Undoubtedly soon to be a Waterfowl Weekend tradition, the Brew and Oyster Brawl is a true Eastern Shore original (and a good one at that!). We caught up with one of the event's organizers to find out why this event is not to be missed.
The Basics:
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Location: The Gold Room and its adjacent garden at the Tidewater Inn, located at 101 East Dover Street in Easton.
The Details:
What can guests expect? The name pretty much says it all - oysters (prepared several ways) and beer! Of course, there's much more to look forward to than the delicious fall pairing, including live music by Mule Train, a customized oyster knife, and - as far as food goes - mini crab cakes, a steamship round of beef, braised short rib sliders, and shrimp salad sliders. Even better, tickets include a multi-day pass to the Waterfowl Festival!
Food and drinks? There's no need to worry about going hungry at this event! Guests can embark on an all-you-can-eat journey between four food stations offering oyster chowder, oyster fritters, mini crab cakes, a steamship round of beef, and four varieties of freshly shucked oysters. Additionally, braised short rib sliders, shrimp salad sliders, and fried oysters with vermouth aioli will be passed around to guests. And the full open bar doesn't disappoint either, featuring various beers from Dogfish Head Brewery and house-infused bacon vodka Bloody Marys.
What about parking? Plenty of street parking is available and, for the guests staying at the Tidewater, valet parking is also an option.
The dress code? It's more about the food, drink, and good company than the attire, so a casual ensemble is key. Of course the always present Festival staples - a camo shirt or jacket - are completely acceptable. After all, it wouldn't be Waterfowl Weekend without it!
Are tickets still available? Don't worry, there's still time to ensure your Saturday is full of oysters, beers, and Bloody Marys, as tickets remain available for purchase. Inclusive of service and taxes, tickets are $95 per person. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Brandy Milligan at bmilligan@tidewaterinn.com or 410-822-1300, extension 112. Or, if you're in town, you can swing by the Tidewater Inn (either at the hotel's front desk or the hotel's restaurant, Hunter's Tavern). And, if you're more on the last minute side of planning, tickets will be available at the door.
Where do the proceeds go? A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Waterfowl Chesapeake - a nonprofit that aims to create, restore, and conserve waterfowl habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and nearby coastal bays.