From the first lively oyster to the last rich square of Poco Dolce chocolate, Bubbles & Bivalves was a delicious and delightful event. Guests sipped wine while sharks cruised overhead. During the event, The Watershed Project’s Board of Directors mingled amongst the spirited shuckers and slurpers who attended our annual event last Thursday.
The evening commenced with the sound of clinking glasses and bites from great Bay Area restaurants. “I love that Bubbles & Bivalves is a feast for all of your senses. What other event can you stroke a sea star, and chat with Chef Annie Sommerville about Greens restaurant as she prepares a fava bean and manchego treat?” said Annelise Moore, board member. Board president Paul Amato shared some of the same sentiments about the event. “It doesn’t take long to realize Bubbles & Bivalves is one of those unique events where class and culture, food and entertainment, company and atmosphere are all blending just right. And you’re enjoying all these elements while supporting restoration of oyster reefs in the San Francisco Bay!”
Event attendees also had the opportunity to engage in a little friendly competition when bidding on silent auction items. Annelise Moore felt, “The flagship experience of the silent auction was the Playa Viva Resort stay,” which many bidders were salivating over. Board member Sigrid, who was part of the silent auction committee, was “Inspired by the dedicated, generous and knowledgeable auction committee, who secured such wonderful and attractive gifts.”
To cap the night off, Andrew Beahrs, author of Twain’s Feast: Searching for America’s Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens, gave his keynote speech to Bubbles & Bivalves guests. Andrew Beahrs’ talk seemed to channel Twain’s love of food and place, but also had, “The best combination of humor and seriousness [in] his presentation; it was great story-telling,” heralded board member Briggs Nisbet.
Annelise thoughtfully summed up the event when remarking, “Even better than enjoying all of the above is savoring these delights with friends. For me, Bubbles & Bivalves has become both a joyful reunion and renewal of commitment to The Watershed Project, to our Living Shorelines, and to those little bivalve workhorses we call Wild! Oysters.”
The board is so grateful to all the event attendees, auction bidders, and restaurants and organizations who contributed items and experiences to enrich our Bubbles & Bivalves event. Many thanks to everyone who made this another great year of Bubbles and Bivalves!