Sept. 09--I don't like oysters. I want to like them, but I make funny faces every time I try them. I can't help it. Fortunately for people like me, there's more to Shaw's Oyster Fest -- which takes place Friday at East Hubbard Street and North Rush Street in the Near North neighborhood -- than oysters.
South African synth pop act St. Lucia is scheduled to headline the 27th annual festival. And you know who likes synth pop? Me. While not a household name, St. Lucia has an upbeat, easy to like 80's sound that fits the outdoor street festival.
"There are so many other options for those who don't like oysters," said Shaw's Crab House partner Bill Nevruz. "There's the interesting music lineup, which is a combination of St. Lucia and the great local bluesy rock and roll bands that we tend to feature at Shaw's.
"There are plenty of seafood options and we're previewing our new restaurant, Oyster on Halsted, which will serve muscles and clams. Shaw's is serving four different kinds of crab. We understand seafood isn't for everyone and have Bub City serving non seafood items. And we have Shake Shack."
Guests who do like oysters can purchase separate tickets for Oyster Fest's Bubbles and Brine, which takes place from 4-6 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat boutique oysters and Moet and Chandon Champagne. A separate ticket is also needed for the King Crab Cafe, located in the center of the festival. This VIP seating area includes wait serve and access to an exclusive raw bar.
Nevruz said around 500 people showed up the first year of the festival. He expects Oyster Fest -- not to be confused with the separate Oyster Fest taking place in the Roscoe Village neighborhood Friday and Saturday -- to draw around 5,000 people this year.
Shaw's Oyster Fest
When: 3 p.m. Friday
Where: East Hubbard Street and North Rush Street
Admission: $30, which does not include food and drinks; oysterfestchicago.com
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