2nd annual Red Clay Oysterfest Returns for a Shell-Shuckin' Good Time

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2nd annual Red Clay Oysterfest Returns for a Shell-Shuckin' Good Time

M. A. Hughes | Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Suffering from a serious lack of fresh oysters? Craving a cold craft beer from Red Clay? Wondering how to knock these two things out at the same time? You’re in luck—Oysterfest is returning to Red Clay Brewing Company on September 24!

  

For the second year in a row, Opelika’s first brewery is partnering with The Depot, the Alabama Coastal Foundation, and Auburn-Opelika Tourism to bring you a whole lot of oysters, prepared fresh and already shucked by The Depot’s executive chef Scott Simpson. From 6:30-9:30 p.m., you’ll get the chance to sit back, eat, and enjoy a performance by country band Daniel & McDaniel—with a frosty Red Clay beer in your hand, of course.  

  

Not only is the event a super fun “shell”abration, it’s also for a good cause. A portion of all ticket proceeds will go to 1% for the Planet and the Alabama Coastal Foundation to help fund research to ensure the health of our oceans and planet. All oyster shells from the event will be recycled through the Alabama Coastal Foundation’s Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program. The shells will be returned to Alabama water systems to help promote the growth of new oysters, provide a habitat, limit erosion, and improve the state’s water quality. Click here to learn more about the program.

  

Not planning to drink? No problem—tickets for designated drivers are also available. Buy tickets here!

Don’t miss out—snag your tickets as soon as possible. We can’t wait to “sea” everyone there!

  

Auburn Opelika Tourism: Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization positively impacting our local economy and enhancing the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel. #auburnopelika | aotourism.com

Alabama Coastal Foundation: The Alabama Coastal Foundation's mission is to improve and protect Alabama’s coastal environment through cooperation, education and participation. The organization pursues practical solutions to conservation challenges in a non-partisan manner and is dedicated to partner with businesses, local government and other non-profits to achieve common ground solutions to our environmental problems. | joinACF.org

Red Clay Brewing Co: Opelika’s first brewery! Featuring Southern inspired stouts, lagers, and ciders, Red Clay Brewing showcases award-winning craft brew. For Oyster Fest, guests can enjoy the following brews: Red Clay IPA, Fortitude-Hazy IPA, Hop Jubilee-IIPA, 53-Kolsch, Halftime-Hefeweizen, Festbier-Octoberfest, MacKenzies-Scotch Ale, Fortuity-Lambic with Cider Apples and Merlot Grapes,  French Tippler-Bier de Garde, Merlot, Lakeside-Hard Cider | redclaybrewing.com 

The Depot: Auburn’s finest seafood restaurant located at the Historic Auburn Train Depot. Featuring award-winning Wine Spectator wine lists and gulf-inspired seafood, The Depot is also a proud member of the James Beard Smart Catch foundation and the only restaurant fully qualified for the program in the state of Alabama. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, The Depot’s Executive Chef Scott Simpson plates up gulf-coastal cuisine with a worldly flair. | allaboardauburn.com 

 

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"100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" in Auburn-Opelika!

Foodies everywhere can rejoice as this year's "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" list is out! Sweet Home Alabama's trusted guide to dining throughout the state features numerous Auburn-Opelika delicacies. Have you tried them all?

 

Acre
Alabama Butcher's Board

The charcuterie and cheese board is sourced from locally and humanely raised animals. According to the menu, this well-known appetizer features four house-cured meats, pickles, pecan mustard, garnishes, and benne crackers. Of course, everything at Acre ebbs and flows with the seasons, so try it year-round for a fresh take on an Auburn classic! 

  

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Ariccia Cucina
Porchetta

The quintessential Italian dish features roasted pork, smoked mozzarella, San Marzano sauce, arugula, pickled red onions, and a fig balsamic. Porchetta actually originated in the small town of Ariccia, Italy, which inspired the Four Diamond hotel to include it on the new, traditional menu. Buon appetito!

  

 

Bow & Arrow
Moist Brisket & Hashbrown Casserole

 Bow & Arrow is described as Texas smokehouse meets Alabama potluck. Family-style ordering is the way to go here, so bring a friend or family to share. The brisket is smoked low and slow over Kudu grills, cut by hand from the pit, weighed, and served with fresh-made flour tortillas or white bread. The hashbrown casserole is deep-fried tater tots turned into a casserole, and it is to die for. Chef Bancroft is brilliant like that.  

  

 

Cafe 123
Beef Tenderloin Napoleon

Classic. Legendary. A 4 oz. petite filet served with fried green tomatoes, bearnaise sauce, jumbo blue crab, chive smashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Located in the historic Haynie’s Drugstore building in downtown Opelika, Cafe 123 features Southern cuisine with French influence. The atmosphere is laid back and luxurious, perfect for a romantic date. 

  

 

The Depot
Hawaiian Walu & Gulf Shrimp

You had me at Hawaii. This pacific-inspired dish is served with grilled vegetables, kimchi fried rice, and a Korean pear glaze that you will never stop craving. The Walu has a silky texture and a sweet, buttery flavor that leaves you in a daze. Seriously, this dish is so good you could order it again for dessert. I'm not biased, you're biased. 

  

 

Hamilton's on Magnolia
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Hamilton's is tucked away in downtown Auburn where Magnolia meets Gay Street. The small, cozy pub feels chic and exclusive. Carrie Bradshaw would approve. The fried green tomatoes are layered with fresh shrimp and served with a balsamic drizzle. This Southern app has been around a long time and is well worth the wait. Pairs well with a martini. You heard it here first. 

  

 

The Hound
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Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar
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Toomer's Drugs
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Zazu Gastropub
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Housed in what was an old, vacant building in downtown Opelika, Zazu Gastropub is now a stunning, five-level restaurant, striking in character with sandy old bricks, wide-plank flooring, flickering gas lanterns, and repurposed wooden beams from the Old Mill in Opelika. Zazu's take on this Southern staple features homemade cornbread, chipotle honey, and hot sauce and gives a whole new meaning to comfort food.

   

Auburn-Opelika is home to numerous independent restauranteurs, talented chefs, and exceptional establishments serving specialty dishes you'll find nowhere else in the world. Among them you'll find something suitable for every taste and budget - whether it's a downtown student haunt or a white tablecloth dining room with a 300-bottle wine list. Our restaurants have been featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and Wine Spectator, just to name a few, and we're pretty proud when the world discovers what we already know. From tapas to tacos, and squash to sushi, make your trip especially memorable when you visit these Auburn-Opelika legends.

 

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