Zombies: Powered by pork and havin’ a ball

While many of us here at the beach were scowling at “no connection” screens on Parkmobile and dodging vacationers texting in SUVs, our tiny neighbor to the north has been quietly making a name for itself as a food and drink destination. After all, Milton is home to Dogfish Head Brewery, our very own hometown startup that has become a household word for craft beer lovers across the country.

Restaurateur and entrepreneur Leo Cabrera saw fit to extend the reach of his popular ocean-block Rehoboth Beach eatery into downtown Milton where Modern Mixture Too dominates what (in Milton) qualifies as a busy corner. Up the hill on Route 16, Ami Rae’s Backyard restaurant draws hungry diners into town for breakfasts, lunches and dinners in her sunny dining room. And Rich and Debbie Sulkovsky’s Bacchus Wine Bar in the old First National Bank building on Union Street opened just last week to rave reviews.

Next to Dogfish Head’s phenomenal visibility, two of the biggest success stories in Milton (so far) are Po’Boys Creole & Fresh Catch and the Milton Theatre. Though fine-dining chef Mike Clampitt held the title of executive chef for the lavish restaurants at Baywood Greens, he dreamed of a little spot where he could prep, cook and visit with his customers - all at the same time. His dream came true at Po’Boys, and a dinnertime seat at his diminutive den of Cajun/Creole cuisine is the holy grail.

Fred Munzert is one of the prime movers behind the resurrection of the circa 1910 Milton Theatre on Union Street. This venerable structure survived three fires, huge storms and countless nor’easters over the years to become the Premier Center for the Arts. Presentations in the flexible space include magic and comedy shows, cabaret, kids’ shows, cooking demonstrations and live bands.

So it seems only right that award-winning gumbo, jambalaya and étouffée maven Clampitt and the gifted Fred Munzert join forces with M.R. Design Inc. and RehobothFoodie.com to attract even more attention to their beloved Milton. And everyone knows that nothing attracts attention more than a street full of zombies on a cool, moonlit night.

The second annual Milton Zombie Walk and Apocalypse Ball will terrorize (well, sort of) the streets of Milton next Friday, Oct. 23. What a perfect way to jump-start Sea Witch Weekend! It all starts around 6 p.m. at the municipal parking lot across from the theater, where the walking dead will park their hearses … uh, cars … to be transported a mile or so to Po’Boys Creole & Fresh Catch. Primary co-zombie (and chef) Mike Clampitt will be waiting with an al fresco buffet loaded with roasted pig, cornbread, cole slaw, jambalaya and a beer/wine cash bar inside the restaurant. Though your everyday run-of-the-mill zombies’ diets are customarily restricted to, well … people (there was no other way to say that), these zombies are invited to dig in to what will certainly be a delicious dinner.

Even zombies need exercise, so at around 8 p.m., participants will stagger through the streets to make the short trek back to the Milton Theatre for the Apocalypse Ball. (Transportation will be provided for zombies who overindulged at the buffet - not hard to do with Clampitt’s cooking!)

Co-zombie and theater operator Fred Munzert was tight-lipped about what awaits the living (and partying) dead, but last year’s event included mysterious monsters moving through the crowd, street performers doing their thing, a cash bar and theateresque goodies from the concession stand. “Last year they stayed and danced all night,” he tells me. This year’s Apocalypse Ball promises to be even bigger and better.

The all-you-can-eat buffet is $20, admission to the walk is $10, and admission to the theater is also $10. Save $5 and pay only $35 for everything. Such a deal! And better yet, much of that goes to benefit Casa San Francisco, known for providing a wide range of services to low-income residents of Sussex County. Call 302-684-3038 for ticket info.

So start your Sea Witch Weekend right! Enjoy Po’Boys’ great food, take a walk for Casa San Francisco, then dance into the night with your fellow zombies at the Milton Theatre. Suggested dress code is zombie-casual, but not required. (I’ll be disguised as a BBQ sauce-splattered Cape Gazette zombie columnist carrying a camera and a fork. In other words, not all that different from my usual look.)

Bob Yesbek is a serial foodie and can be reached at byesbek@CapeGazette.com.