Cracking the Shellfish Code 2.0: A United Table Event with Eating with the Ecosystem
Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM | United Theatre, Westerly, RI
Pull up a seat at the table for the next installment of The UNITED Table series as we dive deep into Rhode Island’s most iconic bivalve: the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica).
Presented in partnership with Eating with the Ecosystem, this special evening features a lively panel discussion, guided tasting, and hands-on shucking experience—all celebrating the rich marine flavors and cultural importance of local oysters.
🦪 What to Expect:
We’ll begin with a panel of local experts, seafood advocates, and oyster farmers—including our friends at Aquidneck Island Oyster Company—as they share insights into the history, ecology, and evolving market for Rhode Island oysters. Learn about the sustainable practices behind oyster farming, their crucial role in coastal ecosystems, and the ways they’ve become a culinary treasure in New England cuisine.
After the panel, guests will move into the Gallery for a curated oyster tasting from Aquidneck Island Oyster Company, highlighting the unique tastes, textures, and terroir of Rhode Island-grown oysters. You’ll also get the chance to learn how to shuck oysters yourself, with guidance from experienced culinary pros.
🌊 Whether you’re an oyster enthusiast or just curious about where your seafood comes from, this is a delicious and enlightening night you won’t want to miss.
About the UNITED Table Series:
The UNITED Table is The UNITED’s culinary storytelling series, celebrating the food we eat and the people who bring it to life—from chefs and farmers to foragers and fishers. Through talks, tastings, screenings, and shared meals, we invite you to explore the flavors, history, and creativity that connect us all. Bon appétit!
About Eating with the Ecosystem:
Based in Rhode Island, Eating with the Ecosystem promotes a place-based approach to New England seafood. Through education, research, and community engagement, they connect eaters to the region’s local catch in ways that support healthy marine ecosystems, resilient coastal communities, and sustainable seafood supply chains. Learn more at www.eatingwiththeecosystem.org.