CARROZZA, CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN FARE to OPEN APRIL 5

Edenton restaurant enthusiasts and culinary aficionados will soon be able to enjoy Italian fare on Broad St. when Carrozza opens its doors where Carriage Culinary once stood.  A light opening is scheduled for early April and the anticipation among local diners is high. With all of the new ventures on Broad St. causing Edenon’s popularity to surge, making it a highlight of the Inner Banks, the birth of Carrozza is a welcomed culinary addition.  

The newly appointed concept is the creation of the Herringbone Hospitality team. Joe and Stephanie Wach and their team of culinarians had been weighing concepts for the space next to the Taylor Theater for a few weeks.  

Enter Chef Gavin Holter. Holter now calls Edenton home after a varied of culinary stints.  

“I initially studied culinary arts under Chef Brad Jennings at the Milton Hershey School, which has an award winning high school culinary program. After high school, I worked all over the country for food companies and restaurants, including concepts in New York, Nashville, Miami, Chattanooga, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. I've had the opportunity to cook closely with brands helping to bring their vision to life, including Rachel Ray's 50th Cookbook Menu, Barilla Pasta, Saladworks, and Man Vs Fries,” said Holter. “I've worked in everything from upscale dining to mom and pop pizzerias. I fell in love with Italian cuisine along the way.”

Aside from the knives chef’s treasure and carry, many bring dreams of one day owning their own place. For Gavin, his dream had materialized into a business plan and a desire to find a lease.  

A call to the one man in town that knows about leases and how to get them signed, while attracting high end retail, Edenton’s MainStreet Director Ches Chesson directed Gavin to the Herringbone owners.  

Mama Mia, Mangia, how culinary fate works.  

Holter is now part of the Herringbone Hospitality team and is opening Carrozza soon. He has been in the kitchen for the past few weeks working on the menu and preparing test dishes for the Herringbone food critics. He is getting rave reviews from me. I had the opportunity to taste a few of his creations and they are tremendous.  

Holter was testing his Garganelli pasta one day last week and I had the opprtunity to taste the remarkable dish. Holter makes his own fresh pasta. Garganelli are  formed by rolling a flat, square noodle into a cylindrical shape with ridges using a special board and dowel. They resemble ribbed quills with points at both ends and are often served with ragu. 

“Carrozza is a Casual Italian Eatery, a neighborhood spot for fresh Italian fare that won't break the bank, a grab and go cooler for those who need a quick food option, and an Italian marketplace with everyone's favorite imported Italian products,” said Holter.

It’s opening soon. For more about the opening, stay tuned, there is a lot more to come on Carrozza.  

Malcolm and Debbie King are area icons. Here’s why.

Walking down Broad St. on certain Tuesday’s evening’s it’s not uncommon to see a group of men sitting in the front room of Edenton Bay Trading Company. What may seem uncommon to those not used to Edenton’s traditions and stylish eccentricities – it was a men’s bible study group. Trivial as that may seem, the wine store also hosts Trivia nights every Wednesday.  Edenton Bay Trading Company, known to many town folk, simply as ‘Malcolm’s’, is the creation of Debbie and Malcolm King and serves the community in  number of ways.  Edenton Bay’s current 407 South Broad St. location has evolved over time into the area’s premier wine and beer retailer.  “Our main purpose in life is beer and wine retail,” said Malcolm. “We are a comfortable place to gather with friends or to meet visitors”.Wine aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts are immediately impressed by the knowledgeable selections. Wines, both international and domestic include varietals from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Hungary.   Beer enthusiasts have choices from an impressive domestic offering including  North Carolina breweries along with international brewers. Edenton BayTrading sells individual bottles of wine but also has the capabilities to assist with large groups and parties.“We pride ourselves on our stellar collection of fine wine”. Malcolm continues, “From champagnes to a variety of port, sparkling wines and wines made in North Carolina, to selections from around the world.  If there is a favorite we don’t yet have, let us know, and we’ll do our best to get it”.“People ask me all the time to do personal events in the store,”  Malcolm said. “This coming weekend, there is a wedding in town. At the end of the wedding they will have a small reception here.”EBTC hosts birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, club meetings and has held a number of local weddings. The year-round patio stays cozy in the cooler months with heat lamps and small fire-pits. Inside, large round tables with seating for six is the perfect spot to meet new friends.If cheese is your choice, Edenton Bay Trading Company offers a nice selection of fine cheeses, a line of chocolates and even cigars.  Guests are invited to bring lunch or a snack to enjoy with their beverage or bring a book, to enjoy with a glass of wine in a warm spot inside, on the patio or watch passers-by with seating in front of the store.  If you have’t had the experience, the holidays are the perfect time to stop in for a glass of wine or a holiday wine gift purchase from their large selection. You may even make a new friend or two.

