emilio’” said Blake. “Emilio will help me for a few weeks to get open which is tentatively planned for early March and then periodically when he isn’t traveling or relaxing.”

Blake hopes to regain the popularity and support from the downtown Edenton community and its visitors. “Emilio thrived in his downtown location,” said Blake. “ I miss seeing more of the familiar faces that used to frequent much more often when we were next to the Taylor. I hope to regain vitality and be able to provide eloquent food through daily lunch, dinner fare and weekend brunch in a quaint and comfortable environment.”

Emilio fans will once again have the opportunity for an Emilio’s hoagie. The lunch menu will be the exactly the same including the home baked rolls for your favorite sandwiches or Pita bread, tortilla wraps, or soft hoagies. There are new additional menu items for dinner, including pasta specials nightly.

“We will be making homemade meatballs and Chicken Parm”, explained Blake. “Dinner will include steak and seafood, Chesapeake crab cakes, stuffed shrimp, stuffed salmon, and a seafood trio.”

Blake’s Bistro will also be open on Saturday and Sunday for brunch beginning at 9 a.m. as well as offering a limited menu. Some of the items on the brunch menu include, Brioche Stuffed French Toast, Ham and Cheese Croissants, Biscuits and Gravy, Avocado Toast, and the Monte Cristo Sandwich.

Branching out on his own in a new location is a large but strategic move for the chef but he believes it’s key to his future success. He also credits his friends and Hannah, his girlfriend, for believing in him over the years.

“I have loved cooking and eating good food ever since I can remember and I love watching people come together over a meal and share more than just the food in front of them,” said Blake. “Music and food are the two things that can bring any generation together. So why not offer a place for the community to come where they can share and enjoy both, and create timeless memories that will last a lifetime.”

Blakes Bistro

Owner: Blake Byrum

Partner: Hanna Linton

102 E. Queen Street

Opening Early March

Hours: Monday Closed.; Tuesday- Saturday 11 to 8 p.m.

Dinner Service 4 to 8 p.m. except Thursdays

Thursday, Karaoke Night 5 to 8 p.m weekly

Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

252-415-0037

FOR MORE TASTY NEWS

WARMER WELCOME FOR THE FARMERS MARKET

PEOPLE PACKED THE MARKET

Saturday’s Edenton farmers market was a samplers delight.

Edenton Farmers Market President Mary Wolf is a culinary sourcer constantly searching for new products to introduce to the community. One of the most popular new additions to the market is prepared foods to go in the refrigerated cases inside the market.

Recently, the Inner Banks Inn has expanded its culinary reach and is now offering prepared meals to go at the market. Take note, they sell out quickly.

The take away provisions are partly due to the creativity of new Inner Banjks Chef Amanda Adams.

Adams joined the Inn as Executive Chef in August of 2025 to orchestrate the culinary adventure The Table offers guests and locals on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Adams, is from Macon, Georgia and has continually heightened her culinary abilities working in high end kitchens in Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Her past travels have added to her palate’s portfolio and she reguarly shares those flavors with guests. She is now offering those flavors at the market.

“You know, we do things like shepherd's pie, chili. I like to go down the vegan route because there's not many vegan options around here,” Amanda added.“People going to the farmer's market are looking for fresh produce, fresh fruit, fresh meats so I really like to incorporate that farm to table. Containers can feed up to four people. We are also doing braised short ribs. We will have sampling each Saturday at the market so that guests can try some of our items.”

Aside from The Table, there are other selections of prepared foods from area artisans.

Edentonians and market goers are fortunate to still have locally fresh lettuce available on Saturday’s along with tastefully prepared foods to go. Let's not forget the terrific baked goods available at the market every Saturday.

Childrens Festival, April 18

On Saturday, April 18, the Chowan/Perquimans Smart Start Partnership (CPSSP) will be hosting the 18 annual week of the young child event.

The yearly Children's Festival brings families, service providers and a massive amount of volunteers together to promote a safe and smart start to a child’s future. A variety of games and active, fun events are scheduled for the kids and a vast selection of information on services and programs to assist children and families facing the joy and challenges of raising youngsters.

In years past, the petting zoo was one of the major attractions of the event.

CPSSP program coordinator Sarah Williams, highlighted services the Smart Start program offers. “Parents who need support improving parenting skills, addressing a specific child behavior, or simply want to ensure that they are doing their best as a parent can enroll in the Triple P program. The partnership schedules both one-on-one and group sessions to help parents address child behaviors or other issues causing them stress or concern.

In the past more than 500 adults and children lined up early and enjoyed the event at Perquimans Recreation Center.

