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| NC Oyster Festival. Ocean Isle, NC. |
I loaded up the family and headed down to the NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle, North Carolina, for my first steamed local oysters of the season. I couldn't wait. After we arrived at the festival, I was ready to make a beeline to the oyster tent. But no. We're immediately side tracked by the bright balloon darts, spinning barrels, pick-a-duck pond and loads of crappy prizes. Ugh! Finally, with allowances spent, we slowly made our way to the oyster tent. (Please pause for a happy dance.)
Ahhh. Steaming oysters on a perfectly crisp fall day in October. Happiness for all six senses (and yes, umami, I'm talking to you).
The oyster roast was old school ... Huge crusty grills ... Burlap for steaming ...
Left: My first bucket of steamed oysters this season.
Right: The oysters were harvested near Beaufort, SC. They were small with medium brine ... and not as plump as I would have preferred. No doubt they were wild clusters that could have used some more time hanging out in cool water. It's early though!
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries was there to collect and recycle all of the oyster shells. This is the pile collected in only three hours. The oyster shells are put back in the inlet for a new generation of oyster seeds.
After recycling, we headed back to the festival to walk around and meet some of the artists. I saw some new oyster knives that we hope to feature on the website soon. I also met the crazy talented Karen Clayton Braxton. Check out this oyster bucket she hand painted with, um, an oyster. We hope to be carrying her buckets as soon as possible and cannot wait.
Finally, check out this oyster sculpture by the boys at Carolina Shucking Co.
It's on. Oyster season is open. (Please pause for another happy dance.)
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