By Joey Stewart
The Coastal Flavors Food and Drink Weekend presents its inaugural event featuring a mixture of seafood, wine, cooking demonstrations, clinics, and seminars in the fishing and vacation town of Rockport, Texas.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, February 1st at 4:30pm with an “Oysters and Bubbles” reception showcasing a selection of locally harvested bivalves paired with an assortment of sparkling wines and cocktails punctuated by live music.
Saturday begins with the “Coastal Flavors Workshop” from 8:30am-2pm. This series of demonstrations, talks, and tastings takes place under the saltwater pavilion right on Rockport Beach. Attendees will be able to observe local chefs as they create some of their favorite seafood dishes and pair them with unique wines. Seminar presenters include award-winning author Robb Walsh discussing oyster appellations; Pat Murray, president of Coastal Conservation America, on the future of sustainable efforts and fishing operations in Texas; local expert Jim Naismith demonstrating the Ike Jime method of harvesting fish to maintain its quality; and a conversation with local farmers and growers mediated by Four String Farm representative Justin Butts.
The “Grand Tasting” takes place that afternoon, featuring more than a dozen wineries, restaurants, and food producers offering a bounty of seafood and other local delicacies such as samphire, duck, rabbit and quail. Wines from Charles Smith, Heron, Castlidge and Brown, Consentino, and more will be available while guests enjoy these coastal offerings, live music, and seaside views. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit Meals on Wheels, and pass holders will be able to attend complimentary tastings that evening at participating restaurants in the area.
On Sunday, February 3, at 10:30am the weekend wraps up with brunch bites such as BBQ pork and buttermilk biscuits, cornmeal crusted oyster po-boys, cheesy herbed frittatas, mini-seafood pies and pastries, plus live music, Bloody Marys and mimosas.
For tickets and more information, please visit the website or Facebook.
