“An oyster, that marvel of delicacy, that concentration of sapid excellence, that mouthful before all other mouthfuls,” said Henry Ward Beecher; and that paragon of foods, accompanied by Virginia wines, was celebrated last month in Irvington.

Several thousand people enjoyed the fabulous oyster dishes, prepared by 10 celebrity chefs, at the Hope and Glory Inn’s Dog and Oyster Vineyard. Guests also had the opportunity to sample and purchase wine from 15 of Virginia’s finest wineries. 

Produced in partnership with Events East, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting charities including the Richmond SPCA and the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, this was a first-time event. 

The day featured top chefs who would fix oysters in the most creative ways. The recipes by three chefs featured in this article give an indication of just how incredible all the oyster dishes were.

Chef Anne Kirkmyer from the...