WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Happy Fourth of July to you and yours at home, hopefully you are gearing up for a fun and safe holiday weekend. It’s expected to be one of the busiest summer travel weekends on record, and you can already tell plenty of people are pouring into the area. While cookouts will be in store for many, others will seek out their favorite restaurants or seafood spots during their visit.
One staple seafood restaurant in Southeastern North Carolina is stepping out of its comfort zone to show of its patriotism. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has rolled out a special “America 250” summer menu that features interesting takes on seafood dishes and some of the All-American classics you may not associate with them. The fine folks from the Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Leland stopped by the WECT Kitchen to showcase the dishes and I had the pleasure to try them all…although those new red, white and blue swim trunks don’t fit anymore.
Shuckin’ Shack wanted to bring in foods that everyone associates with summer in America. One of which has to be the corn dog, although these aren’t from the microwave. The “Double Play Dogs” are beer battered by hand, topped with special “mile 0 mustard” and served with coleslaw and fries. The batter was crispy and the all-beef hot dog inside was bursting with flavor. You would have no problem housing one of these while watching the old ball game.
Next was the “Red, White, and ‘Cue,” which, you guessed it, is a barbecue sandwich. Not exactly something you would think Shuckin’ Shack would be serving up, right? This one reminded me of a pulled pork sandwich at grandma’s house, it just had that comforting feel to it. Plus, each location created its own special BBQ sauce, so depending on where you visit, there will be something unique to choose from.
From the coast to the cookout, Shuckin’ Shack brought in the classic cheeseburger with its “Route 66 Smash Burger.” It’s a fairly straight forward affair, just a half pound of beef and all the fixings. Although if you want to give it an extra kick, you can get it “cyclone style” with chili, mustard and onion. Cyclone being a nod to the famous rollercoaster at Coney Island.
Speaking of Coney Island, the Coney Dog has become synonymous with summer for millions of Americans. But a Coney Oyster…maybe not so much. Enter the “who thought of this?” portion of this food review. The “Cyclone Chargrills” features an oyster on the half shell, then topped with chili, hot dog medallions, Monterey Jack cheese, onion and a touch of mustard. As the Shuckin’ Shack crew said, it’s something that shouldn’t work…but I can attest, it absolutely does.
Rounding out the America 250 menu was possibly my favorite creation of the lot. The “Boardwalk Fries” features a pile of fries, smothered in cheese sauce, crab meat, Old Bay seasoning and scallions. One bite and you’re immediately transported to the shoreline, as fireworks blast overhead and you’re in rapture of the thrilling sights, sounds and smells of the boardwalk. Luckily for us, even if you don’t have a boardwalk nearby, you can just swing into your local Shuckin’ Shack and give them a try!
Whatever you decide to do this holiday weekend, have a wonderful time with friends and family. 250 years only comes around once, and none of us will be around to see 500! From everyone here at WECT, have a happy Fourth of July.’…