Morro Bay, CA Celebrates National Oyster Day All Year Long!

. August 06, 2015

MORRO BAY,CA, August 5, 2015 - Oysters received so much press and attention in 2014 that they even got a shout out on the homepage of the New York Times. This was accompanied with a video appropriately titled "Oysters Make a Comeback" describing how connoisseurs across the country are "binging" on oysters, increasing demand. Well, as that trend continues today, it's no wonder that there is a National Oyster Day every year on August 5. But, is that really enough time to indulge? With all the gushing love for delectable oysters these days, Morro Bay Tourism Bureau has decided to celebrate oysters throughout the year. Even though the growth in oyster farming is part of the recent oyster "binging" trend, farming and savoring the nectar of the Gods in Morro Bay has been part of this quaint seaside village's rich history for over 100 years.

"We have such a fantastic oyster culture here. You can buy them fresh and local in restaurants, wine bars, our farmers' markets and on the Morro Bay Oyster Company's barge in the bay," says Brent Haugen, Executive Director of the Morro Bay Tourism Bureau. "With our amazing weather, we produce oysters all year long, so there are a lot of reasons to celebrate in Morro Bay. Why not revel in them the entire year, instead of just one day."

Often equated with luxurious brunches where the bubbles flow freely, oysters are in fact quite a simple food. However you like to eat them - raw, barbequed, with lemon and vodka, or with spinach and bacon in a nice Rockefeller, oysters are an excellent source of zinc, Iron, calcium and selenium as well as vitamin A and vitamin B12. Plus, no pesticides are needed for oysters. No weird antibiotics. No forest destruction to grow them. No need to feed them corn. When it comes down to it: oysters are simply delicious.

"The key to a good oyster is freshness," explains Neal Malone, owner of the Morro Bay Oyster Company. "It should smell of the seashore as the tide recedes over seaweed-covered rocks. It should be full in the shell, firm in texture, and brimming with the natural juice that is its lifeblood, not just sea water. Visitors of the Morro Bay Oyster Company can rest assured, our oysters are fresh and delicious."

Oysters of the Bay

Oyster farming in Morro Bay began in the early 1900's and has been a part of its rich culture ever since, and the cold, clean waters of Morro Bay produce two specific kinds, Pacific Gold and Grassy Bar.

Pacific Gold Oysters are farmed by the Morro Bay Oyster Company, and are a beautiful, hardy species that thrives in the cold, rich waters of the Bay, where the strong wind and waves meet the peaceful streams that flow from age-old volcanic aquifers. This convergence of elements brings with it constant changes in salinity, temperature, nutrients, and tides. The Pacific Gold Oyster adapts to these changes over the course of its life and develops a robust flavor with a hint of melon. The strong tides bring this water into the farm twice a day allowing our oysters to explode with growth and take on the fresh salty brine that surrounds them. This impressive 130-acre oyster marine farm can be seen by paddleboard, kayak or from a guided tour with Lost Isle Adventure Tours.

Grassy Bar Oysters are becoming a popular oyster grown and harvested in Morro Bay today. Exclusively and carefully raised by a family-run operation called the Grassy Bar Oyster Company, owned by the Trevelyan family, with more than 20 years experience in the shellfish business, these oysters are medium size and have plump and juicy meats with rich, briny watermelon flavor. Grassy Bar oysters start as "seed" about the size of a red pepper flake and are carefully raised in the southern reaches of Morro Bay where salt waters of the pacific meet the estuary.

Aside from these two sustainable oyster farms on the bay, Morro Bay was written up in the New York Times and National Geographic in 2014 for successfully leading the way in sustainable small fleet fishing practices nationwide, helping support the local economy in this thriving fishing community.

Fresh Oysters on the Menu

Looking for a romantic oyster dining experience on the bay? Book an evening sunset or Sunday brunch cruise with one of the many tour operators along the bustling Embarcadero. The Grassy Bar Oyster Company offers online delivery from Giovanni's Fish Market as well as locally from their store on the Embarcadero. Windows on the Water is a well-known local favorite for its seasonal farm to table menus, Oyster Tuesdays, and romantic views of the bay, not to mention an incredible wine list. Dorn's Original Breakers Cafe on Market Street above the Embarcadero has been a Morro Bay favorite since 1942, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with an outdoor patio overlooking the Embarcadero and the bay. They offer fresh seafood including oysters on the half shell, a great Sunday brunch, and they make a mean bloody Mary. Locals and tourists alike enjoy fresh or barbequed oysters at Tognazzini Dockside, offering a full service restaurant, a fish market and a smokehouse as well as take-out with dining on the patio with live music. Staxx Wine Bar and Bistro located on Morro Bay's scenic and historic Embarcadero features more than 100 local wines and champagnes to sip while enjoying fresh oysters.

