Celebrate National Oyster Day in Palm Beach County with specials, eating contest

There can be only one! No, we're not talking about 'the quickening' from the movie "Highlander," we're talking about the winner of South Florida's Shucking Best Oyster Eating Contest on Friday, Aug. 2 at Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse in Jupiter.

Held three days prior to, and in celebration of, National Oyster Day on Aug. 5, this fourth annual event kicks of at 5:30 p.m. and will see 25 competitors attempting to slurp down as many mollusks as they can in 90 seconds. Trays of 36 oysters will be brought to each contestant and, if necessary, additional oysters will be provided as needed.

Not just any oysters, these briny bivalves are Jemma's Oysters. Named after Joe Namath's granddaughter, Jemma's are harvested at the Cape Cod Oyster Farm in Osterville, Massachusetts. Located only 150 yards from Nantucket Sound, these beauties have an extra touch of salinity and are described as "full-bodied, meaty, delivering a medium salt content and a long sweet finish."

If you're looking to get in on the action, hopeful contestants need only to sign up on Lucky Shuck's website . It is limited to the first 25 contestants that register and costs $20 to enter. Those fees go directly to benefit the nearby Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.

In case you're wondering what it takes to win this contest, the record after three years is 103 oysters in 90 seconds. That's 1.144 oysters per second! In the event of a tie, there will be an additional round in which the first person to finish an additional 12 oysters will be declared the winner.

In addition to bragging rights (and some serious amorous intent), the winner can choose between $150 or a $200 gift card that can be used at any of the three Charlie & Joe's at Love Street venues.

Though there had been a few rumors that he would host the event, Joe Namath is scheduled to be attendance to watch the competition.

Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse is located at 1116 Love St., Jupiter.

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National Oyster Day

Whether you slurp and swallow or give a serious chew to get all that good flavor, it's time celebrate those briny bivalves on Monday, Aug. 5 during National Oyster Day.

From blue points, to grassy bars, Stellar Bays and many more varieties, these briny, tasty treats are not only delicious, but packed with plenty of micronutrient goodness including vitamins B12 and D, zinc, magnesium, selenium and much more.

Further, many hold firm to the belief that oysters can really "get your engine revving." Some studies say "meh," but all that really matters is if you believe it.

Here are five great spots to enjoy oysters on their big day with a few deals as well:

The Jupiter Grill

On Mondays, this Harbourside restaurant offers up a fantastic deal with $2 oysters. In addition, there's also a half-price wine list, half price sake and more.

Information: 149 Soundings Ave., Jupiter. thejupitergrill.com

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Blackbird Modern Asian

Let this north county hot spot transport you to 1940s Shanghai with incredible ambiance spot and enjoy their tempura oysters. Served tempura-stye, these beauties, topped with yuzu aioli, smoked bacon and kimchi, are six for $21.

Information: 1511 N. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter. blackbirdmodernasian.com

Hurricane Alley

Though they're not doing anything special for the big day, this downtown Boynton Beach raw bar and local hang out will have their regular happy hour deal for oysters from 3 to 6 p.m. which is a dozen for $15.

Information: 529 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. myhurricanealley.com

City Oyster & Sushi Bar

Located on ultra-cool Atlantic Avenue, City Oyster & Sushi Bar will add some fuel to that fire with a complimentary glass of Prosecco or a pint of Peroni with the purchase of a dozen oysters. They've got plenty of the briny beauties to try as their rotating list oincludes the Fishing Chef, Barstool Cocktail, Mamma Mia, Moondancer, Black Magic, Fat Dog and Bluepoint.

Information: 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. cityoysterdelray.com

Mia Rosebud

This new Boca Raton restaurant and the first Mia Rosebud outside of the Illinois, will celebrate the briny bivalve with a slurp-tastic happy hour deal. Available from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, customers ordering a dozen or more oysters can enjoy them for only $1 each.

Information: 150 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. rosebudrestaurants.com/locations/mia-rosebud

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Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com . Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Celebrate National Oyster Day in Palm Beach County with specials, eating contest