The legend of the oyster

When I mention that I know a thing or two about aphrodisiacs, the first word out of everyone’s mouth is oyster. Unless you’re living under a rock–and possibly even then–you’ve heard that oysters are aphrodisiac. But what everyone I encounter wants to know is if this reputation is really true. Well, I can tell you where you can find out for yourself, at the 25th annual Oyster Riot in Washington D.C.

What is the Oyster Riot?

The event affords revelers the chance for three hours of all-you-can eat oysters paired with award-winning wines. You see why I say this is your chance to find out for yourself whether or not oysters actually work as an aphrodisiac? Included in the price of admission is live music and dancing–perhaps a prelude to the horizontal cha cha?

I feel a particular affinity for this event, not because of the chance for all-you-can-eat oysters, although I do like the sound of it. But my bond to this event is the fact that the inspiration for the Oyster Riot was the Oyster Wine Competition created in Seattle by the late Jon Rowley, a competition for which I was a judge for many years.

The Oyster Riot was created and is hosted by D.C.’s Old Ebbitt Grill. But because the Grill’s atrium is currently under renovation, this year’s celebration is going outdoors at The Bullpen at Nats Park. The event takes place on Saturday, October 26. There will be two sessions. An afternoon session, or the afternoon delight as I like to think of it, runs from 1-4pm. Then an evening session kicks off at 7pm.

Ticket information

Tickets for this year’s Oyster Riot are on sale now. General admission is $99 with VIP tickets available for $150. VIP tickets holders not only get to skip the general admission line their golden tickets offer them access to a lounge area and include a signed, numbered Oyster Riot poster by concert poster artist Mike DuBois.

For more information and to purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit the Old Ebbitt Grill Website.