The Grand Central Oyster Bar Hosts the 36th Annual Holland Herring Festival

What: 36th Annual “Holland Herring Festival” – Official First Tasting and arrival of “Nieuwe Maatjes” Herring from the Netherlands

Where: Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, “Below Sea Level” at Grand Central Terminal, New York City

When: Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Time: 12:00 noon (continues during day and through Friday, July 1)

Who: Oyster Bar Executive Chef Sandy Ingber, the “Bishop of Bivalves,” joined by Oyster Bar president Janet Poccia, vice president Mohammed Lawal, and general manager Jeremy Gatto, and dignitaries from the Netherlands Consulate

Admission: Free; herring by consumption (market price)

Subway: 4, 5, 6 and 7

Reservations and information: 212-490-6650

For lovers of “nieuwe maatjes” herring from Holland, the arrival of the tasty delicacy from the waters of the Netherlands is always eagerly anticipated. So, circle Wednesday, June 15, at 12 noon on the calendar when the historic Grand Central Oyster Bar once again will launch its 36th annual “Holland Herring Festival” with opening ceremonies including the “Official First Tasting” of Dutch Herring, hosted by executive chef Sandy Ingber, president Janet Poccia, vice president Mohammed Lawal, and general manager Jeremy Gatto, as well as dignitaries and special guests participating in the ceremonies. The Herring Festival will continue through Friday, July 1. The Oyster Bar has for three and a half decades been the traditional destination in America for the first Holland Herring of the season. The most-looked-forward-to time of the year for herring lovers, the delicacy arrives air-expressed to the Oyster Bar from Scheveningen, The Netherlands, on the North Sea where the herring fleet makes its home. The Oyster Bar always receives the very first herring shipped to the USA, and the cream of the catch, as well. Beginning on June 15th, and for approximately two weeks thereafter, the Oyster Bar looks forward to featuring the succulent, toothsome delicacy known as nieuwe maatjes herring. Herring lovers will enjoy the season for less than a month. The herring filets are served with hard-boiled egg, sweet onion and chives. For reservations at Central Oyster Bar call 212-490-6650, and visit http://www.oysterbarny.com/ for more information.