“‘We’re celebrating the lives of young children, providing them with educational experiences, while at the same time because we are a rural community, we are trying to get parents information on what services are available,” Williams said. “Many services are available, but people don’t necessarily know about them or want to ask for help. Working with other agencies and organizations in the community to come together to tackle the big issues facing early child care and education is another way of supporting families.”

This year’s Week of the Young Child Children’s Festival and Safe Kids Day begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m at the Perquimans Recreation Center.

Kids and Cops Glow Run

T-shirt enthusiasts need to register before April 9, to receive a Kids and Cops Glow Run t-shirt. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to host the upcoming Kids and Cops: Glow Run. This exciting event is focused on giving back to the children in our community and strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and our youth.

The Kids and Cops program, established in 2012, was created to build lasting, positive relationships through mentorship, summer camps, and community events. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for connecting officers and kids in meaningful ways.

The 5K run will light up the night with a fun glow run experience, according to the sheriff's office.

Each race packet will include glow gear to help you shine as you run. Participants who register by the early sign-up date will also receive a commemorative event t-shirt.

Join the department and the sheriff for a night of fun, fitness, and community spirit to support our youth. To register go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Edenton/KidsAndCopsGlowRun

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, FRIDAY NIGHT CATFISH

Saint Ann's Parish Hall is the place to be during Firday night's during Lent. ...

ANNUAL LION'S CLUB BREAKFAST FOR THE BLIND

The Edenton Lions Club is sponsoring a Breakfast for the Blind on Saturday, March 28 at the Edenton United Methodist Church.The event begins at 6:30 a.m. and continues until 10:00 a.m. The ticket pays for breakfast plus the money helps pay for eye exams, eye glasses and a vision van along with other events and supplies.

FRIDAY NIGHT LENTEN FISH FRY...

Fresh Caught, lightly breaded Catfish, hand cut fries, homemade coleslaw, & hush puppies...

Weather Update- Feb.20 - Feb.26

HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK

Friday, Feb 20 — Thursday, Feb 26, 2026

Friday

• Cloudy, very warm with showers
High: ~76° • Low: ~54°

Saturday

• Cooler with periods of rain
High: ~62° • Low: ~42°

Sunday

• Rainy and cooler
High: ~49° • Low: ~35°

Monday

• Morning rain/snow mix, then clearing
High: ~45° • Low: ~28°

Tuesday

• Sunny and chilly
High: ~48° • Low: ~29°

Wednesday

• Mostly sunny, moderating
High: ~56° • Low: ~42°

Thursday

• Morning rain, otherwise cloudy
High: ~61° • Low: ~46°

WEEKLY OUTLOOK SUMMARY

• A dramatic temperature swing begins the period, with unseasonable warmth Friday before a weekend cold front arrives.

• Rain spreads across the area Saturday into Sunday, followed by sharply cooler air.

• Early next week remains chilly, with a brief rain/snow mix possible Monday morning before skies clear.

• Sunshine returns Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing temperatures to moderate into the 50s and lower 60s by late week.

WEEKLY WEATHER HEADLINES

• 🌡️ Warm start Friday
• 🌧️ Wet and cooler weekend
• 🌦️ Brief mix possible Monday
• ☀️ Sunshine returns mid-week
• 🌤️ Moderating late week

COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR PET OWNERS, KEEP PETS WARM, REWARD THE WALKERS

The cold weather is upon us and as we look towards spring, Russell James claims the freeze is here for another 10 days. While we are all experiencing the chill, dogs, cats, and other pets also react adversely to cold. Don't forget about them. Hree are a few tips on keeping your pets comfortable during these ice forming days.

1).Bring them indoors: Dogs who are kept outdoors and “outdoor cats”—like those featured in Breaking the Chain a documentary produced by Oscar winner Anjelica Huston—often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Animals who are left outdoors in the cold can suffer from frostbite and exposure, and dogs who are kept tethered can become tangled and die when they’re unable to reach food, water, or shelter.

2). Gear up: Coats will keep dogs comfortable in cold weather (just be sure to remove wet jackets the moment dogs return home), secure harnesses can help prevent them from getting loose on walks, and booties will protect their sensitive paw pads from the frozen ground. Keep walks short in cold weather, especially for shorthaired dogs.

3). Don’t forget birds: During extreme winter weather, provide birds and other wild animals with access to an emergency water supply by filling a heavy nonmetal water bowl (tongues can freeze to metal) and breaking the surface ice at least twice a day.

4). Don't forget the walkers- After a long walk make sure to bring those wonderful companions home, feed them, make sure they have plenty of water, turn the heat up and walk down to Waterman's, The Herringbone or Carrozza and enjoy a warm meal and a drink, pets are a lot of enjoyable work. The rewards come in many forms.

KIDS & COPS GLOW RUN REGISTRATION DEAL, 3/20

Cookbooks replacing law books, as Blake's Bistro prepares to open