Foodbuzz fed my oyster addiction... I love you Foodbuzz

Since we have moved here I have wanted to go to the Island Creek Oyster Festival in Duxbury Massachusetts. In 2009 Island Creek Oyster Foundation began funding and building an aquaculture project in the country of Tanzania. They are constructing a shellfish hatchery and an eventual production of a native shellfish population to create a sustainable protein source for a number of local communities in Africa. All the proceeds of this festival went directly to the foundation. So, you see? I was doing a good deed.

I proposed to Foodbuzz (I love you Foodbuzz) that I go to this festival as part of their Foodie Correspondent Program for featured publishers. Before I knew it Island Creek Oysters sent me a pass to get into the festival. Dr. Food was on his own, but I took pity and since it was such a good cause, we bought a ticket for him to get into the festival. Onto the business of slurping oysters!



We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. The weather was perfect. Not only that but the festival was held right on the water and the view from the tents was amazing.



All I could eat oysters was more than I could stand. I had to pace myself though. Not only were there oysters but there were all kinds of local awesome chefs that were whipping up unbelievable food.



Before I go on discussing all the food I want to mention how impressed I was with the environmental friendliness of this festival. Every aspect of this festival was geared around being green. Oyster shells were being donated to the University of New Hampshire’s Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Those shells will be placed in the water, where oyster larvae, will settle, thus encouraging the revitalization of the mollusk in New Hampshire.

There were even volunteers helping you to know where to put the recyclables.



It was hard to miss the volunteers





Perhaps most importantly



Ok, onto the fooood!

In the VIP lounge the first thing I tasted was Razor Clam Chowder and Rabbit Hoagie by Jody Adams, Rialto



I snagged this and took a bite and a picture, but it was Dr Food that snapped it out of my hand and enjoyed the rest of it. I didn't get a chance to taste the Razor Clam Chowder but I was pacing myself.

I also must admit that I didn't get to most of the food that was inside the VIP lounge. It was very crowded in there and I was hanging out with Dr Food (who didn't have a VIP pass) and some newly acquired friends in the general crowd area. I have to say that the food in the general area was mighty fine. In the VIP lounge the menu was great. The lineup:

Green Chile Crack + Tuna Tartare with Green Olive and Goden Raisin Tapenade - Seth & Angela Raynor - The Pearl, The Boarding House, Corazon del Mar

Grilled Lobster Tails with Scallions, Lemons Chorizo - Jeremy Sewall - The Island Creek Oyster Bar



I did taste this one. YUM!

Grilled Oysters with Garlic Black Pepper Sauce - Ming Tsai -Blue Ginger



Ming understood that I had to pace myself so I couldn't eat every dish. We had a laugh over it.



Ok, not really. I sorta coerced him into a picture by begging.

Last but not least in the VIP tent was Grilled clams, Thai Basil with Pistou-Dashi Broth - Tony Maws, Craigie on Main

Um, Grey Goose was sponsoring a happy hour and I might have grabbed a drink or two.



I had the Highball. It was GOOD. Ok wait.. You guys are my closest friends so I can tell you a little secret. Don't tell anyone though because it might embarass Dr. Food. I know I can trust you. Dr. Food drank my girlie drink and *I* was chugging that Harpoon Hefeweizen. Shhh.





There was also Pascal Jolivet Sancerre. Good wine! Another funny story... Pascal Jolivet came over to our little table and asked to borrow a pen. After that he told us to taste his wine and gave us a glass. I loved it. I have to show you this "magic" table.



We are talking LITTLE table. Dr. Food and I got to this shindig early and we just so happened to stand at this table. Good place to stand because I wouldn't have met all my new friends if I hadn't been standing there. First Ming (who put his beer down on MY table) and then Pascal (we are all on first name basis now).

Ok more food.




This was the first thing I tasted and um, I don't remember what it was. How could I? I was intent on eating that is how. Ok lets move on fast.



This is from Harvest and is Squid Salad in Tortilla Shell with Guacamole, Lettuce and Salsa. On the Janis scale I give it a 3 out of 5.



I know this doesn't look all fancy schmancy but this was by far my favorite dish of the day. It gets a 5 out of 5 on the Janis scale and I would LOVE this recipe. It is from Arthur and Pats and is Oyster Stew with Shoestring Potatoes and Grilled Oysters on the side. This oyster stew was the best I have ever tasted.



Next was Sel de la Terre, Sausage and Corn. Um..yeah...3 out of 5 on the scale.



East Coast Grill had Pulled Pork. I had my taster taste this one. Didn't get a rating.



Next off was one of my favorite things in the whole world. A Reuben sandwich from Hungry Mother.



Ah, a PoBoy. It was an Oyster PoBoy and boy was it good. It was from Lineage.



Fried Lobster Taco from Garden at the Cellar. No folks I did not taste this one myself. I had "helpers".


See? Here are my helpers. They wanted to stand at our table too (it was a "magic" table I tell ya). They came in handy these new friends. When I couldn't put another taste into my mouth, they brought their food over for a picture and even gave me the whole scoop of where it was from. I love my new friends (waving to them in case they read this).



Last but not least Spicy Falafel from Gaslight.

I was honored to get to taste food from all of these fine restaurants. They all made me want to have dinner at every one of them.

The day was long and we headed to the car. I was full as a full belly clam. No, wait. I was stuffed to the gills. Eh, lets just say we didn't need to eat again for a long time. Thank you Foodbuzz for making it possible for this amazing day of food and fun.