Up Front 

The beauty of Spring is inviting us in to a brand new season

BY Pat Bradford

Published March 25, 2022|
Pat Bradford is seen aboard Pepe’s Taco Truck at Eagle Island Fruit and Seafood Market, off Hwy. 421 across the Cape Fear River. Pepe has been in business close to 10 years and is among the rotating food trucks that set up at Eagle Island. A fan of non-traditional venues, Pat often seeks out street food vendors before haute cuisine. Pat’s Hair by Frank Potter, styled by Mason Chandler, makeup by Regan Daughtry. All from Bangz Hair Salon. Photo by Allison Potter
Pat Bradford is seen aboard Pepe’s Taco Truck at Eagle Island Fruit and Seafood Market, off Hwy. 421 across the Cape Fear River. Pepe has been in business close to 10 years and is among the rotating food trucks that set up at Eagle Island. A fan of non-traditional venues, Pat often seeks out street food vendors before haute cuisine. Pat’s Hair by Frank Potter, styled by Mason Chandler, makeup by Regan Daughtry. All from Bangz Hair Salon. Photo by Allison Potter

With its Kitchens that Cook, this issue is a favorite of mine every year. Expect to be wowed by the variety of kitchens that range from St. James to Topsail Island, and from Wrightsville Beach to historic Carolina Heights. No matter what your taste, you’ll see the freshest designs — and be sure to check out Savor, with its companion look at all the hottest countertop appliances.

 Late last year I brought home an air fryer after hearing a chef friend rave about hers. If you received one for Christmas and it’s still sitting unused, Google whatever meal you want to prepare and “air fryer” for video recipes. Personally, I am sure bacon cooked in an air fryer is a gift from above. Turkey or chicken breast is a close second, so as turkey season opens this month, home chefs can try out something new. In the meantime, enjoy Robert Rehder’s humorous tale of the persimmon tree and the big tom that got away.

 This spring, also consider untying that chef’s apron to hire a food truck for your next event rather than be stuck in the kitchen. I did that last year, and on that journey I learned a great number of insider tips to share with our readers and made new friends. 

 Don’t miss the story of Wes Carter and the commitment he and his storied family’s Atlantic Packaging have made to reduce the plastic pollution in the world. Sadly, in New Hanover County, except on the campus of UNCW, many plastics are not being recycled because there is no market to sell them. Bottom line, even though you put the plastics in the recycling bins, they are then sorted at the facility, and Nos. 3-7 are going right into the landfill. So, there’s a real problem.

 April is Azalea Festival month, and the Cape Fear Garden Tour is back this year. Also, read about the alumni gala as New Hanover High turns 100, and about Laura Goodwin, who trains regularly off the islands of Wrightsville for her upcoming English Channel swim attempt. Laura dreamed of swimming from England to France as a child, and she makes that swim this summer. Let’s support her. 

And for those intrigued by my Tent of Meeting story in our December 2021 issue, services will be held outdoors in the big tent over Resurrection weekend, including with revivalist Jesse Green on Sunday. 

 Enjoy this glorious season! God bless you!

Pat Bradford 

Senior Editor/Publisher







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