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Oysters at Notkin's in Montreal

8/13/2015

It’s almost time for the 7th Annual Oysterfest in Montreal (Aug. 29-30). I have yet to get to what is hear is a wonderful freewheeling oysterlicious event but I plan to one of these days. If you’re heading to Montreal, for the festival or otherwise, make sure to stop by Notkin’s, the new oyster-bar-kid on the block.

I visited in May for a celebratory birthday batch of bivalves and was served by my shucking pal—and Notkin’s owner—Daniel Notkin.

The space is a new build—all snazzy angles and glass—a kind of retro/futuristic interior dominated by the long curved bar for drinking and dining. (Très sexy!) We sat at one end where we could watch the oysters being shucked and chatted with Daniel and his competent staff.

We slurped a selection of Canada’s finest bivalves. Sorry to say I didn’t take detailed notes (hey—it was my birthday!) but I did take photos. Check out these beauties! The dropper bottle is filled with hot sauce.

On your next trip to this fabulous city, make sure to stop by Notkin's. Order a dozen—and say hello for me!

Notkin’s, 1101 Bleury street, Montréal, 514-866-1101, http://www.notkins.com/en

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Fall Oyster Festival Roundup

8/21/2013

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Oyster and seafood festivals kick into high gear this season, and in addition to great eats there’s always high drama at the shucking competitions where speed must be matched with perfectionism. Cut an oyster or leave grit in the shell and penalties will ruin a quick time. Shells are sure to fly when the pros take the stage at these events, armed with custom made knives, to compete for glory and sometimes cash. How many will you attend? Three, two, one: SHUCK!

CANADA: 5th Annual Montreal Oysterfest—September 8, 1-9 p.m.
The 5th Annual Montreal Oysterfest is a culinary celebration of beautiful bivalves. The extravaganza features oysters handpicked by the Old Port Fishing Company; food prepared by the town’s top chefs; food-related products, crafts and books; the Mott’s Clamato Caesar Throwdown; and a highly-competitive shucking contest. It’s all happening in a new location this year: Terrasses Bonsecours, a moated island in the heart of Old Port. Mais oui! (Photo by Riccardo Cellere) http://mtloysterfest.com/

CANADA: 17th Annual PEI International Shellfish Festival-- September 12-15
An enormous white tent hosts thousands of foodies who flock to the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, a four-day event packed with culinary demos, celebrity chefs, chowder championships, and oyster shucking competitions. (In a new location this year: the Charlottetown Event Grounds on the corner of Water and Grafton Street.) I don’t know who’ll be showing up to shuck, though you might meet “Oyster Bob” from Vancouver, current Canadian champ Mike Langley, Toronto chef, Patrick McMurray, and Montreal’s Daniel Notkin. Sample all the PEI shellfish you can eat. Live music all day and night. www.peishellfish.com

IRELAND: 59th Annual Galway International Oyster Festival—September 26-29
The crème de la crème of shuckers from America to Singapore compete for the world title at the World Oyster Shucking Championship in Galway. (This year the U.S. will be represented by Robert Daffin from Panama City, Florida.) Party the Irish way at this four-day gala event that starts with a shuck-off to determine the Irish competitor. The medieval city is a striking backdrop for the non-stop events including sumptuous buffets, a parade with pom pom-shaking young colleens, live music, Irish step dancing, Guinness galore, dancing on chairs, and the crowning of the new world champ. www.galwayoysterfest.com

USA: 13th Annual Wellfleet OysterFest—October 19-20
Now in its 13th year, the Wellfleet OysterFest has grown into a 2-day street fair where thousands flock to slurp down succulent bivalves and sample chowder and other specialties prepared by local restaurants. In addition to its famous oysters, Wellfleet is home to shellfisherman William “Chopper” Young, two-time national shucking champion, and the first American to win the internationals in Galway (2008) in 32 years. Other activities include live entertainment, a 5k race, cooking demos, arts and crafts, and lectures on the marine environment.
www.wellfleetoysterfest.org

USA: 47th Annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival—October 19-20
Leonardtown, Maryland hosts this two-day extravaganza on the third weekend of October. The shucking competition attracts those who vie to claim the title as best in the nation, and win the grand prize ticket to Galway, Ireland for the international championship. In true country-fair tradition, there are arts and crafts, a livestock barn, entertainment tent, historic displays, amusement park, and the National Oyster Cook Off. Enjoy oyster chowder, grilled oysters, raw oysters, Maryland ham, BBQ beef, and deep-fried funnel cake. http://usoysterfest.com/

USA: 50th Annual Florida Seafood Festival—November 1-2
Kellie Pickler is headlining this year’s Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, but the true stars are the shuckers who’ll open eighteen Apalachicola Bay oysters and compete to win a spot in the national competition in 2014. Weekend festivities also feature an oyster-eating contest, blue crab races, a parade with bands and floats, a blessing of the fleet, 5k road race, fireworks and more. www.floridaseafoodfestival.com

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Oysters at Notkin's in Montreal

Fall Oyster Festival Roundup

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