It’s back! The 7th edition of Montreal’s annual Oysterfest is happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Peel Basin (1057 rue de la Commune and Peel). It’s not cheap, but it’s bringing together over 80 restaurants and vendors, three oyster shucking competitions (amateur, pro qualifications and pro finals), master shuckers from around the world, live music, a giant slide and a ton of cocktails.
Oh, and more than 25,000 oysters. Questions?
What if you don’t like oysters?
No problem. There’ll be plenty of pulled pork, tacos, BBQ and tapas to go around.
Can You Be More Specific?
Sure. This year, there’s fish ‘n’ chips from Brit N’ chips, gourmet hot dogs from Dirty Dogs and artisanal donuts from Léché.
Here’s the full list of new and returning restaurants and food and drink vendors:
New: La Cuisine D’Izza, Dirty Dogs, La Batista, Olive & Orange, Phoenix Catering, Tripes & Caviar (of Verdun), Atelier d’Argentine, Decca 77, Xavier Artisan, Lord William (new pub in Griffintown), Le Cinque, Jus Pur, Harlow, Rasoi (Indian fusion in St-Henri), Maison Sociale, Flygin, Jatoba (Antonio Park’s new Asian small plates spot), Lesters Deli, Mimi La Nuit, Thazard and Toro, Toro.
Returning: Bevo, Suite 701, Barroco, Bocata, Bishop & Bagg, Brit N’ Chips, Guisseppe (753BT), Houstons, Italia Brasserie, Mercuri, Inferno, Joverse, Rosewood, L’Autre Version, L’Orignal, Le Société, Léché Desserts, Notkins, Dolcetto, Santos, Kyomi, Onovino/Cider, Park, Le Slang and Le Lab.
Anything Gluten-Free and/or Dairy-Free?
Oysters. As for the rest, you’re going to have to ask a lot of questions. One year, all I ate was oysters and put my coupons to good use at the bar.
Speaking of Alcohol…
Lets. There are a bunch of cocktail competitions over the course of the weekend, including the annual “So You Think You Can Drink” on Saturday, where home bartenders are paired with professional mixologist coaches to create a cocktail in mere minutes. The winner goes on to the Professional Pro Cup on Sunday, where premier mixologists get a box of secret ingredients and have to come up with a great cocktail fast. The prize? $500. There’s also a Caesar Throwdown on Sunday and another $500 prize.
Any non-alcoholic beverages?
Jus Pur will be on hand with their high-quality organic juices. I’m more than a little in love with this company and their line of delicious juices – even the green ones.
What if I Can’t Shuck an Oyster?
No need. Others will do it for you. You can even watch a bunch of people trying to do it really, really fast. There’s an amateur comp on Saturday and the Montreal Oyster Shucking Championship Sunday.
How Much is It?
There’s the rub. From July 21 to Aug 29th it’s $40 for entry + 2 Oysterfest coupons (valued at $5 each, so about two snacks or drinks from most of the vendors – different snacks cost different amounts of coupons, e.g. a lobster plate costs more than pulled pork). Or pay $70 and get 10 coupons with your entry. That’s a couple drinks and 4-8 oysters and snacks, depending on how upscale you go.
What if I’m in it to Win it?
Super. There are also $350 VIP tickets that get you access to a private section, open bar, AYCE oysters and private food and drink service for all the food and drink items on site. No waiting in long lines or pushing through drunken crowds.
Jesus! Is Anything Free?
You can get a free haircut on-site from Maison Privée, a barbershop in Old Montreal.
Oh okay. How Many People Will Be There?
Organizers are expecting over 8000 people to attend this year.
Where Does the Money Go?
Part of the sales go to support the Open Pier Project, “a holistic, visual map of the world’s seafood focused on creating an understanding of the food we eat and its place in the ecosystem.” The fest was originally conceived as a way of promoting sustainable seafood, which oysters are. The second I see someone serving farmed Atlantic salmon at this fest, though, I’m going to throw a fit.
Just the Basic Info, Please.
Sure.
When: Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th, 2015
Where: Peel Basin (1057 de la Commune O)
Time: Saturday – 12pm-6pm / Sunday – 12pm-10pm
Admission Fee: $40 General Admission + 2 coupons / $70 General Admission + 10 coupons.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.mtloysterfest.com and at Notkins and Newland & Jump
@mtloysterfest / #mtloysterfest
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