RECAP: Feast of the Local Fishes
February 27, 2024 — Garibaldi, OR
We were thrilled to have the beloved Mona and Jaret of Tournant out to the coast to collaborate with our very own Alanna of Shifting Tides for this spectacular afternoon of seafare delights. There’s nothing quite like the Historic US Coastguard Boathouse. And when you get multi-course appetizers, a seafood boil, and get your hand at crabbing off the dock, it' doesn’t get much better.
The evening started with delectable wines, poured by Barb of Cooper Mountain Vineyards. Guests got to wander around the iconic building and learn about local history while enjoying various appetizers created by the Tournant team. Bites included a comforting chowder made with Tillamook Bay clams (harvested by local clam diver Brad Farmer), aquachile mussels, Hama Hama Oysters, and pink shrimp tostadas!
The group then got to learn about Oregon’s rich dungeness crab industry from Winter Waters co-founder Alanna. The discussion touched on what sets Oregon apart from other crabbing locations, what regulations allow the Dungeness crab fishery to be so sustainable, different types of gear used, as well as how to get involved with recreational harvesting of shellfish in Oregon. All this before everyone got to brave the weather (just like commercial crabbers!) and try their hand at crabbing, with pots that were already baited and set prior to the evening.
Guests watching Alanna demonstrate how to bait and set crab rings.
Meanwhile, the Tournant team was hard at work steaming clams and crab and preparing for the classic, family-style crab boil. When everyone ventured back inside, tables were set and ready to indulge in the main course, Wolfmoon Bread with furikake butter, a dulse seaweed Caesar salad, potatoes, steamed clams and a whole crab or more for everyone!!
