Four Seasons New Orleans Launches "Oysters Take Flight" Culinary Adventure
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has introduced a captivating new experience, Oysters Take Flight, aimed at enhancing its culinary offerings and solidifying its position as a premier dining destination. This innovative epicurean journey combines the thrill of a scenic seaplane flight over the picturesque landscapes of New Orleans and Louisiana's coastal marshlands with an immersive exploration of oyster farming, culminating in a dining experience at Chef Donald Link’s acclaimed Chemin à la Mer.
Available exclusively on Mondays and Tuesdays with a two-week advance booking notice, this extraordinary experience commences with a luxurious morning transfer from the hotel to the airbase. Guests are then whisked away on a seaplane voyage, treating them to breathtaking views from New Orleans to the mouth of the Mississippi, where the river converges with the gulf. Detailed information can be found on the company website.
Central to the Oysters Take Flight experience is the hands-on exploration of oyster farming at Little Moon Oyster Ranch, overseen by Ryan Anderson. Drawing from his upbringing on a Maryland oyster farm, Anderson's passion for these delicacies led him to Louisiana, where he now spearheads operations at Little Moon Oyster Ranch. Employing "off-bottom" floating cages, the ranch cultivates over 100,000 oysters, each boasting distinct flavors ranging from salty to sweet and savory. Guests not only develop a profound appreciation for sustainable seafood practices but also indulge in the unparalleled pleasure of savoring freshly shucked oysters straight from the water – an experience that tantalizes the senses.
Oysters Take Flight promises to be a comprehensive and enriching expedition, showcasing the region's diverse wildlife, cultures, and heritage. Participants gain invaluable insights into coastal ecology, witness the vibrant coastal communities, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical sustainability efforts aimed at preserving the Mississippi River delta. As the adventure draws to a close, guests return to Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans to savor a curated tasting menu at Chemin à la Mer, Donald Link’s homage to classic Gulf Coast cuisine.
The brainchild of Mali Carow, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, Oysters Take Flight is more than just a culinary escapade; it's an educational odyssey that intertwines the region's rich culinary heritage with a dedication to coastal sustainability. Carow emphasizes, "Our latest experience, Oysters Take Flight, offers an unparalleled educational adventure that combines our rich culinary heritage with our commitment to coastal sustainability. There is a story behind everything we do. This all-sensory experience brings the purpose and intentionality behind Chemin à la Mer’s oyster bar into crisp focus."