Third annual event benefits oyster, river stewardship programs
The Salt Line in Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is hosting a mollusk festival, the third annual Oyster Wars, Sunday, October 13. The restaurant is expected to gather top restaurateurs, oyster farmers and chefs from around the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions. “The chefs, restaurants, farmers, and brewers we are bringing to the table for this year’s Oyster Wars are among the most respected in our business, and their commitment to raising and using only the freshest, locally-sourced seafood is what distinguishes them among the best,” said Kyle Bailey, executive chef and partner.
“In support of this mission, the annual event raises awareness and funds for the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Anacostia Riverkeeper non-profit organizations, known for protecting and restoring the world’s waterways,” said the restaurant’s announcement.
A host of personalities in the regional culinary sphere will be gracing the event. Bailey, who is a RAMMY Award Chef of the Year winner, will be on display with these regional culinary greats:
- Mike Friedman from DC’s Italian meccas
- All Purpose Pizzerias and the Red Hen
- Jeremy Sewall from the Boston and Burlington’s Row 34 and Island Creek Oyster Bar
- Josh Elliott from Boston’s Toro tapas
- James Beard Foundation Award-Winning chef Stephen Strjewski of New Orleans’ Cochon
- Katsuya Fukushima from DC’s Asian trio Daikaya, Haikan and Bantam King
- Marjorie Meek-Bradley from the Capital’s American Tavern St. Ansel
- Michael Rafidi from the District’s Alibi
- Tiffany Maclssac from Washington sweet spot
- Buttercream Bakeshop; and Lauren Parlato from DC’s Sugar Fox
“Our relationships within the oyster community run deep,” added Bailey. In addition, regional farmers and seafood businesses along the Atlantic will be spotlighted. Enjoy oysters from these purveyors:
- War Shore Oyster Company from Onancock, Va.’
- Harris Creek Oyster Company from Maryland
- Sapidus Farms of Wicomico Church, Va.
- Charleston, RI’s East Beach Oyster Company
- Cape Cod Oyster Company from Barnstable, Mass.
- Mook Sea Farm in Walpole, Maine.
- Massachusetts’ Rising Tides Oyster Collective
- Matunuck Oyster Farm of South Kingstown, R.I..
Oyster Wars at The Salt Line also features cold brews from around the country, and live music entertainment. Expect to see the reggae band See-I and DJ Stylus Chris with friends Harry Hotter & Smudge.
Oyster Wars attendees will pick their favorite beers from a broad selection. The Salt Line announced these breweries: Half Brewing (Brooklyn, N.Y.), along with Trillium Brewing Company (Boston), The Veil Brewing Company (Richmond, Va,), Commonwealth Brewing Company (Virginia Beach, Va.), J. Wakefield Brewing Company (Miami), Monkish Brewing (Torrance, Calif.), Bissell Brothers (Portland, Maine), Allagash Brewing Company (Portland, Maine), Oxbow Brewing Company (Newcastle, Maine), Parish Brewing Co (Broussard, La.), Jester King (Austin, Texas), and the Capital’s DC Brau and 3 Stars Brewing in D.C.
[Related story: Navy Yard, the new place to dine, frolic, live]
General Admission tickets are priced at $60 and VIP tickets at $80, which are sold on Eventbrite. VIP ticket-holders get early admission at 2 p.m., and have access to oysters, chef table, and beer offerings. They also receive a 2019 Oyster Wars commemorative tasting glass. Additionally, according to the organizer, the Oyster Wars is held rain or shine.
Oyster Wars at The Salt Line, 79 Potomac Avenue Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20003
About the publisher.