So, we saw the ad in the local paper and decided to check it. The name sounded familiar and it wasn’t until later the following week that someone informed me that Calypso North was the sequel to Calypso, a restaurant that disappeared from downtown Morehead a few years back.
Having never eaten at the original Calypso, I didn’t know what to expect, though I have to admit, my expectations were not very high. I was wrong.
The decor epitomizes ecclectic though, if not for the scarfed bear that greets guests upon entry, one could argue the theme is “tropical”. The menu boasts a combination of asian and caribbean cuisine with impressive variety and a much-appreciated selection of portion sizes.
In terms of seafood, triggerfish is a staple and appears in multiple dishes, and there are several shellfish options. Additionally, one of the daily specials is likely to include fresh fish. I enjoyed the wine list, particularly because it featured California’s Steele vineyard conglomerate, a personal favorite of mine. (If Pinot Noir is your thing, I recommend the Writer’s Block at $30/bottle).
The bar is charming and the staff friendly and knowledgable. Though off the main restaurant path, Calypso is conveniently located on 20th Street in close proximity to most Morehead City hotels. A fine option for divers, casual yet flavorful and original, Calypso is a terrific addition to the Morehead dining scene. I stand corrected.
Location: 1103 N. 20th Street
Phone: 252.247.9600
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I had lunch at the New York Deli today and was thus prompted to write a long overdue entry. I like the NY Deli. A lot.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the proprietor is a fellow Nittany Lion. (It’s important for us Big Ten folk to find each other here in the land of the ACC, especially during football season.) I hold a space in my heart for a good pastrami on rye and am never disappointed.
Once only available on Wednesdays, they recently added another of my favorites, the Cuban sandwich, to their regular menu and I recommend it without hesitation. It’s a small restaurant and is often crowded for lunch, so you may want to consider placing a To-Go order on your way to or from the beach.
They also have, as the name suggests, deli items available including prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and other assorted meats and cheeses. There is a Pasta night Thursday through Saturday (yes, they serve wine & beer) and though I haven’t been personally, I have, not surprisingly, heard positive reviews.
New York Deli tends to be pricier than what you might expect to pay for a sandwich, but without much competition in the area, the quality and consistency is worth the extra couple bucks. If you’re staying in Atlantic Beach, I’d highly recommend a boxed lunch for the boat on the day of your dive.
Location: Atlantic Beach Causeway
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This photo reminds me of my aunt. In fact, I think everyone has an aunt like this. You see them at holidays, family picnics, weddings. You’re alerted of their presence by the unmistakable stench of what can only be described as a catastrophic department store perfume counter explosion that has you gasping for air while fighting the urge to sneeze. They appear wearing an outfit similar to the one seen above- an unfortunate combination of sky blue and mustard yellow, and come at you lips pursed, ready to strike. Your eyes widen. You move left, then right, ducking and dodging like George Foreman in an attempt to avoid her intended objective- mouth-to-mouth contact. Most of the time, you’re successful, left only mildly scarred with an epoxy-like lip imprint on your check. It’s a mark shared by countless cousins encountered periodically throughout the event; bonds form as you nod empathetically to one another. “She got you too, huh?”, you might say.
Luckily, coronet fish don’t wear perfume or lipstick.
Thanks to Mike Madelung for this frightful, yet somehow endearing photo.
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