Edenton Bay Trading Company 407 S Broad St. Edenton, NC

Who would have thought the historic whitewashed Conger building, originally constructed in the 1800’s as an ice house catering to the needs of the herring netted from the river and sound would be revitalized into one of Edenton’s top restaurant locations? Joe and Stephanie Wach thought it was a good idea.  

After relocating to Edenton from Colorado the couple visioned the waterfront location as a terrific restaurant and proceeded to renovate the historic building.Perched on the banks of Edenton Bay in the shadows of the historic Roanoke River Lighthouse, the Herringbone still deals in ice, however it’s usually in a glass or shaker.

The Herringbone boasts a lengthy  bar highlighting the history of the area. Designed with overlapping tobacco leaves atop the bar, its front covered in aged tobacco drying sticks, the bar attracts a lively crowd.  

The restaurant has a full dining room and also offers seating in the bar sporting two large T.V. screens. The bartenders pride themselves in contemporary drinks that would stand tall in any area bartending competition.  

The renovation offered its challenges. Wach teamed up with Dawson Tyler’s Down East Preservation to preserve the integrity of the building’s history while creating a comfortable atmosphere. The feel of an ice house has been replaced with a number of warming artifacts offered to the establishment’s historic archives.  As work progressed on the building, town’s folk offered interesting pieces and historic artifacts, now gracing spaces throughout the eatery.   

“We want to preserve the historic values for Edenton and North Eastern North Carolina,” said Wach. “Ed Goodwin brought in an old tractor wheel that is mounted between the bar and the dining area.”

Finding the right talent to manage the restaurant and run the kitchen was a challenge, however the couple sought the help of the culinary director of the College of the Albemarle. They arranged to use the kitchen at the institute and had their choice for chef, Chef Kyle Murphy prepare a five course meal during his interview. Joe, an engineer, had the chef explain why he used each ingredient in the dishes he prepared.  Today, Murphy leads the Herringbone’s kitchen where his ingredients speak for themselves on the Herringbone’s tasty menu.

Murphy’s culinary experience comes from working under respected chef’s throughout the south.   

General Manager, Mike Bonander has an extensive hospitality background with over 20 years managing restaurants throughout the country. Most recently he managed a family owned Italian restaurant in Chicago. Bonander’s wife Liz, works the front of the house.

Pastry Chef Rebecca Pensyl also has an impressive culinary resume and her dessert reflect that. Stop in for one of Edenton’s most popular culinary adventures.  

Herringbone Restaurant

119 W Water St.

Reservations: (252) 368-1068

Surf, Wind and Fire’s mission is far wider than selling product, it's all about the community. Their goal of building community and promoting a positive vibe in downtown Edenton has impacted the community by being involved in organizing, aiding and participation in downtown events. With three locations in active downtown communities, it is evident that they have carved out a ‘community centric’ spot for Edenton locals.   

“Having a craft beer bar at the shop uniquely positions us to be a social hub in the community. And we have plenty of non-alcoholic soda and coffee options for people who are not looking to drink alcohol”. Turner stated, “On Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, our tiny bar fills up with locals and tourists who are looking to run into neighbors and meet new friends”.  

The interior of the store is warm and inviting.  Owner, Danny Batten is a surfer and designed the interior to be rustic with a tastefully- distressed feel emulating surf shops and old tiki huts.  

“It’s important to us that people feel good when they’re here”, Turner continues, “That means the layout, the lighting, the warm, bright colors, and the opportunities for sitting and visiting with friends and family are all intentional. This helps us build community and promote the positive vibes we share with brands like “Life is Good”. 

Surf, Wind and Fire is devoted to the Edenton community.  May through December, the store host nine Sunday Street Parties on King Street which is the adjacent street and host live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and several local vendors of handmade goods.  

“We initiated these free block parties in 2022 after almost two years of hearing our weekend customers lament that everything in Edenton is closed on Sundays”.Turner explains, “These family-friendly parties are our concentrated effort to increase foot traffic and make Sunday a viable day for commerce and tourism in downtown Edenton”.  

Neighboring businesses who are usually closed on Sundays have joined the ranks and opened their doors during these events which are usually attended by 300 to 500 attendees.When the shop opened it’s doors three years ago, as surf-inspired outdoor gear and lifestyle shop with a craft beer bar nestled in the corner of the store it changed the retail landscape of Edenton by offering much more than retail products. The shop is filled with well known quality brands.   

“ We sell apparel and outerwear from Life is Good, Patagonia, The North Face, Aventura, Cotopaxi, Free Fly, and more.” Stated Timmy Turner, Store Manger, “We also carry outdoor gear for camping and beach-going; from Kelty chairs and backpacks, Eureka tents, and Sea-to-summit gear repair kits, to Shibumi Shades, boogie boards, and stand-up paddle boards”.  

