Moonlight Oyster Picnic Makes For Slippery Fun
Seattle seafood legend Jon Rowley led a group of 50 head lamp-wearing oyster fans down to the beach on Totten Inlet near Shelton, Wash., last night and said: "Let's eat!"
The moonlit, low-tide feast at the oyster beds of Taylor Shellfish is a winter tradition Rowley dreamed up a few years ago. He calls it the "Walrus & Carpenter" picnic, plucked from a Lewis Carroll poem featuring a Walrus and Carpenter who lure oysters for a "lovely walk, a lovely talk upon the briny beach" and then proceed to eat every one.
I lost count how many I ate after a slurping more than a dozen Virginicas, Kumamotos, Olympias and Pacifics at four shucking stations. Some picnickers brought their own knives and plucked shells right off the beach, including a few monster-sized bivalves (pictured on the right) that are big favorites at overseas markets in Asia.
One of the highlights of this incredible evening was watching the techniques of various shuckers. I've been getting lots of practice this winter, indulging in a half a dozen raw oysters once a week. But my knife skills aren't all that sharp when it comes to popping open those tight shells.
I picked up a few tips (beginners should never hold an oyster in their bare hands while shucking) and also learned that during shucking competitions, it's common to pry oysters open on the wider side.
The menu at this picnic was strictly surf and surf. There were only wedges of lemons to accompany these salty, wet kisses from the sea. Oh, and fantastic Sauvignon blanc from Cedargreen Cellars, the wine that won the competition last year to find the perfect match for oysters.
Before we headed back onto the bus for the 90-minute ride back to Seattle, the group was warmed by a super creamy, deeply satisfying oyster stew prepared by Xinh Dwelley of Xinh's Clam & Oyster House.
I'm definitely going to put this event on my annual culinary calendar. Rowley polled the group to find out if anyone was interested in a similar outing in the summer to dig geoduck. Count me in!
-- Leslie Kelly
Sandra Sullivan on January 29, 2010 at 11:01 AM
I had such an excellent time on this trip, and am excited to hear of a possible geoduck hunt in the summer! Full moon, low tide, oysters, friends, wine... I can't imagine a better time than was had last night.
Vicki on January 29, 2010 at 05:17 PM
How does one go about getting invited???
Cindy Wambeam on January 31, 2010 at 12:48 AM
You forgot to mention the contraband tucked in your pocket! I'm still grinning about that tiny bottle of Tabasco. :)
If you're interested, a few photos are up on my little blog here:
http://www.meltingteapot.com/blog5.php/2010/01/30/i-am-the-walrus
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