An Oyster Roast

One of the great things about Charleston is its seafood tradition. The annual oyster roasts are believed by many Charlestonians to be the only saving grace of the winter months, since they afford the natives with an opportunity to go out, meet people, and stuff their faces with these delectable ocean mollusks.

So what is an oyster roast? It is an event to which you have to come prepared. You have to wear a coat, because it's going to be cold, and gloves, because oysters can cut your hands. You have to possess a "shucker" because some of those crazy little oysters have no intention to be eaten. Essentially what happens is that long plywood tables are set up with two square holes on either end. Everyone stands around the table, shuckers and gloves in hand and waits for the cook to bring out the oysters. They are thrown on the tables by the shovels, freshly boiled. As the steam starts to escape for the bounty of food, everyone digs in. You grab a cluster of oysters and start opening them with your shucker. Then you take the succulent fruit of your labor and enjoy its warmth and goodness before opening another. You throw the empty shell in the square hole, under which an enormous trash can has conveniently been placed. Mostly oyster roasts are social events in which people do not know each other, yet everyone is friendly and conversation comes easy. Once you've had your fill, you leave your spot and someone comes in to replace you. And that's how it goes until the oysters run out or your belly explodes.

What a fantastic Charleston tradition.