Unlock the secrets of oyster shucking and tasting with Ben “Moody” Harney—NYC’s acclaimed oyster expert, founder of MotherShuckers, featured on Netflix’s High on the Hog, Spider-Man “into the Spider verse” and located at Market 57 food hall curated by the James Beard Foundation, for an unforgettable, hands-on class.

You’ll learn how to confidently shuck a dozen oysters—six from the East Coast and six from the West—while exploring their unique flavor profiles, from briny and salty to sweet and creamy. Try your hand at pairing them with gourmet toppings and sip on two carefully chosen wines during a guided tasting.

Learn from the city’s most celebrated shucker. Walk away with real skills, insider oyster knowledge, and the confidence to impress at any table.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: Must be 21 years or older (due to alcohol)
• Experience level: All levels are welcome

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: This is not an experience for children
• Individuals with disabilities: Accessibility at Pier57 may vary; contact ahead for specific needs
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration:
  • 40 minutes of history
  • 40 minutes of shucking instruction
• What’s included:
  • Hands-on shucking of 12 oysters (6 East Coast, 6 West Coast)
  • Guided tasting with 3 gourmet toppings and 2 glasses of wine
  • Instruction on making a cocktail pairing
  • Overview of oyster history, biology, and sustainability
  • Expert-led instruction and culinary insights
• Who will be present: Class is led by an oyster expert; up to 20 guests may attend
• Spectators: No spectators are allowed; everyone must be a participant
• Photo/ video: Photos are welcome during the experience
• Specific rules to follow: Alcohol consumption is only permitted for guests 21+; ID may be required

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This is an indoor experience
• Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance
• Parking: Paid parking may be available near Pier57; public transit is encouraged
• What to wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for a hands-on culinary class
• What to bring: Bring valid ID, booking confirmation, and a sense of curiosity
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms available on-site

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• A minimum of 5 participants is required for the class to run; the provider may reschedule if this minimum is not met

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked.