KHUM (and the rest of the Lost Coast Communications family of stations) gave out our awards for our Favorite Raw Oyster, Favorite Cooked Oyster, and Favorite Non Oyster (we don’t discriminate when it comes to food!) Our panel of judges consisted of Cliff & Amy Berkowitz, Chuck Rogers (The Point), and Dr. Syd Regan (K-Slug). This year’s oysters (and nons) were among the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of eating; it was a tough competition. 

For the past couple of years, Oyster judges have been sequestered in the Plaza View Room at Plaza Grill and have been waited on by the lovely and talented Oyster Babes (self-named) (pictured at left.) We judged the raw oysters on Friday night and the cooked oysters and non oysters Saturday morning during the festival. By judging as many as we can the night before, we can get the results to the hungry public in time for them to eat the winners.

Here are the results of our prizes:

Favorite Cooked Oyster: Sushi Spot: Pacific Oyster with garlic-jalapeno aioli, cilantro, macadamia nuts & tobiko

(Oyster at left; Winning Sushi Spot Chef at right)

Favorite Raw Oyster: Plaza Grill: Raw Fanny Bay Oyster with champagne-honeydew sorbet, and golden white fish caviar (group presentation at far left with groovy liquid nitrogen, individual oyster to the left)

Favorite Non Oyster: Msaki’s Kyoto: Kobe Beef skewers with Thai sauce (below)

Our judges wish to express their gratitude to all the participating restaurants, volunteers, Arcata Main Street, and our hosts, Plaza Grill for allowing us to eat well and in style again this year. KHUM is proud to be a sponsor of the Oyster Festival again this year. We all look forward to doing it again next year!