Saturday, October 9 at 6:30pm
Oysters and Wine event to benefit Urban Ministry Center
CHARLOTTE, NC (Restaurant News Release) Upstream, the city’s most acclaimed seafood restaurant is excited to announce its SECOND ANNUAL OYSTER BASH, to be held on Saturday, October 9 at 6:30pm. Cost is $95 per person, inclusive, and offers passionate half-shell connoisseurs the opportunity to enjoy 10 unique varieties of cold water oysters from around the country and 10 perfectly paired wines and sparklers. In addition, Upstream will donate a portion of the proceeds from the evening to Urban Ministry Center, a Charlotte-based agency that serves as a point of entry to services for the city’s poor and homeless population. Urban Ministry Center recently lost its roof in a deluge of rain which destroyed their pantry and kitchen.
Upstream’s Executive Chef Scott Wallen has selected only the best cold water oysters to be presented at the Second Annual Oyster Bash. Some of the featured half-shells include:
Rappahannock – Topping, Virginia
These oysters offer a sweet, buttery, full-bodied taste with a refreshingly clean, crisp finish.
Old Salt – Chincoteague Bay, Virginia
The truest taste of the ocean, Old Salt oysters bring together a bold sea-side brininess with a smooth, clean follow-through.
York River – York River, VirginiaGrown in the lower York River, where the Blue Ridge Mountain streams meet the Chesapeake Bay, Yorks may well be the perfect blend of sweetness and salt.
Blue Point – New York to Delaware coasts.These oysters have a full, salty taste.
Malpeque – Prince Edward IslandMalpeque shells have a reddish tint and a slightly iron, mineral-like taste. This small, clean, crisp tasting oyster is usually available all year.
Chefs Creek or Fanny Bay – British ColumbiaThe meats are very plump and attractive, with a flavor that starts salty and finishes sweet and melon-like.
Each of Chef Wallen’s oyster selections will be paired with white wine or sparklers. George Erdle, Upstream’s wine consultant, has been instrumental in working with the chef to make these pairings perfect. “Pairing great oysters and wines can be a challenge,” said Erdle. “But I’ve found that wines which are crisp and steely pair best with the naturally briny flavor of an oyster. French varietals are exceptionally well suited for shellfish and so we will be serving these selections along with a couple interesting beers.”
Erdle said that some of the wines to be featured at the event include: Droin Chablis, Jos. Drouhin Chablis, Dopff & Irion, NV. La Marca Prosecco, Etude Pinot Gris, Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc and many more. The Oyster Bash will also showcase two beers — Blue Point Beer and Abita SOS.
During the event, a panel of three wine experts including Chuck Richards of Reid’s Fine Foods, Master Sommelier Brian Koziol of Treasury Wine Estates, and George Erdle will select their choice for best pairing of the evening. Guests will also choose their favorite oyster and wine pairing and the votes from both the judges and guests will be tallied together to name the overall winner of the evening. Participating guests will be entered into drawing for a complimentary dinner for two at Upstream. Featured wines will be available for sale by the bottle at a one-time, special price.
Reservations for Upstream’s Second Annual Oyster Bash are required and must be secured with a credit card. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy in effect. To make a reservation, please contact the restaurant at 704.556.7730.
Upstream is located in Charlotte’s Southpark area at 6902 Phillips Place, at the Phillips Place shopping area. Hours of operations: Mon-Thurs 11:30am -10:00pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sunday 10:30am-10pm; Sunday Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm. Reservations are accepted at 704.556.7730. Visit online at www.upstreamseafood.com.
Charlotte-based Harper’s Restaurant Group is recognized as one of the Carolina’s fastest growing and most critically-acclaimed restaurant companies. The Group owns, manages and operates 7 locations, including Upstream, Mimosa Grill, Zink. American Kitchen and four Harper’s Restaurants throughout the Carolinas. For further information, contact Harper’s Restaurant Group at 704.375.9715 or visit the website at www.harpersrestaurants.com.