The newly launched Oyster Master Guild (OMG), co-founded by oyster experts Julie Qiu and Patrick McMurray, is pioneering the concept of the "oyster sommelier," offering professional certification programs to elevate oyster education in the hospitality industry. Modeled after wine education, OMG's Certified Oyster Sommelier and Certified Oyster Shucker tracks provide intensive training on oyster provenance, flavor profiles, sustainability, and expert shucking techniques. With growing demand for knowledgeable oyster service amid a booming global market, the program equips graduates—like those at New York’s Crave Fishbar and Cull & Pistol—with skills that enhance dining experiences and restaurant sales, making oyster expertise a new, valuable career path.
Title author:
Andrea Strong
Photo credit:
davit85 for Getty Images