Before Shucking Oysters, Consider Proper Supplies

Thinking about opening oysters yourself? Good, you came to the right place. Shucking oysters isn't too difficult, especially with the right supplies. With the proper tools, such as an oyster knife (not a screwdriver), and protective gloves (not snow gloves), you should have a great time and a safe experience opening oysters.

Here are some supplies that you might want to consider:

For Safety:

Oyster Knife

An oyster knife is one of the most important tools for opening an oyster. Currently, I often find myself using a knife by Toadfish. Here is an example:

Oyster Glove

Another must-have item for opening oysters is a safe glove. Consider a cut resistant glove, like this one:

For Fun:

Oysters should be fun! Otherwise, what's the point!?

I find having mini disposable forks around when serving oysters helpful and fun.
Here are two options:

Mini Silver Plastic Forks

Wooden Disposable Eco-Friendly Forks

Looking to really step up your oyster game? Shaved ice might help.Why shaved ice? It's great for plating/serving oysters and for keeping your oysters cold. 

If you're thinking about grilling your oysters, try a Cast Iron Oyster Pan:

Need More Help Opening Oysters?

If you're afraid of using an oyster shucking knife or if you think you might need additional help opening oysters, consider the following:

The Oyster Jack

The Stainless Steel Countertop EZ Oyster Shucker

Whatever you decide, just be safe and have fun. Now, get some supplies and then Go Shuck An Oyster!

8 Unique Oyster Themed Gifts

We love all things related to oysters. Here are some unique gifts, available on Etsy, you or your loved one might want for yourself or to give as a gift this upcoming holiday season:

1. Decorate your home with some color and show your love for oysters with an oyster pillow cover:

Oyster Pillow Cover by Art By Alexandra Nicole

2. Keep those hands extra safe when shucking or opening oysters. Gloves can get wet and smelly. This unique product is sure to please the oyster shucker you know:

Shucko-Mat by Seafood Hardware

3. Is it time to add a high qualify oyster knife to your collection? If so, this one will make most shuckers very happy this holiday season:

Oyster Knife by Jim Anne Canady Knives

4. Who doesn't like these decorative signs? Hang them around your house, shed, garage or anywhere to add a little bit of the ocean to your surroundings:

Beach Sign Set by The Unpolished Barn

5. A ring like no other I have seen before! Complete with a pearl and starfish. A must have gift for someone who thought they had it all:

Oyster Mesh Tahitian Pearl Ring with Sea Star Accent by Christian Rose Design

6. Is it time to fill an empty wall with fine art? Why not choose this beautiful original oil oyster painting:

Original Oyster Painting Still Life by Camille Barnes

7. Okay, Okay! We know it's not an oyster but we love lobsters too! This cute bib is a must buy for those new parents who enjoy lobsters the size of their newborn. We recently purchased this as a gift for a friend (baby Will) and it was a big hit! So adorable and very affordable:

Lobster Baby Bib by Clares Clothesline

8. Seafood ornaments make great decorations this time of year. Thees four are very pretty and make a great gift to give:

Painted Seafood Ornaments by Vintage Voisin

Please enjoy the gift of giving gifts this holiday season! Choose a gift from our list for the oyster or seafood lover in your life and we trust they will be pleased.

Review of the Toadfish Outfitters Oyster Knife

I have been shucking oysters for many years and I have a few knives that I tend to use more than others. In particular, I have three favorites that I use most of the time. It is rare that a new knife becomes one of my go-to knives but that just happened with the Put em’ Back Oyster Knife by Toadfish that we recently tested.

Things that make this knife unique and earn a top spot in our rotation include the color, the beauty, the well designed Toadfish™ blade, and most importantly: the contoured handle. The knife has a substantial feel and weight, and a longer blade with a narrow but blunt tip. 

The handle, made out of recycled and sustainable materials, has a comfortable and slip-free indentation for your thumb and one for your index finger. This allows for added safety and comfort while shucking.

The knife "was developed from generations of oystermen. It combines all the elements of a traditional oyster knife with a modern look at ergonomics and the physics of shucking an oyster perfectly and safely," the Toadfish website describes. 

Did we mention the warranty yet? I don't think any of my other knives came with a warranty. The Toadfish oyster knife comes with a two-year limited warranty. They will either repair or replace your knife if it has defects. 

Do you feel better about supporting products and brands that give back? Well, you will be pleased to know that for every product purchased, Toadfish donates the funds needed to plant 10 sq. feet of oyster habitat. By now, we hope all of our readers understand the benefits of oysters in our waters. For those who do not, when your Toadfish knife arrives in the mail just look at the packaging for a reminder that "a single oyster filters 60 gallons of water per day."

Additionally, Toadfish has partnered with the Coastal Conservation Association of South Carolina and has recently donated twenty thousand dollars to the organization's habitat efforts. With a motto of "shuck, recycle, rebuild," Toadfish is living up to its mission of being a good corporate citizen.