Perfect Pairings: The Morro Bay Way!

Morro Bay wants to pair you up with some of the most fun things to do when you come and visit. Visitors are encouraged to pair their adventure with overnight stays and experience more of the amazing scenery and activities in the area. •Go on a brunch cruise with Chablis Cruises - Book It •Rent a double kayak and explore the bay - Start Your Adventure Here •Indulge in a romantic dinner for two on the waterfront - Start Here •Walk hand in hand on the NEW Mural Mile Walk Tour - Plot Your Course •Double up and take the plunge by going diving or surfing - Dive In •Couple up and create your own "catch of the day" story - Reserve Now •Go whale watching with your favorite pal - Learn More •Pair up your stay with an upcoming event - Start Planning •Double the fun with the top free things to do in Morro Bay - Learn More •Match up your overnight with the NEW Morro Bay Adventure Pass - Buy Now

Oyster, Seafood and Foodie Events

Morro Bay offers one of the widest varieties of foodie events and exciting things to do on California's Central Coast. Keep informed on what to do in Morro Bay by checking this calendar regularly. Meantime, here are some of the best oyster, seafood and foodie events that take place in and around this quint seaside town: •Summer Street Fair
August 2, 2015, 9am to 5pm Enjoy a day of music, dancing, kiddie entertainment, food and gifts. A good time for everyone! It's your chance to buy that unique item for yourself of someone special. Absolutely FREE admission, located at Morro Bay Blvd and Main Streets. •Avocado & Margarita Festival September 12 & 13 Enjoy the best California Avocados in all variations of culinary delights as well as refreshing margaritas, beer, specialty foods, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors. •"Catch of the Day" Adventure Tour with Savor the Central Coast September 24, 2015 Begin with a guided tour through the picturesque national estuary by kayak. We'll provide all the gear for an adventurous morning of kayak fishing with Momentum Paddle Sports. After docking and learning how to fillet a fish, you will be whisked away to the newly renovated 60 State Park Restaurant & Lounge at the Inn at Morro Bay for an ocean-to-table luncheon. Purchase your Adventure Tour tickets by clicking here. •Savor the Central Coast Sept 24 - 27, 2015 Celebrate the beauty and bounty of this unspoiled and largely unexplored part of California at Savor the Central Coast, the annual event where visitors can indulge in the ultimate epicurean adventure - including Morro Bay Oysters. •Harbor Festival October 3, 2015, Noon to 9pm The ALL NEW 34th Annual Morro Bay Harbor Festival will have a whole new look, location and "back to the basics" appeal this year. Enjoy live music from local bands as well as a headliner band performing in the late afternoon. The exciting new feature will be the spectacular fireworks display in the bay next to Morro Rock at dusk as well as FREE ADMISSION for all attendees. This festival focuses Morro Bay's harbor lifestyle and fresh seafood - including oysters! The presenting sponsor this year is Morro Bay Tourism Bureau. For details, contact the Morro Bay Harbor Festival office at 805 772-1155 or by email at [email protected]. •Saturday Farmers Market Saturdays Year Round Taste of best of the Central Coast every Saturday afternoon throughout the year at the weekly farmers' market on Main Street. Featuring locally grown, fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers and produce, plus fresh fish and oysters! Check out local crafts and be entertained by local musicians. Fresh baked Italian pretzels (Taralli), biscotti, cookies, bread and more.

About Morro Bay

This seaside fishing village with bustling waterfront offers a picture perfect getaway for travelers who seek food, wine and outdoor adventures found in a gorgeous natural setting. Located along coastal Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County just south of Big Sur, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay offers year round activities in an unspoiled slice of California. Recently named as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, outdoor activities are a way of life. From ocean-side golf, kayaking, sailing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, and bird watching, to kite flying, shopping, dining, wine bars, local craft brews and miles of unspoiled beaches, there is something for everyone. Sitting majestically between the beach and the harbor lays the iconic and historic landmark Morro Rock, welcoming travelers from miles away as they approach Morro Bay. Located just minutes from world-renowned Hearst Castle, historic missions, breathtaking Montana de Oro State Park, and surrounded by vineyards from Paso Robles to Edna Valley, Morro Bay is a destination designed to fit any style and budget for families, couples or groups. Morro Bay also offers a myriad of year-round events including food, wine and music festivals, art fairs and car shows unique to the town. For more travel information visit http://www.morrobay.org or follow Morro Bay on its Facebook, twitter or Pinterest pages.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Hartzler, Public Relations Manager
Mental Marketing
[email protected]
818-585-8641

Brent Haugen, Executive Director
Morro Bay Tourism Bureau
[email protected]
805-225-1570

Business Contact: