S2 EP 34: Shuck Hard, Wander Far: Rutvik Patel and The Wandering Shuckers Co.

Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!From the raw bars of New York to festivals across the country, Rutvik Patel has built a life around the half shell and built The Wandering Shuckers Co. A kid from India – and not an oyster in sight – Rutvik shares how, thrust into the US, he stumbled into shucking, found community through oysters, and turned his passion into a profession. With his “superhuman” partner Mahnaz Damania keeping the ship steady, Rutvik travels coast to coast bringing oysters—and their stories—to pop-ups, private events and national competitions. He explains the art of shucking, the significance of storytelling in serving great shellfish. Our conversation reflects on the camaraderie within the oyster community,  craft, and how oysters have a way of connecting people everywhere.00:00 Intro00:23 Meet Rutvik Patel: The Wandering Shucker00:55 From India to America: Rutvik's Early Life02:37 Adapting to Life in the US05:06 Entering the Food Industry06:20 Discovering a Passion for Oysters08:41 The Art and Community of Shucking13:30 Competing in Shucking Competitions16:42 The Perfect Shuck: Techniques and Challenges17:58 Competition Oysters: Selection and Strategy18:26 The Art of Not Flipping Oysters19:46 The Wandering Shuckers: Origin Story20:34 Business Model and Events20:59 Catering vs. Popups: A Shucker's Perspective22:11 Innovative Techniques for Grilled Oysters23:42 Experimenting with Oyster Additives28:29 The Importance of Oyster Stories31:01 Memorable Shucking Experiences35:12 Future Plans and AcknowledgementsLinks:The Wandering Shuckers Co. (https://www.thewanderingshuckers.co)Mahnaz Damania — Global Indian Article (https://globalindian.com/es/youth/story/global-indian-exclusive/bollywood-to-broadway-actress-mahnaz-damanias-journey-to-life-of-pi/)The Seafood Dude — Daniel Wangler (Texas) (https://www.theseafooddude.co/about)Fallen Pine Oyster Company (Snow Hill, Maryland) (https://www.fallenpineoyster.com)Jolie Rogers Raw Bar (Wiscasset, Maine) (https://lcnme.com/currentnews/wiscasset-welcomes-jolie-rogers-raw-bar-to-village/)Hama Hama Oysters (https://hamahamaoysters.com)Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar (New Orleans)Credits: Guest: Rutvik Patel, The Wandering Shuckers Co Host: Kevin Cox, Creator & Host of OYSTER-ology Digital Deckhand: Chet GiptyPhotos courtesy of The Wandering Shuckers Co.Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!