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Through its partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, Wandering Vine is dedicated to serving responsibly harvested seafood that protects marine ecosystems for future generations.
To celebrate this commitment, the restaurant is hosting an exclusive, one-night-only Earth Day event featuring a meticulously crafted menu of sustainably sourced seafood, perfectly paired with exquisite wines.
The Depth of Seafood
More than 50 years ago in Kansas City, Wandering Vine owner Carla Dyer’s seafood experience was a world away from the vibrant flavors she champions today. Friday night Lenten meals meant boiled shrimp dunked in homemade cocktail sauce and the lingering aroma of Missouri River catfish fried in her grandmother’s kitchen. It wasn’t until her travels with her husband took her across the world that she experienced the delights of fresh fish and seafood.
At Wandering Vine at the Castle, that passion for quality ingredients shines through in every dish. The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing the freshest produce and responsibly harvested seafood, working together with local farmers to select the best seasonal fruits and vegetables—even in the depths of winter. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Wandering Vine; it’s a way of life.
Leading this charge is Bryan Sparks, the executive chef, whose love for ocean conservation was ignited during his service in the U.S. Coast Guard. His expertise only grew during his tenure as executive chef at Jax Fish House on the Plaza. Now, at Wandering Vine, Sparks blends his commitment to sustainability with his passion for bold, unforgettable flavors, ensuring every dish tells a story of care, craftsmanship, and respect for the ocean.
The Urgency of Ocean Sustainability
The sustainability of fish and seafood populations is a growing concern. Overfishing threatens species that are in high demand, pushing populations below levels necessary for natural replenishment.
One of the most well-known examples is the cod fishery of New England. The waters of Cape Cod were once teeming with codfish, making up 35 percent of the overseas revenue of the New England colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War. In fact, some historians credit cod for its role in starting the American Revolution. However, as fishing technology advanced—steam-powered vessels replacing sailing ships, larger ships with refrigeration enabling greater catches—the cod population plummeted. From 1980 to 2020, the annual cod catch dropped a staggering 98 percent, from 100 million pounds to just 1.6 million pounds. Today, efforts are underway to restore the cod population, but full recovery may take generations.
Making Sustainable Seafood Choices
Enjoying seafood sustainably requires thoughtful choices.
Take salmon, a favorite among restaurant diners. Many people don’t realize that when they order salmon, they could be eating any one of seven different species, from Atlantic salmon to one of the six Pacific salmon species. To add to the complexity, several trout species, such as steelhead and sea trout, belong to the same family. Some of these fish are wild caught, while others are farmed, and their impact on the environment varies greatly. How can consumers make informed, sustainable choices? That’s where the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program comes in.
Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly, VP of Global Ocean Initiatives at Monterey Bay Aquarium, explains, “For over 20 years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program has set trusted standards for environmentally responsible fishing and aquaculture. Through recommendations that help seafood buyers make better choices and expertise that helps suppliers make real improvements, we’ve driven positive change throughout the supply chain.”. Learn more at seafoodwatch.org.
Wandering Vine’s Commitment to Sustainability
Wandering Vine is proud to partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium in their latest initiative to promote sustainable seafood. The restaurant serves fish and seafood rated as a “Best Choice” whenever possible, and not those listed as “Avoid.”
Following Seafood Watch’s guidelines, Sparks works closely with specialty local wholesalers to source seafood that is not only incredibly fresh and flavorful but also harvested in sustainable ways. Wandering Vine proudly serves ōra king salmon from New Zealand—an exceptionally rich, buttery fish known as the “Wagyu of the Sea.” It is also rated a Seafood Watch Best Choice, ensuring that every bite aligns with the restaurant’s commitment to responsible sourcing.
This Earth Day, celebrate at Wandering Vine with an exquisite one-night-only dinner featuring sustainably sourced seafood dishes expertly paired with fabulous wine selections. Visit wanderingvine.com/events for details and reservations.
Whether they’re lifelong seafood lovers or are just beginning to expand their palates, diners will taste the difference that thoughtful sourcing makes. Join Wandering Vine in making a positive impact one delicious meal at a time.
Wandering Vine’s Website: www.wanderingvine.com
Earth Day event at Wandering Vine: www.wanderingvine.com/earth-day-2025
Check out all the events at Wandering Vine: www.wanderingvine.com/events