Other Toadfish products that might interest you:

• PUT ‘EM BACK™ Oyster Knife-Custom Engraved
• The Toadfish Set - 3 PUT ‘EM BACK Oyster Knives in an elegant wooden box
• The Toadfish Set-Custom Engraved - 3 Custom Engraved PUT ‘EM BACK Oyster Knives in an elegant wooden box.
• You can also find Toadfish hats and shirts online here. 

When you shop at Toadfish, tell them your friends at Go Shuck an Oyster sent you and then comment below to let us know what you think of their oyster shucking knife. 

If you prefer to shop at Amazon, the Toadfish oyster shucking knife can be found on Amazon by clicking here. At the time of this post, all four reviews on Amazon rated the knife with 5 stars. 

The Annual Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend in Alabama

Save the date and make your plans now to attend the 2017 Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend in Gulf Shores, AL during November 3&4, 2017. 

This year's lineup features notable Southern chefs including: 

• Cory Bahr (Next Food Network Star)
• Martie Duncan (Next Food Network Star)
• Rob McDaniel (5x James Beard Award nominee)
• Adam Evans (Esquire’s #1 Best New Restaurant)
• Derek Emerson (3x James Beard Award nominee)

And, that's just to name a few. Additional chefs will be announced throughout the summer at www.hangoutcookoff.com.

This annual Cook-Off is one of the country’s premier culinary events, where fans can taste oysters prepared by some of the South’s best restaurants and chefs. Want to learn some tips for the kitchen? Celebrities and James Beard Award winning chefs will be demonstrating recipes and cooking techniques. 

Tickets for this celebration of food and drink are on sale now at www.hangoutcookoff.com. 

Sample over 100 oyster recipes or indulge in the largest curated selection of farmed oysters from all over North America. 

Numerous James Beard Award winners and nominees will be on-hand including chefs Rob McDaniel (SpringHouse), Derek Emerson (Walker’s Drive-In), Brian Canipelli (Cucina 24), and Erik Niel (Easy Bistro & Bar). The Chef Demo stage is hosted by Alabama’s very own Food Network Star, Martie Duncan and features other television favorites including Cory Bahr (Food Network Star). 

A selection of craft cocktails, Bloody Mary’s, Champagne and craft beer will be available to wash it all down. 

The Cook-Off will also feature the “Best Tasting Tailgate” for fans to watch SEC Football games on big screen TV’s. 

One of this year’s highlights is an appearance by country music star CAM Saturday afternoon, included with Cook-Off admission. 

The weekend begins with Craft Beer Friday featuring tastings from upwards of 20 craft breweries and live music to be announced. 

Workshops and Food Demonstrations Will Feature:

• Martie Duncan (Food Network Star) 
• Cory Bahr (Food Network Star)
• Adam Evans (Esquire’s #1 Best New Restaurant)
• Rob McDaniel (5x James Beard Award Nominee)

Featured Restaurants 

The Cook-Off will feature chefs competing for cash and prizes. Each restaurant will be serving up Rockefeller, Gulf Coast Cajun and Raw Oysters for everyone to taste. 

Participating restaurants and chefs include: 

 

• Pete Blohme of Panini Pete’s (Guy’s Grocery Games)
• David Crews of Six Shooter Land and Timber (2013 King of American Seafood; Cleveland, MS)
• Erik Niel of Easy Bistro (James Beard Award Semifinalist; Chattanooga, TN)
• Kimball House (Southern Living’s 2014 Best New Restaurant; Decatur, GA)
• Walker’s Drive-In (Jackson, MS)
• Ole Biloxi Fillin Station (Biloxi, MS)
• Beach House Kitchen (Gulf Shores, AL)
• Local 463 Urban Kitchen (Jackson, MS)
• OK Bicycle Shop (Mobile, AL)
• Driftwood Bar and Grille (Orange Beach, AL)
• Guerrilla Gourmet (Victoria, TX)
• Voyagers - Perdido Beach Resort (Orange Beach, AL)
• Half Shell Oyster House (Biloxi, MS)
• Smoke Ring BBQ (Atlanta, GA)
• Restaurant Tyler (Starkville, MS)
• ByWater Bistro (Gulf Shores, AL)
• Restaurant Iron (Pensacola, FL)
• Hey Joe’s (Cleveland, MS)
• Desporte (Biloxi, MS)
• Crabs on the Beach (Pensacola, FL)
• The Coast Restaurant (Gulf Shores, AL)
• The Hangout (Gulf Shores, AL)
• The Gulf (Orange Beach, AL and Okaloosa Island, FL)

Chefs, talent and bands subject to change. 

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.HangoutCookoff.com

For more information contact Jessica Downs at Jessica@hangoutmusicfest.com or (251) 202-9802 and her know your friends at Go Shuck An Oyster.com sent you.