ROSCOE VILLAGE — The big question on everyone's mind at Saturday's Shock Top Oyster Fest will be: To chew or not to chew?
The Village Tap will once again be selling raw oysters at the fest, set for 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday in the 2000 block of West Roscoe Street.
Though there's much debate over whether the briny mollusks should be swallowed whole — or frankly eaten at all — the majority opinion seems to favor a minimum of one or two bites to release the full flavor.
Experts will argue against dousing the oysters in sauce, but no one will blame you if you opt to cleanse your palate with a brew from Shock Top, the Anheuser-Busch brand that's taken over sponsorship of the event from Guinness.
Patty Wetli discusses the do's and don't of eating oysters:
While oysters are clearly the star of this show, the fest also features arts and craft vendors, a kids' area and two music stages, with performances scheduled from acts that range from alt-folk rockers The Giving Tree Band to fest staple 16 Candles.
Biking or taking public transportation to the fest is advised. Parking restrictions in the neighborhood will be in place from 2 a.m. Saturday through 5 a.m. Sunday on: Roscoe Street from Damen to Bell, and to the north and south alleys off of Roscoe on Seeley, Hoyne, Hamilton and Leavitt.
Admission to the festival is a suggested $7 donation; proceeds benefit the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce.
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