12.14.2023

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Today’s Forecast

🦪 Q+A with Captain Thomas Bierce

Q+A with Captain Thomas Bierce of Charleston Oyster Farm

Oysters are the habitat where several bottom-dwelling organisms live. | Photo by Ian Mahathey

If there’s an r in the month’s spelling, it’s a good time to eat them, and if there’s a y in the day’s spelling, it’s a good time to talk about them. We caught up with Captain Thomas Bierce, owner of Charleston Oyster Farm, who gave us the scoop on oysters.

Keep reading to learn about the role oysters play in the ecosystem + preservation, harvesting, and what impacts an oyster’s flavor.

How do oysters play a role in a healthy ecosystem?

Oysters play an enormous role in the health of the ecosystem because they are the literal foundation of the habitat where most of the benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms live. Species-rich oyster reefs serve as buffets for some animals and shelter for others. A healthy oyster population will keep the waters they occupy cleaner by filtering the water as the tides ebb and flow past the oyster’s gills.

Floating-oyster-cages — Floating cages are designed to hold the oysters just under the surface all the time.
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Photo by Ian Mahathey

Can you taste the difference between farmed vs. wild oysters?

The main difference between wild and farm-raised oysters is their proximity to the bottom. Different growing environments provide different blends of phytoplankton and nutrients they feed on, giving them subtle differences. One thing that remains the same is the briny flavor. Our site is very close to the Stono River Inlet, which provides all the oysters in this particular area with abundant salt.

Oyster-Farm-Boat — Charleston Oyster Farm’s site is near the Stono River Inlet.
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Photo by Ian Mahathey

What gives different types of oysters different flavor profiles?

Oysters take on the flavor of the water they are grown in similarly to how grapes take on the flavor of the earth they are grown in. Winemakers use the term “terroir” but we use the term “merroir” for oysters. Things that influence flavor are the tide, season, geology, available food, location, and even the weather.

What’s your favorite way to eat oysters?

My favorite way to eat an oyster is straight out of the water raw which is what guests on our oyster farm tours get to experience!

More about Charleston Oyster Farm

Events

Thursday, Dec. 14

Rebecca Illustrated Holiday Shop | Thursday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec.17 | 12-7 p.m. | The Mills House Hotel, 115 Meeting St., Charleston | Price of purchase | Explore the one-stop shop for all your holiday gifts — Local artist Rebecca Meixner will have art, mugs, and bags available for purchase.
Taylor Swift Music Bingo | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Company, 3280 Industry Dr., North Charleston | Free | Just one day after the music legend’s birthday you can put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win a free pint + Swiftie themed gifts — are you ready for it?
Macrame Gnome Door Hanger Workshop | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Palmetto Brewing Co., 289 Huger St., Charleston | $35 | Grab a brew and some friends while making a festive macrame gnome door hanger.

Friday, Dec. 15

Clerk’s Off The Clock: Open Mic Night | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Emeline, 181 Church St., Charleston | Free | The stage is set for a night filled with talent — enjoy cocktails and bites while you enjoy local Charleston talent.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Champagne and Oyster Holiday Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | Islander 71, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms | Price of purchase | Sip on festive drinks at the holiday bar, dive into some roasted oysters, explore the best of local finds in our holiday market, and groove to some live music.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Edu

This scholarship helps students turn college dreams into reality

A group of scholarship recipients representing their chosen colleges.

The scholarship can be used to cover in-state tuition, fees, housing, or food. | Photo provided by Meeting Street Scholarship Fund

Know a student planning for college who needs extra financial support? Enter: The Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, offering up to $40,000 over four years.

What makes the scholarship unique? All qualified applicants receive scholarships. (Read: There’s no limit to the number of students who can receive it).

To qualify, you must:

Reside in an eligible county
Graduate from a public high school (includes charter schools)
Complete the FAFSA + receive a Pell Grant
Earn an SC LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Plan to attend one of 17 eligible colleges

Interested in applying? Sign up to get notified when applications are available.

Submit an interest form

News Notes

Development

The former Charleston Naval Base could be reshaped into Battery Park. The vacant space would become a hub for retail, restaurants, offices, homes, hotels, a public market, and entertainment space. The North Charleston City Council is set to vote on the plan tomorrow night. If passed, construction could begin next year. (The Post and Courier)

Health

Trident Medical Center has plans to open a location at a former West Ashley supermarket site. The healthcare group bought the property where Food Lion once operated at St. Andrews Boulevard and Sycamore Avenue for $11.45 million. (The Post and Courier)

Opening

Isle of Palms leaders are set to unveil a new outdoor gym this Friday, Dec. 15. The Fitness Court is located at the IOP Recreation Center at 24 28th Ave. The gym is a product of a National Fitness Campaign initiative to improve and enhance the quality of life of locals. (The Island Eye)

Environment

The State Department of Health announced it will ask industrial facilities and wastewater treatment plants seeking permits to share if they will discharge two pollutants (PFAS and 1.4-dioxane) into waterways. These new rules aim to shed light on chemicals that impact public health, the environment, and the economy. (WCSC)

Coming Soon

Berkeley County leaders broke ground on Nexton Middle School. It will be located near the intersection of Nexton Parkway and Midtown Avenue. The school is expected to open in 2025 and will hold up to 900 students. (WCIV)

Cause

Charleston-based golf apparel designer and retailer Real Golfer is donating 10% of all sales to First Tee-Greater Charleston, a local nonprofit that teaches golf to local students. The proceeds will go towards the nonprofit’s Golf + Life Skills Program, offered at 37 Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester county schools and eight local golf courses. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

Wellness

This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. (Even better? Our readers get 30% off.)*

Seasonal

New name, new venues, new events. The Charleston Festival (formerly known as the Festival of Houses & Gardens) is happening March 14-April 14. The 2024 season features iconic tours and events, but better than ever — plus, new events to enhance the experience. Learn more + snag tickets.*

Job

We’re hiring a Branded Copywriter to support the strategy, creation, and placement of branded content campaigns for 6AM City’s clients. From creating dynamic content (including written articles and social) within the 6AM tone and style to closely following the process of how we fulfill advertiser contracts — see details and apply.

Try This

🍸 Make Iron Rose’s Saint Nick Flip at home

Try This: Make this Iron Rose holiday cocktail at home

Enjoy holiday cocktails in the cozy Iron Rose bar. | Photo by CHStoday

You’ve decked the halls, trimmed the tree, shopped for gifts, and planned your holiday dinner menu. Now, it’s time to shake things up… literally.

Be the star of your next holiday party with a hand-shaken cocktail. Check out the recipe for the Saint Nick Flip, one of Iron Rose’s specialty holiday cocktails.

Saint Nick Flip

1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce px sherry
1 whole egg
2 dashes of aromatic bitters
1 toasted marshmallow

Combine ingredients in a cheater tin and fill with ice. Shake vigorously until cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or this adorable coupe. Garnish with a skewered toasted marshmallow.

Callie here. I tried the drink myself and it was delicious. The drink starts soft and sweet and develops a warm and smoky taste just like a roasted marshmallow. Check it out yourself at 115 Meeting St., Charleston, and take a look at the other cocktails offered here.

If you make the drink at home, let me know how it goes.

The Buy

The Buy 12.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A tried-and-true gift recommended by our editors. Think: cozy slippers, cordless vacuums, and weighted blankets.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Callie

From the editor

Huge shout out to one of our readers, Cheryl C. Who has referred 50+ people to CHStoday. Erika and I appreciate your support.

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