Chicago's Best Shuckers Go Head To Head At Frontier

By Anthony Todd in Food on Aug 10, 2012 3:25PM

If you've never seen an oyster-shucking contest, you're missing out on a major life achievement. Watching an expert shucker go as fast as he or she can, turning out glistening bivalves for you to slurp down, can be a truly spiritual experience for a seafood lover. And if you're a seafood lover, you'll go into heavenly convulsions this Sunday at Frontier, when you can watch 20 expert shuckers compete for a $500 cash prize. If that's not enough, you can join in the oyster eating contest.

Starting at noon, there will be oyster celebration specials all over the place. A dozen oysters will go for $12, there will be grilled oysters for $6, special beer deals and watermelon punch by the pitcher. At 1, the shucking competition gets going. Chef/shuckers from restaurants all over the city, including GT Fish & Oyster, Carnivale, Tavern on Rush, Arami, Quay and The Publican, will compete in four rounds of shucking. Whoever gets the most perfect half-shells the fastest gets the prize.

If you want to eat your way through the day, join in the oyster eating contest. It also starts at 1, and it's a daunting challenge. Whoever can finish eating 72 oysters first wins a $200 prize. Frankly, we can't imagine 3 people downing that many, but if you want to test your stomach, email alicia@pioneertaverngroup.com to enter.

All in all, a great day for oyster lovers. There is a suggested $10 donation at the door to watch all of the fun and partake in the festivities and deals. All proceeds will go to the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

Frontier is located at 1072 North Milwaukee.