Tofino Oyster Festival: The 11th Annual Clayoquot Oyster Fest in Tofino

November 15-18, 2007
Tickets for the Oyster Gala
go on sale October 1, 2007
When the District of Tofino dedicated November 'Oyster Month', it was a sure sign that the Clayoquot Festival of Oysters and the Sea was a huge success with many more years of celebrating to come.
This year we celebrate the 11th Annual Clayoquot Festival of Oysters and the Sea!! What was once a humble locals event for one night; something do to on a rainy night in our once sleepy November town, has now evolved into a weekend of oyster gastronomy, including oyster farm tours, educational seminars, masquerade ball and of course, the main event, selling out in just four hours after tickets went on sale this year, the Oyster Gala.
There are plenty of other events to go to November 15th - 17th. If you are dining out around town this month, ask about special oyster features. Otherwise, slurp into the mood and find your own way to celebrate 'Oysterember'!
Here is a calendar of events for the 2007 Oyster Festival:
On the Half Shell
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Thu, Nov.15, 2007 – 7:30pm
$ by donation
Ever wondered if oysters are truly an aphrodisiac? Join local marine biologist, Josie Osborne, for a humorous and educational talk and learn everything you need to know about oysters!
This event is sponsored by the Raincoast Education Society and will be held in the conference room at Long Beach Lodge. Admission by donation.
For the Love of Oysters
Great Room, Long Beach Lodge
Fri, Nov.16 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
$25 per person
Join Long Beach Lodge on Friday, November 16 in the Great Room as we kick off the 11th Annual Clayoquot Oyster Festival.
Executive Chef, Jeffery Young, will prepare a selection of oyster & non-oyster tidbits paired with a selection of some of BC's finest wines. Featured wineries this year include: Mission Hill, Stag's Hollow, Cedar Creek, Quail's Gate and Sumac Ridge. And don't miss our exciting new addition to this year's event: "The Oysterman", Brent Petkau, will be shucking his delectable fresh Cortez Island oysters for your enjoyment.
Tickets to our elegant cocktail reception are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 250 725 2442.
Shelter on the Half Shell
Tin Wis Conference Centre
Fri, Nov.16, 2007 - 5 pm to midnight
Reservations Recommended
An evening of exploring oysters and wine in search of the perfect pairing to satisfy your palate.
Each oyster will be paired with a wine, champagne, sake or dessert wine. Affordable and fun, Shelter will be joined by special guests, The Outlandish Shellfish Guild and sommelier Jason Hyde as Chef Joel Auby creates a 8 different oyster creations to try.
For more information call Shelter Restaurant at 250 725 3353. Reservations Recommended.
Mermaid's Ball
Tofino Community Hall
Fri, Nov.16. 2007 - 9:30pm
Tickets $25
Carrying on with the evening is 'The Mermaid's Ball' at Tofino's Community Centre.
Featuring The Tainted Lovers, playing hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and recent Top 40, the ball is also a costume party themed Under the Sea.
Wine and beer samplings provided for the first hour as well a BBQ and raw oyster bar to feast on with the Outlandish Shellfish Guild as special guests.
Starts at 9:30 pm. Call (250) 725-4442 for tickets.
Oysters Afloat
Oyster farm tour to Lemmens Inlet
Sat, Nov.17. 2007 - 10am
Tickets at Remote Passages
Looking to learn more about oysters? Take a ride up Lemmens Inlet to an oyster farm and watch real oyster farmers at work. Boats leave at 10 am, Weather permitting.
Contact Remote Passages Marine Excursions at (250) 725-3330 to book your adventure.
2 Chefs and Pearl of an Oyster
Long Beach Lodge
Sat, Nov.17,2006 - 6pm
Tickets: $125
The revelry continues with the Long Beach Lodge Winemaker's Dinner - "Two Chefs and a Pearl of an Oyster".
This year's event features a special treat, Vancouver Island Winery Venturi-Schulze Vineyards. Winemaker's Marilyn Schulze & Geordano Venturi will pair their fantastic wines with the double mouthwatering fare of Executive Chef Jeffery Young and Chef Tim May of the renowned glamour camping wonderland Clayoquot Wilderness Resort.
The dinner is $125 per person (+tax) and tickets can be purchased at Long Beach Lodge: call (250) 725-2442.
This event is limited and tickets are selling quickly!
The Oyster Gala
Tofino Community Hall
Sat, Nov.17. 2007 - Doors open 7pm
Tickets: $75 • this Event is Sold Out
The Oyster Gala, the event that has been so successful it sells out the first day tickets go on sale, will wrap up the weekend on Saturday night. Oysters any way you like them, wine, slurping, dancing and more.
The Tainted Lovers will play hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and recent Top 40. Hosted by Tofino's chmz the Bear station owner, Matthew McBride, while 12 local restaurants compete for Best Oyster prizes.
Featuring wines from Mission Hill, Stag's Hollow, Cedar Creek, Quail's Gate, Crowsnest, Gray Monk and Sumac Ridge, as well as beer from Phillips Brewery, Lighthouse Brewery and Vancouver Island Brewery.
Starts at 7.00pm. Tickets are currently sold out for this event.