Episode 34: Shuck Hard, Wander Far: Rutvik Patel and The Wandering Shuckers Co.
Description
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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 Intro
00:23 Meet Rutvik Patel: The Wandering Shucker
00:55 From India to America: Rutvik's Early Life
02:37 Adapting to Life in the US
05:06 Entering the Food Industry
06:20 Discovering a Passion for Oysters
08:41 The Art and Community of Shucking
13:30 Competing in Shucking Competitions
16:42 The Perfect Shuck: Techniques and Challenges
17:58 Competition Oysters: Selection and Strategy
18:26 The Art of Not Flipping Oysters
19:46 The Wandering Shuckers: Origin Story
20:34 Business Model and Events
20:59 Catering vs. Popups: A Shucker's Perspective
22:11 Innovative Techniques for Grilled Oysters
23:42 Experimenting with Oyster Additives
28:29 The Importance of Oyster Stories
31:01 Memorable Shucking Experiences
35:12 Future Plans and Acknowledgements
Links:
- 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 Gipty
Photos courtesy of The Wandering Shuckers Co.
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