Clinton’s Dinner on Main series is returning to downtown Sunday, Sept. 20, with the Low Country Boil. The community gathering will begin at 2:30 that afternoon, and will host around 225 people.
The Low Country Boil has been led by Debbie Roberts; Roberts was on vacation this past week and unavailable for an interview, but her partner in planning was around to discuss what those with a ticket to the boil can expect.
“Everybody’s excited to offer another gathering opportunity for the community.” said Tyler Wise, the Main Street manager for the city of Clinton’s Planning and Development in an interview Wednesday, where she gave a preview of the country boil.
“Tim Walters is your head chef, and he will be responsible for the actual boiled portions — so, your potatoes, shrimp, corn, and sausage,” Wise rattled off from the menu.
Walters is an employee of Prestage Farms and maintains his own catering team, Killing Time Grilling Crew. Walters’ team at the Low Country Boil will include Mark Pearson, Jason Barefoot, and Michael Buchanan.
“These are the guys that we usually cook with in competitions and stuff, and we all work real well together,” Walters explained.
“Everyone’s got their own style of what they want to prepare,” Walters said describing all of the different chefs who are contributing to the country boil. “Everything’s come together real well. Everybody works well together, and every single person on this team is bringing something to the table.”
Walters attested, “It’s not one person; it’s every person.”
A tasting occurred two weeks ago to see how the food should be placed. Each chef prepared a sample of their own dish and brought a preview to a gathered group of committee members.
“That went really well,” remarked Wise.
“We had a good time,” Walters added.
R and R Kitchen and Taproom and the Tipsy Nurse will both participate in a social garden gathering that will last until 4 p.m. in the lot between Gracie’s Grill and Huff Regenerative and Wellness. The social garden will include two drink tickets for those who are 21 or older.
Jambalaya will be provided by Ribeyes Steakhouse for the Low Country Boil. Oasis Oyster Bar and Grill will provide hush puppies and an oyster bar for guest to enjoy prior to the main course.
“Tyndall’s Seafood will be providing boiled peanuts and craw fish,” offered Wise, adding, “Earl and Jerry’s Seafood Shack will be providing Shipwreck Shrimp.”
She added, “We just kind of felt like, when you’re doing seafood, you need to think of who offers seafood locally. Those guys have been great to work with.”
“Kyle Tyndall has got some real good ideas on how to prepare the seafood,” Walters claimed.
The main courses at the country boil will be followed by a dessert flight.
“We’re not releasing what we’re doing for dessert, but dessert is being provided by Miss Bianca Johnson — she is a teacher at Roseboro Elementary — but we’re not telling anybody what it is, yet,” Wise teased.
Wise said she got to sample the dessert at the tasting. The only other thing she would say about it is, “It’s good.”
Live music will be provided for the evening by Chad Thompson.
The Main Street manager reflected on getting prepared to bring this low country boil to the community.
“I would say with both teams — the Dinner on Main and Low Country Boil — everybody’s just excited to offer another gathering opportunity for the community.”
Wise emphasized that she wants to pull from restaurants and vendors around the county for the Dinner on Main events, not solely restaurants and businesses in Clinton.
“That’s why Earl and Jerry’s in Roseboro will have selections (at the Low Country Boil),” she explained. “We’re continuing to look at all of our different resources that are offered throughout Sampson County, and how we can get them to participate in various ways to offer something to look forward to.”
As for Walters, he’s just happy to have been selected for this latest event.
“I’ve met a lot of people that have really had influence on me, and I’ve learned a lot from every person that we’ve been dealing…it’s been a great time, and I’m absolutely looking forward to it,” Walters stated.
Wise concluded, “Now, we’re just all really excited for when the 20th will be here.”