85 Main Restaurant in Putnam, CT to Hold 2nd Annual Oyster "Shuck-Off" Event
What started out as a lofty idea last April turned into one of the most talked about and highly anticipated restaurant events of the year, contributing to Putnam’s recent ranking as one of the top 15 towns in New England ( as voted by Boston Magazine). James Martin of 85 Main in Putnam, CT promises not to disappoint with this year’s 2nd annual 85 Main Shuck-Off, an oyster shucking competition and shellfish celebration that is expected to rally thousands of people into downtown Putnam.
Main Street will be closed for the event, which kicks off at 12:00 with shrimp, mussels, clams, steamers, and shrimp and $1 oysters. Margaritas, draft beer, wine, sangria will complement the fare. There is also a $100 pass which will entitle purchasers to as much shellfish as one can consume. Music from the local favorite Uncle Rhubarb and the Hokum Hotshots and local band Doors of Deception will be part of the festivities.
At 2:00pm, over 20 of the industry’s top contestants will compete in the Shuck-Off competition, but must be prepared to fight for the title against The Oyster Shucking World Champion and last year’s Shuck Off winner William "Chopper" Young. Contenders will be travelling for this event from regional favorites such as the Providence Oyster Bar, Union Oyster House in Boston, Max’s Oyster Bar in Hartford, as well as remote locations like Virginia, Baltimore, and New York City .
American Mussel Harvester of North Kingston, RI, will be the major sponsor of this event. Co-sponsors include Mohegan Sun, Dexter Russell Knives, and a multitude of national distributors and many local sponsors.
Since last year’s overwhelmingly successful event, Chef/owner James Martin has created a name for the small-town event and his restaurant, which is located over an hour from the nearest shoreline. 85 Main’s exclusive raw bar has tantalized local shellfish aficionados since 2005 by offering a variety of ocean-fresh oysters, clams, mussels and shrimp delivered several times a week. It has also been an educational opportunity that highlights the health benefits of shellfish. The Shuck-Off is an opportunity to celebrate the not-so-quiet Quiet Corner of Connecticut and an overall passion for food and fun. Check out the photo gallery below from last year's shuck-off!
Where: 85 Main Restaurant, 85 Main St. Putnam, CT 06260
When: Sunday, May 2nd, 12-6pm (rain date May 16th)
For More Info: Contact James Martin at 860-928-1660 or email: james@85main.com