The first round of the Shuck N’ Suck Oyster eating competition begins with four teams devouring as many oysters as they can in a rapid two minutes.
The packed crowd at Merchant Oyster Company cheers and hollars as four teams of two scramble to crack open and throw back oysters like it’s last call at the bar. May’s teams were local restaurateurs from Colonia, The Commoner, Black Radish Kitchen and, of course, Merchant Oyster Company.
It’s a lively atmosphere as the other restaurant-goers yell and take pictures. Some team members are focusing on shucking, other team members are focusing on sucking. It’s a battle out there and not for the faint of heart; if your oyster game isn’t strong, you’ll be lost at sea and eliminated from the tournament.
The bell rings as time runs out and the oysters are counted. Merchant Oyster Company, who takes down an impressive thirteen oysters, is declared the winner as the crowd applauds. And this was just the first round! Get ready as four new teams set sail next month. Not competing? Kick-back with half-off oysters (known as strong aphrodisiacs) and enjoy the show.
Need we say more?
When: First Monday of the Month
Where: Merchant Oyster Co
[button text=”Learn More” link=”https://www.merchantpgh.com” target=”blank” width=”full” color=”black” size=”Medium”][/join] This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
