World Oceans Day at The Wall Street Hotel
World Oceans Day brought together conservationists, food lovers, and waterfront advocates at La Marchande inside The Wall Street Hotel, where Billion Oyster Project hosted an intimate evening celebrating New York Harbor through oysters, cocktails, and conversation.
Designed as both a culinary experience and an introduction to the organization’s work, the Oyster Social paired locally harvested oysters with creative cocktails while highlighting the ongoing effort to restore oyster reefs throughout New York City’s waterways.
The evening began with a three-course tasting created by La Marchande, with each dish showcasing oysters from Little Ram Oyster Company paired with signature cocktails featuring Farmer’s Organic Gin.
The first course, Oyster on the Half Shell, was served with ramp mignonette and buttermilk granita alongside the Tomato Rouge cocktail, made with Farmer’s Gin, early tomatoes, and vermouth. The combination offered a fresh introduction to the evening and highlighted the natural brininess of the oysters.
Guests then enjoyed an Oyster Po’Boy topped with cold slaw, pickled vegetables, and green garlic aioli, paired with the floral-inspired Floraison cocktail featuring cherry blossom, grapefruit, and lavender notes.
The tasting concluded with an Oyster Pan Roast featuring Little Ram oysters, Montauk red shrimp, and pain de mie, accompanied by the rich and aromatic Corse Blanc cocktail crafted with yogurt and fennel pollen.
Between courses, members of the Billion Oyster Project team shared insights into New York Harbor’s history and explained how oyster reefs help improve water quality, support marine life, and strengthen coastal resilience. The conversation felt informative without being overly formal, allowing guests to connect with the organization’s mission while enjoying the evening.
After the tasting, attendees were invited upstairs to Bar Tontine, the hotel’s rooftop lounge overlooking the East River and Lower Manhattan.
With the sun setting over the waterfront, guests continued the evening with fresh donuts and a selection of burgers, including tuna, cheeseburger, and vegetarian options. The rooftop gathering offered a chance to relax, meet fellow attendees, and take in sweeping views of the city while continuing conversations sparked during the tasting.
What made the evening particularly memorable was how naturally the mission was woven into the experience. Rather than relying on presentations or fundraising appeals, the event allowed guests to experience the connection between New York’s culinary heritage and the future of its waterways firsthand.
As the evening came to a close, attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the role oysters have played in New York City’s history and the work being done to help restore the harbor for generations to come.
To learn more about Billion Oyster Project and future events, visit:
https://www.billionoysterproject.org/