Maryland DNR to Host Bounty Of The Bay Dinner February 28

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Boatyard Bar & Grill will co-host the Bounty of the Bay Dinner from 6 to10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28 in Annapolis.

     "The Bounty of the Bay Dinner is a celebration of Maryland Seafood and our state's watermen,"said DNR Secretary John Griffin. "By supporting local watermen, farmers and restaurants, not only are we are supporting our State's economy, but our food doesn't have to travel far to get our table, which means fewer carbon emissions and a fresher product."

     From smoky plates of roasted oysters to baked rockfish filets, Maryland seafood is legendary. Through The Bounty of the Bay, DNR and its partners are working to highlight the State's down-home delicacies and the hardworking men and women behind them. Dinner will include the standard Maryland fare, but also highlight overlooked dishes such as yellow perch.

     "We want to remind people that even during the winter months the Bay continues to provide us with ample fishing opportunities and plenty of amazing seafood options," said Steve Vilnit, DNR Fisheries Marketing Director. "In bringing together commercial and sport anglers, DNR staff and members of the public we hope to build camaraderie and share in the message over an incredible seafood feast."

     The dinner comes on the heels of the successful "From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out," which took place in early October. More than 170 restaurants from Pennsylvania to Virginia donated $1 from every dinner Maryland seafood dinner sold during that week to the Oyster Recovery Partnership, a non-profit organization working to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay's native oyster population. DNR, the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the participating restaurants raised more than $20,000 to help restore Maryland's native oyster.

     The Bounty on the Bay Dinner includes a raw bar and a five-course meal featuring Maryland oysters, crabmeat, striped bass and yellow perch. Tickets will be limited to the first 125 guests who make a reservation. The dinner is $49 per ticket and includes all food, tax and gratuity. To RSVP or for more information call the Boatyard Bar & Grill at 410-216-6206.

    To see a video from last year's event, A Celebration of Maryland Seafood, visit youtube.com/watch?v=yadupwSgwyo.