QUEENS — Oyster lovers will soon be able to show off their slurping skills and taste all varieties of the mollusk during a festival coming to Rego Park in September.
The renowned London Lennie’s on Woodhaven Boulevard is organizing its fourth Oysterfest, bringing a range of oyster flavors to the neighborhood. During the festival, the restaurant, which typically serves eight kinds of oysters on a daily basis, will offer a special oyster-packed menu, serving between 10 to 15 dishes.
“There are so many people who say: 'I can’t eat an oyster. It’s raw,'” said Marcelle Lashley, the restaurant’s marketing director. “So during our Oysterfest we try to prepare them in all different ways to introduce them to those who are scared to try.”
There will be oyster stew on the menu as well as oyster po'boys and Oysters Rockefeller — shellfish topped with parsley, butter sauce and bread crumbs. There will also be fried oysters, shots of tequila with oysters inside and oyster-infused specialty cocktails.
The highlight of the festival will be an oyster party, scheduled for Sept. 20. The bash will feature live music and a model dressed as a mermaid named Pearl. It will culminate in a slurp-off competition, where participants eat the oysters while their hands are tied behind their backs.
The winner, who will get a $500 prize along with their seafood bounty, will be crowned King — or Queen — of the Slurp.
Oysterfest will kick off on Sept. 16 and end on Sept. 27. London Lennie's is located at 63-88 Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park. This year the restaurant is also partnering with New York Oyster Week which begins on September 21.
