Ciera was Lead Producer on The Oyster Market featured fresh shucked oysters, seafood, desserts, cocktails, and other light fare prepared by chefs, cooks, and purveyors who support regional, seasonal & sustainable food systems, and who work to strengthen public space. The market featured over ten vendors. The Billion Oyster Project was onsite during The Oyster Market collecting oyster shells for use in their oyster reef restoration efforts.
Ben "Moody" Harney is the founder of Mother Shuckers, the Only Oyster Cart in Brooklyn. Fascinated by the story of Thomas Downing, "the Oyster King of New York," the son of freed slaves who peddled oysters on Wall Street in the late 1800s, and went on to open one of the most successful oyster restaurants of his time, Harney envisioned operating his own oyster cart. Ben believes the oyster could regain its place as an everyman’s food. Mother Shuckers along with more than 75 purveyors in New York City, donate all the shells to the Billion Oyster Project, an initiative to restore a billion oysters to the New York Harbor by 2035. Recycling the shells rebuilds the reefs so that new oyster populations can grow—as well as improving the water quality and stimulating a return of sea life.
Oyster Party started organically when Kyle Needham was shucking oysters at a friend’s party back in 2011. He quickly realized that as much as people loved eating oysters, not many actually knew how to shuck them properly. From there the idea to curate raw bars for private events was born! At the same time food markets all around NYC were just starting and serving freshly shucked oysters to people there seemed only logical. In 2012 Samuel came on board, and the duo started working together. Over the years they have grown into the staple for raw bar catering in NY, curating hundreds of raw bars and serving thousands of guests at food markets. Serving high quality oysters to clients in a thoughtful way has been the goal, and promise, ever since.
Lobster Place is a seafood experience like no other. Inside their Chelsea Market space you’ll find a top-notch fresh seafood counter, raw bar, sushi bar and fresh steamed lobsters to stay or to go – not to mention their Michelin-acclaimed Cull and Pistol Oyster Bar. They’ve been pioneering unique seafood experiences since 1974 when they first brought live lobster to NYC directly from the Maine coast – and a visit to their Chelsea Market outlet will show you the latest unforgettable chapter in that 45+ year story. And while you're in the neighborhood, check out their latest outpost, The Galley, located at Pier 57.
In 2015, chef Ned Baldwin opened Houseman. The restaurant’s name originates from the Norwegian word, "hussmanskost," which roughly translates to seasonal, local food. And that’s always been the ethos with Baldwin’s near daily changing menu.
Downeast Dayboat is on a mission to show the world what scallops are supposed to taste like. Founder Togue Brawn is the daughter of a commercial fisherman and has worked in Maine’s commercial fishing industry for 30+ years.
Cervo’s opened in the summer of 2017 on Canal Street in New York City's Chinatown. They are a downtown ode to the seafood of the Iberian Peninsula and a love letter to sustainable ingredients from the Northeast. Their wine list highlights bottles from coastal Spain and Portugal. Every evening behind the bar you'll find them putting new spins on classic cocktails.
Té is a New York-based tea company specializing in Taiwanese tea. Founded in 2012 by Elena Liao and Frederico Ribeiro, the company sources exquisite teas directly from small farmers in Taiwan. In addition to an array of loose leaf tea, Té is known for its exceptional tea snacks, including the beloved Pineapple Linzer.
New York-based with Mexican roots. Expertly prepared for maximum nostalgia. La Newyorkina’s mission is to share the sweetness of Mexico. Everything they make is handmade from scratch in small batches, using the best ingredients they can get their hands on.
Chomps-Élysées is a charming stall in NYC’s historic Essex Market where Tiffany Lung serves a lot of vegetables and a few not-vegetables. Tiff is a nice Brazilian American lady who spent 4 years in Paris, where she sold sandwiches from a vintage suitcase on a pink bicycle. The spirit of Chomps is French, more than the flavor: the menu is whatever Tiff makes that day.
Artisanal Italian gelato and pastries.
Slow Drinks
Danny Childs is a botanical beverage expert, a 2024 James Beard Winner, and author of Slow Drinks, the definitive guide to backyard mixology.