Lisa’s Point of View is spotlighting another one of “Lisa’s Favorite Places”, Red Sky Cafe in Duck, North Carolina on the beautiful northern Outer Banks. I had the opportunity to stop in for some incredible small plate appetizers on my visit to the Outer Banks in late August. Over the years on our many family vacations, Red Sky Café was always a “must visit” restaurant stop for a special family dinner, lunch or enjoy a holiday meal like their delicious Thanksgiving Buffet.

The complimentary asiago artichoke dip which was brought out to enjoy while I was waiting on my order was amazing. It was creamy and savory combinations of flavors. It was a nice surprise to have a light appetizer to enjoy with my glass of wine. When my small plate appetizers were brought out, I was in awe of how big the servings were especially for a small plate order. There were many small plate options to choose from in addition to what I ordered including crab dip, scallops, fried chili spiked cauliflower, etc.

The fried green tomato slices were panko breaded and topped with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction. They were light and scrumptious as the breading was very light so you could truly enjoy the taste of the tomatoes along with the goat cheese and balsamic topping.

The seared beef tips truly “melted in the mouth” with the juicy tender flavors. The flat ironed seared tips were also topped with goat cheese and balsamic reduction. For me having both appetizers topped with same toppings complimented each other yet with such a variance of amazing flavors.

Red Sky Café is well known on the Outer Banks for its mouthwatering local creations. Chef Wes has been a chef in the Outer Banks for over 25 years. Red Sky Café is open for lunch and dinner (check their website for hours) and both menus offer a variety of selections for every taste palate to enjoy. On past visits, I have enjoyed whichever current cut of beef called “Butchers Block” as it never disappoints as the beef is always tender and delectable. My family members always try whichever fresh fish they offer. Their menu does vary and change. On my visit there were dinner offerings including Duck, Beef, Salmon, Chicken, Ribs, Shrimp & Grits, Fresh Fish of the Day, Curry along with various small plates, salads and a kid’s menu.

For locals in the SE Virginia/NE N Carolina region, you can often see Chef Wes featured on WAVY 10, Hampton Roads Show, preparing one of the restaurant’s featured entrees. Chef Wes & Red Sky Café also offer Catering services on the Outer Banks for group events, weddings, receptions and more. Chef Wes also offers a service called “Chefs on Call” where they come to your beach home and prepare appetizers, sides, entrees and desserts for your family to enjoy while relaxing at your beach house!

Red Sky Café is in the heart of Duck on Highway 12 located on the East Side of the road in the same building complex with Carolina Design Realty and next door to Kellogg Hardware Store. After dining at Red Sky Cafe, cross the street to go over and enjoy a stroll along the beautiful sound side boardwalk and watch an amazing sunset on the Currituck Sound like this sunset I captured later that evening.