Oysters, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. We love thee served raw or roasted, dressed with mignonette or cocktail sauce—or simply a splash of lemon. We love thee consumed with tiny forks but mostly slurped right from the shell. And we love thee paired with wine or beer, in the company of friends at an outdoor festival, where we may converse and laugh and linger until the sun sets—and then we’ll slurp some more.
In other words, the season for oyster roasts is upon us. Here are some that promise to be a pearl of a good time:
Nov. 11: Virginia Living Museum 6th Annual Oyster Roast
Enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh, local Rappahannock Oysters, fried seafood, chowder, dessert buffet, craft beers, wine, full bar, DJ/live music, commemorative glass, raffles and more. Food will be provided by Mathews Lions Club and Waypoint Seafood & Grill with desserts by Stratford University Culinary Students. New this year, the Virginia Living Museum has partnered with St. George Brewing Company to brew an exclusive Oyster Stout. 3–6 p.m. Virginia Living Museum, Newport News.
Nov. 11: Blue Crab Bay’s Oysters a la Carte
This late morning, early afternoon brunch/lunch Virginia Wine & Brine event is under the pavilion at Virginia’s Eastern Shore’s famous gourmet grocer Blue Crab Bay Co. and features Chatham Vineyards wines. The Shore Bites Food Truck from The Island House Restaurant will serve fried oysters, grilled shrimp tacos and oyster and clam chowder. There will be live music, giveaways every hour and shop specials. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Blue Crab Bay Co., Melfa.
Nov. 11: Terroir & Merroir: Oyster Extravaganza
No two things taste more like their place than wine and oysters. Celebrate the Eastern Shore’s distinct viticulture and aquaculture offerings, and tout the hyper-local benefits of growing grapes within steps of some of the best aqua farming in the country. Tickets include a raw bar tasting of six different Eastern Shore oysters (grown from the Chesapeake Bayside to the Atlantic Seaside’s Barrier Islands), unlimited roasted oysters, Eastern Shore-style clam chowder and a glass of Church Creek wine of your choice. There will be acoustic music and limited seating available on a first come, first serve basis. 4–8 p.m. Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek, Machipongo.
Nov. 24–25: Winter Wine & Oyster Weekends
Enjoy half a dozen fresh shucked oysters and a glass of Church Creek wine for just $15. Condiments include mignonette, cocktail sauce and fresh lemons. Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek, Machipongo.
Nov. 25: Cape Charles Historical Society Oyster Roast
Oysters are the star of this traditional Eastern Shore roast, and will be served both roasted and raw. Spicy bacon- and potato-studded clam chowder will also be available. Non-seafood lovers can chow down on fried chicken, three-bean salad, potato salad and homemade rolls. 5–8 p.m. Cape Charles Museum, Cape Charles.