The shop hosts jam sessions once a month for musicians of all skill levels to come and play music together. Upcoming events include Friendsgiving, Sunday November 3, 2024 and Christmas Market Street Party: Sunday, December 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. All of Surf,Wind and Fire block parties are free and have live music, food trucks, face painting, and treats for both adults and children. TheDecember party goal is to have as many vendors lining king street as possible selling local, handmade wares.  

“This is our way of helping support our small business neighbors in the area, and gives Christmas shoppers another chance to find unique gifts for their loved ones in downtown Edenton”stated Turner.

Surf, Wind and Fire is located at 325 South Broad St., Edenton and are open Monday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. t o 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..  The store offers online shopping at surfwindandfire.com and you can follow them on Facebook and @surfwindandfireedenton on Instagram.   

The snow may have fallen, but town spirits were lifted once again as Ronnie and Jen Bates hosted a Grand Opening ribbon cutting celebration Friday evening in downtown Edenton. Local officials and neighboring retailers and friends gathered to congratulation Edenton's newest retailers. The new shop offers a wide variety of items that can be personalized. Edenton's famous icons appear on numerous high quality gift items for the kitchen, wine cellar, office, golf bag or favorite four legged walking companion. Yes, there is a dog section...

In a town where tea and history go hand in hand things are brewing in the historic buildings on Broad. St

Guess What? It appears there are no vacant spaces on Broad St.  

For the first time in over three years Broad St. retail is becoming more inviting weekly.  

While the town has yet to see a retail real estate bidding war, the spaces on Broad St. have filled up fast since the first of the year.  

The Edenton Tea Company is moving into the Josephine Leary building. The Chowan Herald moved to the center of town now occupying the former Edward Jones space.  

While the Edenton Tea Company will add new life to the block with a retail environment, the building has a lengthy impressive history serving as the perfect foundation for the Tea Company’s future plans.  

While Lorrie Dablow is still a bit secretive about the plans for her company she is combining two of the town’s favorite topics, history and tea. So what could be better than what Dablow has in mind.  

“Experience American history, one cup of tea at a time,” is a peek into Dablow’s concept.  

The triple-story building was constructed in 1894 as a rental property owned by Josephine Napolean Leary. The building is on the Edenton town tour and is a busy building. Leary’s name and the date of construction, ‘1894’ grace the top of the metal facade.  

“Pressed metal façade buildings were popular throughout North Carolina during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The metal façade was manufactured by the Mesker Brothers, Front Makers, located in St. Louis, Missouri. The building has eight bays and is composed of three sections. Each unaltered storefront has recessed double-leaf doors. Victorian embellishments adorn the outside of the building along with columns framing the second story, massive bracketed frieze and cornice, and elaborate sunbursts,” according to the Edenton Historical Commission.

Edenton residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the Edenton Tea Company some time in February according to Dablow.  

Small town identity depends on certain retailers, however, over the years town's have lost some of those identifiers. Once upon a time every town had a local florist to celebrate births, anniversaries, graduations and other special occasions. A town with churches but without a florist could be considered a major inconvenience for many on many occasions. 

Edenton is fortunate to have a local florist in its retail lineup. Sawyer's Designs has made an impression on the many who rely on owner Noah Sawyer and designer Lindsay Sawyer , (no relation) to fill their floral needs. 

Sawyer's Designs is one of Edenton's premier retailers. The shop offers floral enthusiasts a variety of fresh flowers at the "Flower Bar" where one can pick out a bouquet one stem at a time from the inviting table of  colorful, fragrant flora. 

On a recent visit I felt as though spring had arrived inside the store. While highly decorated for the upcoming Valentine's Day, hints of spring and Easter where noticeable. Aside from a blooming wedding business, the arrangements that grace area homes during private and public events may have originated at Sawyer's Designs. 

A table of flowers  sporting vibrantly fresh blossoms, seldom seen in winter gardens, was reminiscent of a walk by the Cupola House in May. Noah Sawyer explained he often orders flowers from Ecuador and they arrive fresh, days later. 

While Sawyer's caters to resident's floral needs, Noah and Lindsay recently hosted their first Wine and Design Party. The event was so successful plans for the next one are in the works.

"Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of creativity, laughter, and stunning floral arrangements. It was such a joy to see all of your gorgeous designs come to life. A special shoutout to the incredible snacks and good company that made the night even more enjoyable," said Noah Sawyer. "We’re already counting down the days until the next one. If you missed out this time, keep an eye out for our upcoming events—you won’t want to miss the fun."

For more information on Valentine's Day arrangements, or to make a reservation for the next Wine and Design event contact Sawyer's Designs at 252-325-0710.