[gentle music] [gulls squawking] - I'm a culinary artist, and earlier this winter I visited Harkers Island and now I'm back to dine on the island's cuisine.

To the locals, this community is the edge of the world.

And for many generations, their livelihoods depended on the providence of these waters.

There are only two restaurants on this small island, and while both serve local seafood, they have a distinctly different vibe.

I've heard about a Downeast lemon pie also known as a lemon milk pie, which sounds intriguing.

My new island friends said I needed to learn how to make the signature pie with Mila Guthrie down at Seaside.

[upbeat music] What you got going on here?

- Well, I'm gonna make some Downeast lemon pies today.

It's the favorite of all of our customers.

- Looks like it's Ritz Crackers.

- Yep, that's our base.

It's gonna be the Ritz.

So, we're gonna crumble them up good.

Gotta have a little salty to the sweet.

So, we use this base.

Some people use Graham Crackers.

We don't we, this is what I growed up on over here was Ritz crackers so.

- Yes - So that's what I use.

My grandma's recipe.

People want a fresh pie.

If they eat that seafood, that shrimp, then they want a fresh pie.

- [Seraphim] So, you've been running this restaurant since 1986.

- [Mila] 1986, yep.

- [Seraphim] What are your dishes that are the most popular?

- [Mila] Some of our specials are fresh local shrimp that we get right here.

- [Seraphim] Mr. Big Seafood is a family-run small business, which provides both restaurants with shrimp and other fresh seafood.

- Our fried chicken is a big hit.

Our burgers, of course, are always a hit too, just a plain cheeseburger.

So, this is our lemon juice.

You gotta put that, 'cause it's gotta be plenty tart.

You don't have that, it won't be good.

Get it all smooth.

We'll get the icing going.

Use the egg white, cream of tartar and sugar.

- [Seraphim] Looks like the beginnings of a meringue.

- Meringue, that's it, yes.

[nostalgic jazz music] Yep, looks like we're about ready.

- This tried and true recipe consists of just six ingredients, eggs, condensed milk, lemon juice, Ritz Crackers, sugar and cream of tartar.

Now, how about some of that local shrimp?

The people over at the museum said I simply must try Seaside's shrimp burger.

And let me tell you, these plump shrimp are perfect.

Let's go just down the road and check out The Fish Hook.

The Fish Hook pride itself in using locally-caught fish and seafood.

- We get our seafood from Mr. Big Seafood right down the road here.

When people are coming down to the island, whether they're going through the ferry or just to check out the area, they see that Carteret Catch flag out there.

They know that we're supporting the local fishermen that's what they're getting on their plate comes from these waters.

- And if you're looking to wet your whistle, The Fish Hook pours fantastic cocktails made with regionally-crafted spirits.

So, now I have given you two more reasons to visit Harkers Island.

Between meals, be sure to check out the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

You'll also want to bring back some Downeast lemon pie for your friends.

That is, if you don't eat it on the car ride back home.

- The Fish Hook Grill is at 980 Island Road on Harkers Island and they're open Wednesday through Sunday.

For more information, give them a call at [252] 728-1792.

The Seaside Galley is at 311 Island Road, also on Harkers Island, and they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday.

To find out more, give them a call at [252] 728-6171.