Learn to Shuck Classes
Ready to be a shucking pro?
Whether you’re an oyster novice, or looking to refine your technique, our expert instructors will guide you step-by-step on how to masterfully open oysters!
This 1.5 hour class will be taught by expert shucker, Jacqueline Clarke, who has wielded oyster knives behind many a raw bar, and who is the co-owner of Nor’Easter Oyster Co., Maine’s first oyster shucking facility.
Along the way, we'll explore how oyster culture varies from region to region in Maine, delve into our favorite accoutrement pairings, and learn what makes these briny bivalves so special.
Come hungry, leave confident, and impress your friends at your next seafood feast!
12 Oysters/person (2-3 varieties)
Accoutrements including lemon, seasonal mignonette, and cocktail sauce
Step-by-Step, hands-on instruction by a professional shucker
Shucking knife and gloves provided for use during class
Oyster Education, including an overview of local farming methods and tasting notes
We’ll end class by putting your newfound skills to the test with a little game of Flip Shuck—think flip cup, but with oysters . . .
What is Included:
We are currently offering our Learn to Shuck class as a private event experience perfect for a small group, corporate team-building activity, or celebratory occasion.
We are happy to host your group at our partner private event space Ballast, located at 345 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101.
We can also bring the shucking to you! We’ve hosted classes in private residences, AirBNBs, hotels, restaurants, business rooftops, co-working spaces, and sailboats. The sky is the limit. We’d be happy to speak with you about the possibilities.
Class Locations
How to Get Started
Fill out our Contact form with details about your event, including the date, and approximate guest count. Let us know if you have a location in mind, or would like to discuss options, including our partner event space, Ballast.
Fill Out Our “Contact” Form
Our event coordinator will then reach out, and schedule a call to discuss your Learn to Shuck event with you in detail. We’ll ask some additional questions to perfectly tailor your experience, including the option to add on additional seafood bites for class!
Talk to an Event Specialist
Receive your Package Proposals
We’ll send you a detailed proposal with a price per person breakdown of your Learn to Shuck experience, making it easy to finalize your booking!
Want a little more than oysters during your shucking session? We’re happy to offer some delicious seafood add-ons to give you the full Maine seafood treatment. Below, find a sample of our seafood offerings.
Seafood Add-Ons
Raw Bar Options
PenBay scallops served on the half shell
shucked live and served on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon
steamed, chilled, and marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and vinegar. served on the half shell
mussels in escabeche
little neck clams
steamed with citrus, chilled, and served on the half shell or shucked raw
jonah crab claws
Empress cut claws, served with lemon and mustard sauce
sustainably sourced Gulf shrimp, steamed with Old Bay, sea salt, and bay leaves. served chilled with lemons + cocktail sauce
shrimp cocktail
Platters
smoked salmon tartines
poached and smoked salmon blended with mayonnaise, capers, and chives, and served atop a crostini
jonah crab crostini with yuzu kosho aioli
fresh-picked tender Jonah crab tossed with lemon juice, celery, serrano peppers, and fennel fronds with a yuzu kosho aioli served atop a crostini
little lobster rolls
served chilled with mayonnaise, tarragon, chives, and lemon zest on a butter-toasted 1/2 brioche bun
Interested in booking us for a private Learn to Shuck event? Send us a message! We’ll reach out to you to schedule a call to discuss your event in more detail!
Learn to Shuck Class FAQ
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Yes. Even experts sometimes slip, and we want your hands to live another day.
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An appetite! We bring everything that is needed! We’ll bring shucking knives, gloves, hand towels, plate ware, and a set-up for the oysters and accoutrements. If you decide to add-on a Seafood Package, we’ll bring everything that is needed to prep and serve that as well. We will also take care of all garbage, recyclables, and oyster shells at the conclusion of your event.
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Absolutely! We are happy to host a Learn to Shuck class at a location of your choosing. We’ve hosted classes in private residences, AirBNBs, hotels, businesses, co-working spaces, and sailboats.
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Once we finalize your raw bar, we will email over a contract that is returned with a deposit. The deposit will be applied toward your final purchase price. The remainder of the balance is due seven (7) days after your event.
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There is a 8% prepared foods tax required by the state of Maine, which we include in the final bill. Tips are not included, if you wish to reward the shuckers, it is greatly appreciated!
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This depends on the type of event and amount of seafood we will be serving. The average raw bar is about 2-3 hours from time of arrival, setup, breakdown, and removal of all trash and recyclables.
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We understand that plans change and things come up. If a booking needs to be canceled we must be notified at least five days in advance to receive a refund of your deposit. All cancellations must be in writing.
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Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. We carry a Maine retail and certified dealer license, as well as a seafood processing license with the Department of Marine Resources and the Department of Health and Human Services. We are happy to provide COIs upon request.
Sea Farmer. Chef. Entrepreneur. Activist. Photojournalist.