Sandin Lab at the 27th Annual Oceans Benefit Gala

With the locavore movement gaining momentum, and organic produce becoming a kitchen staple, it’s a good time to live in California. San Diegans are lucky to have access to local farms, and local seafood.

On April 26, 2012 the San Diego Oceans Foundation (SDOF) hosted 27th Annual Oceans Benefit Gala – Oceans for the Future: A Sustainable Seafood Celebration. The gala was held at SeaWorld’s Turtle Reef and Shark Encounter Exhibits. Students from Smith and Sandin labs at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography were invited to pair up with celebrity chefs, in order to inform donors about their mini-meals.

The sustainable seafood tastings were eco-culinary delights. The highlights included the diver-caught Mano de Leon scallops with smoked salmon from Sea Rocket Bistro, the halibut with a delicately spicy pepper marmalade from the Fishery, and the seared yellowfin with crispy lotus root and white truffle aioli from Azuki Sushi. The SDOF held true to its integrity as it refused chefs that did not adhere to the strict local, sustainable rules.

Sandin and Smith labs were at hand to engage the crowd on the issue of sustainable seafood. It was a fascinating mix of foodies, eco-diners, and the who’s who of sustainable living. Our group also ran into former state assemblywoman, Lorie Saldaña, a candidate running for California State Congressional District 52 (pictured below). Live music entertained the crowd with the unique and bright duet between cello and ukele.

The winner of the Annual Dr Roger Revelle Award was acclaimed chef Andrew Spurgin of Campine, A Culinary + Cocktail Conspiracy. The Campine booth’s sampler entrée was a Tide Pool. To accompany the sustainably farmed oysters, local sea urchin, masago, and Mano de Leon scallops on the plate, students brought a live touch tank. Tank to table, SIO students were at hand to bridge the gaps between seafood and sea creatures.

It’s important to know what you eat! For more information on sustainable seafood in your area click here.

For more information on the San Diego Oceans Foundation click here.