We did it again! Bubbles & Bivalves 2015 turned out to be a delicious and delightful event. Guests enjoyed a unique celebration of sustainable fisheries and oyster farming, while helping The Watershed Project raise funds for the Wild! Oysters program.
The evening began at the Innovation Hangar with an engaging and informative presentation by best-selling author Paul Greenberg about his most recent book, American Catch: The Fight for Our Local Seafood, recently released in paper back. The book focuses on the complexities of the seafood industry and the challenges faced by local fish markets in New York City and across the United States. Greenberg highlights oysters as one of the protagonists of the “American Catch” drama.
After the talk, guests joined us at the Aquarium of the Bay to dine on fresh and local oysters grown, harvested, and shucked by our friends from Tomales Bay. Socializing among sea jellies and river otters, guests also got to taste the amazing sustainable fish dishes prepared by some of the most creative chefs in the Bay Area.
Among the favorites were:
“Grilled wild butter clams with sesame seaweed crumble.” Douglas Bernstein, Chef of Fish Restaurant in Sausalito, CA.
“Pastrami Cured Salmon with crisp wonton, crushed English peas, toasted miso aioli.” Waterbar Executive Chef Parke Ulrich.
“Ahi Tuna Poke with Avocado mousse on Wonton Chip.” Executive Chef Ryan Simas of Farallon Restaurant.
We are so grateful for all those who contributed to this gourmet extravaganza: Barrel Head Brewhouse; Bi-Rite Creamery; Blu Kicks; Cannonball Wine Company; Chelsea Events & Floral Design; Domaine Chandon; Elke Vineyards; Epic Roasthouse; Farallon Restaurant; Fish; Hog Island Oyster Company; Lily Spruce; Pier 39; Radio-Coteau; Rock Wall Wine Company; Saltwater Oyster Depot; SnapFiesta; Sous Beurre Kitchen; Speakeasy Ales & Lagers; Tap 415; Tomales Bay Oyster Company; Three Twins Ice Cream; Twenty Five Lusk; Waterbar; and Wooden Table Baking Company.
Bubbles greeted our guests at the door as our friends from Domaine Chandon graciously poured bubbly to the guests’ content. As The Watershed Project supporters entered the maze of fish tanks and tables, they discovered restaurants, wineries, a silent auction, music and a photo booth by SnapFiesta (photos here). Our talented photographer, Megan Petersen, captured the night beautifully.
The Board and staff at The Watershed Project are very grateful to all the event attendees, auction bidders, members of the host and sponsor committees, restaurants and organizations who contributed items and experiences to enrich our event. Many thanks to everyone who made this another great year of Bubbles & Bivalves!
Photography by: Megan Petersen Photography, San Francisco
