Ten minutes, unlimited oysters and the battle for shellfish supremacy.
It's the annual "Feed Your Face" contest at Parkers Lighthouse Restaurant in Long Beach scheduled for Wednesday.
"It's a hardcore competition, eating at its finest," said Patrick Glenn from Santa Monica Seafood talking to Mekahlo Medina on NewsRaw. "We take it seriously."
The race consists of a "shucker" and a "swallower," 12 teams of two from throughout Southern California, and bragging rights for the entire year.
"You've got to handle upwards of 100 oysters in a 10-minute period," said Glenn. "It doesn't mean you need to be a huge person. Some of the best eaters are little tiny waifs of people."
The contest first started five years ago in San Diego as a small event between chefs, and has since grown into an immense, regional event.
"Who ever wins the competition, the swallower must keep them in his stomach for at least 15 minutes after the title bell," said Glen. "We never had the winners lose the oysters, but we've have the runners-up lose the oysters."
The event is free, but donations will be taken for Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach.
Here is the line-up:
- 5 p.m.: Great drink specials and free appetizers
- 6 p.m.: "Shuck-Off!" at Parkers' patio
- 7:30 p.m.: "After Shuck with Shindler Dinner" benefiting Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach, featuring a hot and cold buffet, sushi, oysters and wine tasting. The dinner costs $25 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Reservations are suggested by calling 562-432-6500. More information is available online.
