Taste of the Chesapeake

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bar is an estuary in the U.S. states of Maryland and Virginia. The Bay is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and is a very important feature for the ecology and economy of those two states, as well as others. More than 150 major rivers and streams flow into the Bay's 64,299-square-mile drainage basin, which covers parts of six states (New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia) and all of Washington, D.C.

Known for both its beauty and bounty, the Bay has faced numerous challenges – including nitrogen pollution - with fewer crabs, oysters and watermen in past years. Restoration efforts - including the creation of over 5,000 oyster farms - begun in the 1990s are ongoing and show potential for growth of the native oyster population. Our event included an education about these challenges and solutions facing the Chesapeake Bay and dinner featuring seafood from the Bay paired with local Maryland wines. It was hugely popular with over 150 members and guests attending.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Our evening began with a cocktail reception and oyster raw bar hosted by Old Line Spirits Distillery from Baltimore, MD and True Chesapeake Bay Oyster Company. Members then enjoyed an educational talk by Steve Vilnet of JJ MCDonnell Seafood Company. An expert on the Chesapeake Bay, and the challenges it faces, Mr Vilnet left members with the sense that the Chesapeake Bay has turned around many of its problems. Members then enjoyed a four course dinner paired with wines from Maryland’s Boordy Vineyard. The evening was resounding success with members expressing gratitude for the insight they gained into the Chesapeake Bay and its seafood resource.