Shuck Fest 2016 is Upon Us

UNIVERSITY CITY — This April and May, Drexel University's Academic Bistro will play host to three all-star food personalities:

• April 4, 5:30 p.m. - Join Katie Parla, a world-reknown expert on Roman cuisine, for a food and beverage lecture,Tasting Rome book signing, and a traditional Italian aperitivo, brought to you by the students in Drexel Hospitality students. Reservations are $50 a head, with a signed book included.
• April 26, 5:30 p.m. - The Zeppoli crew come to Philly for one night pop-up at the Academic Bistro. It's a BYOB, Sicilian family-style dinner for only $50 (a killer deal considering chef Joey Baldino's pedigree). Make your reservations here.
• May 24, 5:30 p.m. - Brauhaus Schmitz chef de cuisine Henrik Ringbom brings a traditional Swedish smorgasbord to Philly, serving up a feast of Swedish staples and modern renditions with Drexel culinary students. Again, only $50 for the BYOB feast. Reservations here.

CENTER CITY — Sunday, April 17, Oyster House will host another shucking competition, except this year, owner Sam Mink is really doing it up. For 2016, they're calling it Shuck Fest, an "indoor oyster carnival" of sorts, full of shucking demos, oyster tastings with local growers, oyster crafts and games, a "shell-fie" Photo Booth, and, of course, loads of Oyster House food and drinks, courtesy of Narragansett, Philadelphia Distilling, and Moore Brothers. The main event, the oyster shucking contest, starts at 2 p.m., between the city's pros ($200 prize) and amateurs ($100 prize). Admission is only $10 for adults, and free for kids.