Tomo workers prepping to present the Arcata restaurant’s offerings during the 36th annual Oyster Fest. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney

The Arcata Plaza was once again thronged with shellfish aficionados, day drinkers and music lovers for the 36th annual Oyster Fest. While the crowds reveled at the zero-waste party in the sunshine, judges, including yours truly, held their bivalve conclave, emerging to declare Mainely Lobster winner of both Best Oyster and Best Raw with a lobster ceviche-topped entry. Locavore Pop-up unsurprisingly took Best Use of Local Ingredients and Tanuki’s Den scored Best Hot Oyster with its Japanese barbecue sauce. See more of photographer Aoife Moloney’s photos of the plaza party at northcoastjournal.com.

— Jennifer Fumiko Cahill

Loud Neighbors plays on the Arcata Plaza during Oyster Fest. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney
Ashley Villis is all smiles while serving at the Fieldbrook Elementary School booth. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney
Venicia’s grill with the Oyster Fest’s center attraction. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney
Flames from Pineapple Express’ grill. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney
Levia, the Bling Block coordinator, takes a moment to enjoy what Oyster Fest is all about. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney
Shuckers from the Arcata restaurant Venicia at work. Credit: Photo by Aoife Moloney

This article appears in Miranda’s Rescue Under Scrutiny, Part 1.

Jennifer Fumiko Cahill is the managing editor of the North Coast Journal. She won the Association of...

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