A feast of flavours and surprising shucking skills were on display at the Knysna Oyster Festival’s most highly anticipated event, the oyster cooking and shucking competition.
The annual event is about more than culinary prowess, with charity being among the drivers of the competition with thousands of rand donated in support of the “Fur the Love of Animals” sterilisation project, in collaboration with CX Animals in Need and the Knysna Animal Welfare Society.
The event that captures the essence of the Oyster festival and celebrates the different types of oysters, cooking styles, Knysna traditions, culture and people took place on Tuesday at the Knysna Oyster Festival hub.
For overall winner of the shucking competition, Patrick Sibeko, who shucked at a rate of 12 oysters a minute, it brought back heartwarming memories of when he used to work in the oyster farming industry in the early 2000s.
“I started entering the competition in 2010 and used to win every time until 2015, this year I had to redeem myself and take back my spot as the number one oyster shucker.
“I’m so happy, I had lots of fun,” he said.
Sibeko said oyster farming would always be close to his heart.
“I found my purpose in hospitality, real friends and pleasure in what I did,” he said.
Tolman Dyani took the second place, and Siyabonga Ncapayi took third.
Claiming first place in the best dressed oyster was Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa with the ‘Pea Los Simola’ oyster.
The fresh oyster has ginger aioli, lemon chilli granita, coconut pearl and chive crisp.
The second place was taken by Butterfly Blu Restaurant and in third was 34 Degrees.
The Featherbed Co took the best stand award.
Event manager Picca de Bruin said R12,000 was raised as part of the Knysna Oyster Festival’s commitment to supporting local charities.
“Thirty dogs or cats will now be sterilised or neutered — a vital step in preventing unwanted litters and addressing the growing overpopulation crisis.
“A special thank you to Stella Artois for proudly sponsoring this flavourful showdown,” De Bruin said.
The Herald
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