Coinciding with the First Annual Newport Oyster Festival, Bowen’s Wharf Co. has announced the launch of the Rhode Island Oyster Trail (R.I.O.T). The official launch of the R.I.O.T will take place at the Opening Night Party of the Newport Oyster Festival on May 20th at 6 p.m. The Trail will celebrate Rhode Island’s aquaculture and promote the heritage and future of this important piece of the economy within the Ocean State.
“Both locals and visitors are continually looking for something that is unique to Rhode Island,” said Bart Dunbar, President of Bowen’s Wharf Company. “The Rhode Island Oyster Trail will highlight oysters from the Ocean State, the farmers that grow them and the restaurants that serve them. Visitors will be connected year-round to something that is a growing part of Rhode Island’s culture and they’ll know that the oysters they order are fresh from our waters, straight from our farmers.”
Mingle with a small group of growers shucking under the lights and festival tents at the Newport Oyster Festival Opening Night Party and official launch of the R.I.O.T. Santa Margherita wine and prosecco will create perfect pairings for a memorable and informational marriage of “merroir” and tasting notes. Featured oysters are: Aquidnecks, Breachways, Chessawanocks, Salt Ponds, Matunucks and Watch Hills.
Tickets are $125 and are limited to 150 people, benefitting the Ocean State Aquaculture Association and SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. Tickets include all-you-can-eat, freshly shucked oysters, open bar with complimentary wine glass. Curated selections of Santa Margherita wine and prosecco pairings will accompany each oyster. With a true ocean (or pond)-to-table experience, guests will be served signature Oyster Festival drinks and a variety of delicacies from the Ocean State’s best chefs at Matunuck Oyster Bar, The Landing, and Cru Café/Russell Morin Catering.
As a member of the R.I.O.T, benefits include a business profile and map location on the new RIOysterTrail.com website, use of the R.I.O.T logo, digital marketing and eligibility to participate in trail-related events. To join the R.I.O.T, contact Trixie Wadson at: tbw@bowenswharf.com or call 401.849.2243.