Annapolis Oyster Fest Returns

By Kathy Knotts

Annapolis Oyster Fest has returned to Downtown Annapolis. From March 6 through 19, the Downtown Annapolis Partnership and the Maryland Department of Agriculture have encouraged area restaurants to highlight special menus and dishes that celebrate the Chesapeake’s favorite bivalve.

The campaign, which began last year as a way to help boost sales for local restaurants and Maryland’s watermen, also supports the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s restoration projects including shell recycling and oyster restoration efforts.

“This event supports our local restaurants, suppliers, waterman, and the environment,” says Erik Evans, executive director of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership.

The restaurants in the downtown Annapolis area will feature a wide variety of oyster dishes including oysters Rockefeller, oyster po’boys, oyster shooters, and raw and grilled oysters on the half shell. 

Some of the participating restaurants have already announced some of their oyster menu items including:

Blackwall Hitch: fried local oysters on the half shell, roasted corn salsa, cherry pepper remoulade, and pickled Fresno chili;

Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs: local oysters on the half shell, oysters Rockefeller, and oysters Chesapeake;

Harry Browne’s Restaurant: baked oysters with chorizo and melted mozzarella and oysters on the half shell;

Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano: baked local oysters with leeks, Parmesan and bacon with a dash of cayenne;

Latitude 38 Waterfront: local oysters raw, smoked, and Rockefeller style;

McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar: local raw oysters specials, oysters Rockefeller, grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster po’boy;

Middleton Tavern and Stan and Joe’s Saloon will have Happy Hour oyster specials.

Sponsors will be giving away 100 dozen oysters during the event. Enter for a chance to win a dozen oysters by posting a photo of yourself and oysters on Facebook or Instagram with the tag #AnnapolisOysterFest. Find more restaurants oyster specials at AnnapolisOysterFest.com.