Oyster Societe' 20th Annual Oysterfest

Tonight (Thursday, February 18) is the 20th Anniversary of this “Oysterfest” that would have made Diamond Jim Brady proud! La Societe du Quarante-Huit Huitres founders Wayne J. Positan and Rob D’Alessandro are joined by a dozen or two ‘merry men’ who gather at the Grand Central Oyster Bar once a year for an annual affair, slurping down dozens of oysters until they are unable to move, and certainly have refueled all the zinc and minerals for which the bivalves are known. They convene at 6:30 PM.

“Membership” in the Societe requires eating 48 oysters, hence its name: La Societe du Quarante Huit Huitres,” French for “48 oysters.‎”

The culmination of these Bradyesque event was a challenge in 2002 to see if anyone could reach the Diamond Jim Century Club.…100 oysters. They kept pressing on, until 120, then Positan, in a fit of bivalve inspiration, decided that the appropriate mark should have some symmetry, which translated into 144 oysters….Douze Douzen, or a Dozen Dozen.

Tying a napkin around his forehead, and cheered on by the Societe and adjoining tables, the magic mark was reached, resulting in a round of hearty applause. Since then, things have retreated to the “48” norm, though rumor has it that several of the newer members, having missed the historic evening of 2002, aspire to reach the Diamond Jim Century Club tonite. Our advice is to stay away from the XL Moonstones, which is another story.

“I was one of the few brave souls who has devoured over 100 oysters in one sitting at The Oyster Bar. The night Wayne ate 144, we both lived, but have no desire experience the aftermath again! Vive la Societé! Liberte, Egalité, Fraternité!!!” Neil Mullin

Wayne Positan

Rob D’Alessandro

Dennis Drasco

Chaz Uliano

Barry Wiegmann

Greg Wlazlowski

Nelson Moreira

Mark Herrington

Howie Katz

Neil Mullin

Bruce McMoran

Lou Burke

Peter Buscemi

Ken Nolan

Larry Villardo

John Fusco