In Celebration of September

I must have really poor timing.  My newfound interest in oysters started in May when I picked up a copy of Sex, Death & Oysters: A Half-Shell Lovers World Tour.  Why I decided to work up my oyster appetite by reading this book in May, the first month without an R, is a mystery for the ages.  I suppose the dramatic title seemed appropriate for summer reading.  However, oysters can be safely eaten in any month of the year, depending on their source.  The book is an anecdotal journey of one food journalist's travels around the world with the sole intent of consuming oysters and oyster culture.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes travelogues/food-logues.

I haven't abstained from oysters until September and have been enjoying them intermittantly throughout the summer.  My husband has even taken up shucking fresh oysters from Whole Foods.  However, now that prime oyster season (the prime season actually shifts from month to month, depending on the variety of oyster and the water tempurature where it is sourced) is upon us, I thought it fitting to post a couple of oyster events in the Chicago area.

"The Landshark Lager Oyster Fest," formerly known as the "Guinness Oyster Fest," takes place on Saturday, September 19th from 11a to 10p in Roscoe Village.  This event is controversial in the minds of many Chicagoans.  Some say they wouldn't dare eat an oyster in this setting, given the conditions of a street festival.  Plus, they have run out of oysters in the past, so it is recommended you attend early.  I haven't attended "Guinness Oyster Fest" since it was located on Division Street years ago and I think I only had an oyster or two.  I was there late, there were still oysters and they were a bit dried out and nothing to write home about, but all the more reason you should get there early if you are interested in actually trying any oysters.  I know I wouldn't miss it.

Shaw's Crab House hosts "Royster with the Oyster" at their oyster bar for a week in October, with a kick-off party at Goose Island on October 15th and a tent party at Shaw's on October 23rd.  Shaw's also has a daily happy hour with half-price oysters at the bar from 4-6p.  Keep in mind that Shaw's was voted "2009 Best Oysters in Chicago" by Chicago Magazine! 

Happy September.