Builder Ed Sadler, second from right, with staff from Vintage Tavern. Sadler's Homearama home was the fifth one to sell.
Outside, it was a cold and rainy and the streets were nearly deserted. Inside, it was a completely different story.
Each of the eight Homearama showcase homes were host to chefs from Isle of Wight area eateries and they were serving up warm hospitality – in large portions. The weather may have hampered attendance, but those who ventured out were well rewarded by the menu.
Imagine scallops wrapped in bacon from Smithfield Station; she crab soup from Cedar Pointe Country Club; tender ribs from Frank N’ Bubbas; rich brownie bites from Lisa’s Sweet Shoppe and boneless wings in hot sauce from AJ Gators. How about piggly sticks with blueberry gastrique and custard bread pudding with bourbon zabaglione from Smithfield Gourmet Bakery?
Visitors line up for C.W. Cowlings
The parmesan crusted tilapia from C.W. Cowlings was served by the restaurateur who braved the weather despite expecting triplets any minute.
At the end of the day, it was the homemade biscuits with Edwards Country Ham, marinated shrimp, pimiento cheese and deviled eggs from Vintage Tavern that took home the most votes from visitors, as well as from the food writers and culinary experts who gave them the Critic’s Choice Award.
The evening was sponsored by Hampton Roads Magazine and Columbia Gas of Virginia. Hampton Roads Magazine’s Food Editor Patrick Evans-Hylton led the team of critics and sales and promotions staff organized the event.
Tidewater Builders Association’s Spring Homearama continues through May 23 at Founders Pointe in Isle of Wight County.
