Advocates of East End-sourced seafood are hosting a fish and oyster tasting event that will highlight the many benefits of dining upon locally harvested seafood.
The event takes place on Thursday, August 10 between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center at 3690 Cedar Beach Road in Southold.
The tasting is a fundraiser to support two non-profit organizations: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk’s “Choose Local F.I.S.H.” program, which focuses on the economic, environmental, and health benefits of consuming locally harvested seafood; and Slow Food East End, a chapter of a global, grassroots organization promoting the preservation of local food cultures and traditions.
Tickets, which cost $125, are limited and must be purchased in advance.
Attendees will have the opportunity to compare distinct flavor differences among four varieties of locally harvested oysters: Davy Jones Shellfish, offering wild-caught and farm-raised oysters; Hampton Oyster Company’s deep-water, surface-grown oysters; Montauk Pearls Oysters, which are seeded in Lake Montauk followed by deep water finishing in Block Island Sound; and Peconic Gold Oysters raised in the Great Peconic Bay.
Guests will also enjoy fresh local fish tastings from Lombardi’s Love Lane Market in Mattituck. Owner Lauren Lombardi, known for her locally sourced menus, is a long-time supporter and former board member of Slow Food East End.
Attendees will also be offered a variety of Long Island “Wine Country” wines, this year marking the fiftieth anniversary of commercial winery production. Guests may also tour the Marine Environmental Learning Center’s oyster and scallop hatcheries, and take lessons in fish filleting and oyster shucking.
Fishery and aquaculture specialists from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program will be on hand to share their expertise on the area’s commercial fishing industry. The event will also feature artists and artisans inspired by local waterways.
“There’s a huge array of fresh, indigenous, sustainable, healthy seafood options that Long Islanders can incorporate into their diets,” said Kristin Gerbino, fisheries specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk, whose “Choose Local F.I.S.H” program stands for “fresh, indigenous, sustainable and healthy.”
“Consuming local seafood,” she said, “benefits our health and supports local fishing communities and our economy.”
“East Enders are fortunate to live in a bountiful area where the principles of Slow Food are lived by fishermen, vintners, farmers, and artisanal food producers,” said Maria McBride, vice president of Slow Food East End. “This event will promote the benefits of establishing a flourishing, local food web that’s environmentally sustainable, healthy, and delicious – and also preserves cultural farming and fishing traditions.”
Purchasing local seafood enables consumers to know the direct origin of their food, said event sponsors. Increased marketing of local seafood supports the economic viability of Long Island’s coastal fishing communities and small businesses. This boosts the competitiveness of the regional seafood industry while providing consumers with fresher and higher-quality seafood.
For tickets, go to: http://tiny.cc/slowfish.
