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After farming oysters for 25 years and selling to restaurants, online and at various markets, Lisa and Andrew Hay, of Mahurangi Oysters, have acquired a new retail outlet.
Their food caravan is usually located in the Liquorland carpark at Snells Beach and, after two months, it is doing a roaring trade.
Lisa says oysters purchased at the caravan – dubbed Pearl – are shucked as they are ordered, ensuring the freshest, best-tasting oysters around.
“We decided it was time to have fresh oysters at Snells Beach. No one else does freshly shucked oysters – not even those bought from roadside stalls,” she says.
The caravan also sells oyster soup, oyster fritters and oyster shooters. The shooter comprises an oyster in spiced tomato juice – similar to a Bloody Mary, but minus the vodka.
In addition, the caravan offers occasional specials such as steak and oyster hot pot and oyster po’ boys. The po’ boy features fried oysters in a roll with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Oysters can also be bought in the shell. Customers can buy a knife and get a free lesson on how to shuck them for themselves – ensuring they still have the freshest possible oysters when they serve them at home.
Helping manage the caravan is Amie Hooper, affectionately known as Mother of Pearl, who formerly ran the kitchen at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe.
“We really wanted to make good, simple local food as accessible as possible,” she says.
Although the Liquorland carpark will be Pearl’s regular home, it’s also expected to make appearances at events such as the Kowhai Festival.
“Pearl is movable and a lot of fun,” Lisa says.
Pearl’s is currently open from Thursday through to Sunday, at the Snells Beach Liquorland carpark, from 11am to 6pm.
