The Morrison’s Oyster Festival is returning for the sixth year this August and oyster aficionados will be pleased that the event will be running for the entire month.
At the launch party all eyes were on two men instrumental to the annual event – Executive Chef / Co-owner Sean Connolly, who has crafted a bespoke menu boasting “Dressed to Impress” oyster range, education master classes, and a $1 oyster daily happy hour from 6-7pm, as well as De Costi’s Frank Theodore, who has been working with seafood for over 40 years and shares Chef Connolly’s passion for shellfish.
With oysters taking the centre stage, only the freshest ones will pass the scrutiny of Mr Theodore. De Costi offer oysters sustainably sourced across Australia such as the Sydney Rock Oyster and Pacific Oyster. Although branded “Sydney Rock”, these oysters grow along NSW and lower QLD coast lines feeding on algae from the plant vegetation. Pacific oysters on the other hand are grown sub-tidally where they roll in the motion of the ocean. The flesh is greyish white, meaty and salty.
The ‘Dressed to Impress’ range of oysters offers several dressing combinations for the more daring, allowing customers to mix and match between Sean’s Spicy Bloody Mary, XO Shallot Fermented Chilli, Tanqueray Gin & Tonic Granita dressings. There is no right or wrong choice, only whatever floats your boat.
The old age love affair between oysters and champagne is not to be missed, with Moet NV Ice Imperial being this year’s tipple of choice. The Morrison also welcomes a collaboration with Young Henrys, who have crafted a specialty CAPTAIN BARNACLE Oyster Stout, delivering salty and chocolatey flavours.
For those committed to a liquid diet, a list of specialty wines, cocktails and oyster shooters are available too, including the perfect G&T serves. Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla provides a bittersweet orange profile and cues of the sun-soaked Mediterranean, while the Tanqueray Rangpur boasts a citrus twist that has the zestiness of lime and the juiciness of mandarin oranges.
The Morrison’s Oyster festival will run from Wednesday 1st August – Friday 31st August 2018.
The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room
225 George Street, Sydney NSW
Web: themorrison.com.au