T
he Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance
(CBA), an organization that for 30
years has monitored the health of
the Choctawhatchee Bay and its
waterways in Okaloosa and Walton Counties,
teamed up with Whole Foods Market at
Destin Commons to present the Save Our
Bay Oyster Roast.
With bushels of fresh Blue Point oysters,
the Whole Foods culinary team demonstrated
roasting, a classic, southern-style preparation
of the popular mollusk, using a fl ame and a
damp burlap sack. Attendees sampled the
roasted oysters for $1 per oyster to benefi t
CBA and the tasty oysters sold out by the
end of the event. The afternoon event also
showcased kids’ activities, educational
information booths, enter to win prizes from
area merchants, and more. Whole Foods
Market chefs also offered signature sides and
healthy, prepared meals for kids.
CBA, a non-profi t organization, is
responsible for sustaining healthy local
waterways. Their O.Y.S.T.E.R recycling
program allows the CBA to partner with area
restaurants with the goal of collecting oyster
shells and using them to construct oyster reef
habitats.
Alison McDowell, CBA’s director, said,
“The Save Our Bay Oyster Roast was a
great opportunity to showcase our oyster
shell recycling program and how important
oysters are to our bay. These oyster reefs
provide habitats for fi sh and crabs. Adult
oysters can fi lter up to 50 gallons of water
a day. We helped the public to understand
the importance of oysters and how they help
make our bay so enjoyable for fi shing and
recreational use.” She further commented,
“We can’t take our waterways for granted. We
need people to join us in this mission.”
The event was sponsored by Grayton Beer
Co. All oyster and beer proceeds benefi ted
the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. For more
information, visit www.basinalliance.org or
call (850) 200-4171.
VIP Destin at Whole Foods Market
photos & story by
Kay Phelan
Jeanne Dailey & Tracy Louthain
Carl Bardin
Gina & Bob Seton
Dennis Peters, Dawn Pack & Chester Kreuger
Alison McDowell & Jessica Foy
86 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
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