Oysters in the Prairies? You Quackin’ Kidding Me?!
Well, well, well, what a delightful surprise it was to float into the world of fresh oysters way out here in the prairies! Discovering a raw oyster company in such an unexpected place is truly remarkable. And no, I’m not talking about those Prairie Oysters you might be thinking of (yikes!).
I’m talking about the fabulous feasts delivered fresh by the Raw Oyster Company during their pop-up adventures!
Chef Aaron Crawford, the mastermind behind Raw Oyster Company, started this magical journey in spring 2023. He’s already made waves, sourcing and serving some of the top oysters across the country. Originally from Winnipeg, he trained under some of Canada’s culinary masters, and now he’s bringing the ocean’s bounty right to our prairie doors!
What’s he featuring? Well, think ultra-fresh Canadian seafood, from pop-up events to catering, and tantalizing tasting seminars for sea-foodies who are eager to expand their shellfish knowledge.
My human has heard raving reviews about the Raw Oyster Company pop up events.
What luck!
They happened to be throwing a shindig nearby, and she couldn’t contain her bubbling excitement as she and her friend arrived for an afternoon full of tasty treasures!
First, let’s dive into the venue!
Torque Brewing, established back in 2016, is a gem tucked near the Winnipeg airport. Trust me, this place is a breeze to find — just a simple turn off King Edward Street, and voila! Parking? Plenty of space!
The vibe inside is modern yet cozy, with a bar that runs almost the entire width of the taproom.
Comfy barstools make it perfect for a gathering of fellow foodies, and with around 18 crafted beers on tap, it’s a beer lover’s paradise.
Now, my human didn’t really fancy herself a beer connoisseur, but fear not!
They had some fine wines to sip while gobbling down succulent seafood!
So, about that feast…
Upon arrival mid-afternoon, the lineup had already moved on, giving my human and her friend a chance to chat with the staff and soak in the rich history of getting seafood into the heart of the prairies.
Oysters are, of course, a highlight, but expect surprises like seafood boils and towers that keep everyone guessing (and salivating)!
As for what my human and her friend dived into first?
Oh boy! They started with the Irish Point oysters from Rustica Harbour, PEI, served with zesty lemon and an out-of-this-world vinegar combo that made those little delights sing!
It was perfect weather to stand outside and watch the expert shucking of these tender sea delicacies!
My humans might not be oyster experts, but they sure knew these were among the best they’d ever tasted.
Chef Crawford really knows his stuff, certified oyster expert, I tell ya!
Next up was the grand event: the seafood boil!
A spectacular assortment of shellfish arrived, and I could practically hear the “oohs” and “aahs” echoing.
We’re talking whole lobster, sizable crab, mussels, shrimp, and all the classic fixings, perfectly cooked corn on the cob, tender potatoes, and juicy sausage tossed together in a spicy sauce that made the flavours dance!
The bibs came in handy as they slurped and savoured all the delicious drippings. Napkins? They needed a mini supply truck!
After indulging in their tasty marathon, they eased up with an extra glass of cabernet.
Perfect timing!
So, what inspired Chef Aaron to start Raw Oyster Company?
He saw a gap, a true lack of fresh seafood in the prairies!
Sure, restaurants serve oysters, but his mission is to bring ocean-fresh experiences to our landlocked hearts.
Chef Crawford works closely with Canadian vendors to ensure only the best seafood graces his events.
Snow crab from Newfoundland and Quebec,
Shrimp from Quebec as well,
Lobster from Nova Scotia,
and over 90% of his oysters are fresh from the East Coast!
Oh, and just a little tuna treat from Mexico, but overall, it’s all about pure Canadian goodness.
My human had quite the time, and honestly, it was budget-friendly too! Hats off to this entrepreneurial hero for filling a tasty void in the prairies with such flair.
Oh, and just a little reminder: The Raw Oyster Company doesn’t just stop at pop-ups: they’re also offering catering!
Imagine the joy and astonishment on your guests’ faces when they see a seafood spread like this at your event.
How fun would that be?
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for the next pop-up event that is sure to be soon.
NEVER MISS A
