Again this year, oysters will be served in many different ways at local resorts, restaurants, pubs and wineries. (File photo)
Oyster lovers from across the South Okanagan – and many other parts of B.C and as far away as Calgary – are once again gearing up for some great food, beer and wine as the annual Osoyoos Oyster Festival is ready to roll once again.
The fifth annual Osoyoos Oyster Festival will feature oysters from around the world at one of three gala events and several days of good food and good times at Osoyoos and area restaurants, pubs and wineries, said Darlene Richard, the new marketing manager with Destination Osoyoos, which is again sponsoring and organizing the festival.
The Osoyoos Oyster Festival returns to the South Okanagan from April 20-24.
The five-day culinary event showcases oysters produced by West Coast fishermen, alongside Canadian wines and craft beers.
This year, World Champion Oyster Shucker Patrick McMurray, AKA “Shucker Paddy,” will make a special appearance to shuck fresh oysters for guests. McMurray is also owner of The Ceili Cottage Restaurant in Toronto.
Over the course of the festival, guests can sip Canadian wine, craft beer and spirits, paired with delicious oyster creations from local chefs.
A number of new events are planned for this year’s festival, including an International Oyster Night, featuring internationally inspired oyster dishes, said Richard.
“We will be featuring oysters from literally around the world … with oysters coming in from England, New Zealand, Ireland, Nova Scotia here in Canada and Cape Cod in New England,” said Richard.
The International Oyster Night will take place at the Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort on Friday, April 22. Tickets are $60 apiece and selling fast.
Two pairing competitions will take place during the festival with teams of expert judges determining which Canadian wines and craft beers pair best with oysters.
Results of the Canadian Oyster Wine Competition and the Canadian Oyster Craft Beer Competition will be announced during the third gala event – Art of the Oyster Pearl Gala at Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort on Saturday, April 23.
While the majority of those attending the oyster festival are from the South Okanagan, the event continues to grow in popularity and is now attracting dozens of people from the Lower Mainland and as far away as Calgary, said Richard.
“It’s a really good time and a great way to kick off the spring,” she said. “People who attend have a lot of fun and get to enjoy oysters as well as other great food and some fantastic wine and beer.
“It’s a lot of fun and many people continue to return year after year.”
The complete lineup for the Osoyoos Oyster Festival includes:
Miradoro Long Table Dinner, April 20. Enjoy a special evening at Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Winery, starting with freshly shucked oysters followed by a three-course dinner dedicated to the oyster. Tickets are $39.
Under the Tuscan Sea at Terrafina, April 21. Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery invites guests to sample pizza and oysters paired with spring releases from Hester Creek and tastings from the winery’s ‘bubbly’ neighbours. Tickets are $49
2016 Oyster Open at the Greenside Grill, April 21. Mingle, mix, slurp and sip at the Greenside Grill at the Osoyoos Golf Club. The event will feature oysters, along with appetizers for non-oyster eaters, and a tasting station of assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $50.
Whiskey & Oysters at SOL Grillroom & Lounge, April 22. SOL Grillroom & Lounge at the Holiday Inn will host this intimate event (limited ticket release) which includes a variety of fresh oysters, whiskey pairings and various dishes from the kitchen. With special guest Patrick McMurray (“Shucker Paddy”) in attendance. Tickets are $50.
International Oyster Night at Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort, April 22. Featuring internationally inspired oyster dishes from local restaurants and chefs, special guest Patrick McMurray (“Shucker Paddy”) shucking fresh oysters from several different regions courtesy of Codfathers Seafood Market, and local wineries pouring their best. Tickets are $60.
Deep Sea Garden Party at Walnut Beach Resort, April 23. This al fresco afternoon event will feature special guest Patrick McMurray (“Shucker Paddy”) shucking fresh oysters courtesy of Codfathers Seafood Market, culinary delights from local restaurants and chefs, and wine and beer from local wineries and craft breweries. Tickets are $45.
Amateur Shuck ‘n Suck Competition at The Sage Pub, April 23. Come to compete or come to cheer at the 5th Amateur Shuck ‘n Suck Competition as teams of two compete to win the coveted title of the Best Shuck n’ Suck Team in the Okanagan. Tickets: $10
Art of the Oyster Pearl Gala at Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort, April 23. The signature event of the festival will feature oyster dishes from local restaurants and chefs, served alongside award-winning local wines, with special guest Patrick McMurray (“Shucker Paddy”) shucking fresh oysters courtesy of Codfathers Seafood Market. Results of the Canadian Oyster Wine Competition and the Canadian Oyster Beer Competition will be announced. Cocktails, wine and canapes will be followed by dancing until midnight. Tickets are $60.
Under the Sea Brunch at Watermark Beach Resort, April 24. Watermark Beach Resort’s Chef Adair Scott will prepare a bountiful brunch featuring a selection of raw and hot oysters. Tickets are $39.
For out-of-town guests attending the festival, Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort, Walnut Beach Resort, Watermark Beach Resort, and Holiday Inn and Suites Osoyoos, are offering special Oyster Festival room rates. Visit: osoyoosoysterfestival.com/stay-in-osoyoos.
For more information and to purchase tickets for festival events, please visit: osoyoosoysterfestival.com.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
