Will You Shuck My Oyster?
This week, seafood enthusiasts gathered in Boston to celebrate at the fifth annual International Boston Seafood Show. You may wonder why we give a flying fish about some show in Boston, but we've got our reasons. Seattle represented at the Oyster-Shucking competition this past Tuesday, and local champion Jorge Hernandez, of Elliott's Oyster House, claimed first place among the 17 contestants for the fastest shucking. Hernandez beat William "Chopper" Young, the champion since the inaugural competition, shucking a dozen perfect oysters in 1:36:53. That's some major dexterity and skill. With 11 years of experience shucking oysters daily, Hernandez relies on his trusty oyster knife and a love of the shelled treat.
Back on the West Coast, foodie fashionista Salty Seattle, aka Linda Miller Nicholson, had a very big week. First, her appearance on the Food(ography) on the Cooking Channel, highlighting her molecular gastronomy skills with her infamous mozzarella balloons. And yesterday our dear friend's oysters caught the eye of Ruth Reichl formerly of Gourmet Magazine. Salty uses Sriracha bubbles to spice up the traditional briny aphrodisiac. You might also remember her on Gorden Ramsey's Master Chef last summer. Bravo to the sous-vide queen. We expect nothing ordinary from you.
Yes, Nicholson and Hernandez, you may shuck our oyster any day. Congrats on the honors and representing Seattle well.
