6. Dive Into Pride Oysters at Essex Pearl, Benefiting the Trevor Project

Rainbow colored oysters at Essex Pearl.
Essex Pearl Pride Oysters, benefiting the Trevor Project. Image Courtesy Essex Pearl.

For foodies, it doesn’t get much better than enjoying fine dining and libations to benefit a cause dear to many in the Queer community. At Essex Pearl, throughout the month of June diners can feast upon “Pride oysters,” made with colorful fish roe, house shallots and Red Chili Nuoc Cham. These delectable oysters, along with signature cocktails made especially for Pride month patrons, go to benefit the Trevor Project: a non-profit serving as a resource for queer youth undergoing mental health crises.

Conveniently located just beneath Essex Market on the Lower East Side, this new seafood destination is helmed by chef Daniel Le who is famed for working at the Ritz Carlton and Hanoi House. A fusion of the best that Southeast Asia and New York have to offer, the establishment is a venture by Aqua Best, the renowned seafood purveyor based in New York City.