Armando Lemar is Tabasco oyster-opening champion for eighth time

The Tabasco British Oyster Opening Championship 2009 winner is defending champion Armando Lemar of Coastline La Brocca.

The 17th Oyster Opening Championship was held at Green’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Cornhill. Eleven contestants attempted to break the record for opening and presenting 30 native oysters to a restaurant standard.

Eight-time winner Lemar smashed the previous record by 29 seconds with a time of three minutes and 11 seconds.

Celebrity chef Brian Turner presented the event. “I think it went tremendously well today. It’s very good to see lots of young people enjoying themselves.” he said.

He added: “I like my oysters natural, with shallots and vinegar or best of all, with Tabasco.”

Speedy shucker Lemar said: “I felt a bit rusty but it is great to have won. I’ll definitely be back next year to defend my title.” He won a cheque for £250 and the Tabasco oyster opening trophy. He will go on to represent Britain in the international championships in Galway at the end of September.

Fredrik Lindfors of The Fish Shop was runner-up and Sam Tamsanguan of Wiltons Restaurant came in third place.

To view images of the championship, visit Table Talk, Caterer's new networking forum.


British oyster-opening championship opens for entries >>

Hélène Darroze - oyster masterclass >>

Oyster master >>

By Lesley Foottit

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