NC Oyster and Seafood celebration set for November in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Chef Dean Neff will host the inaugural North Carolina Oyster & Seafood Celebration on Nov. 4–5 at Seabird, his Wilmington restaurant. The two-day event coincides with the start of wild oyster season and highlights the state’s seafood industry, from commercial fishing to aquaculture.

In a news release, Neff said the goal is to bring together chefs, seafood workers and consumers to better understand the state’s coast and its seafood resources.

“Our hope for this annual event is to create a really informative and delicious opportunity for us to explore these complexities together so that chefs, fisher people and consumers alike will be more empowered to be active stewards of our sea,” Neff said.

The event will feature Julie Qiu, an oyster sommelier and co-founder of the Oyster Master Guild, who will lead classes and tastings. Local oyster farmer and forager Ana Shellem will also take part.

Schedule of events

• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Farmed Oyster Dinner – An oyster tasting led by Julie Qiu, with presentations from North Carolina oyster farmers. Guests will taste oysters from across NC, paired with wines. The evening ends with a multi-course seafood dinner. Reservations available on OpenTable.

• Wednesday, Nov. 5: Oyster Class (Noon–2:30 p.m.) – An educational session for oyster farmers, hospitality workers and seafood enthusiasts, led by Qiu. Reservations available on OpenTable.

• Wednesday, Nov. 5: Wild Oyster Chef’s Table (5–7:15 p.m.) – A tasting menu for eight diners at Seabird’s Chef’s Table with Neff, Qiu and Shellem, focused on wild oysters. Reservations available on OpenTable.

Organizers say the celebration is intended to become an annual event.