The twenty-first Rye Bay Scallop Week is fast approaching and scallop volunteer Olly Campion, the guy behind the scenes who promotes the various venues’ menus and events to the world, has given us his take on what’s hot this year…The work that Olly does is amazing and he is a powerhouse of energy and dedication. Hats off as he does all this without remuneration. What would Rye do without its amazing band of volunteers?
Scallop dishes
Battered scallops at Marino’s – If ever scallops or Rye Bay Scallop Week were seen as being “pretentious” then surely this way to enjoy a scallop turns that on its head! Neon has been battering his scallops and serving with sweet chilli or tartar sauce each year and his customers can’t get enough of them.
Scallops at The Mermaid Inn – As a juxtaposition dining experience, The Mermaid this year is also tempting visitors with deep-fried scallops and chips as well as “scallops Veronique with grapes, Noily Prat and cucumber” and “pan seared scallops with braised fennel and blood orange hollandaise”.
Scallop bap at Mermaid Street Café – Sarah and Ian’s popular scallop bap is back with bacon and avocado.
Tatner’s scallops at Rye Fine Wines – If you know you know but if you don’t – the chef will serve you gourmet street food whilst Graeme and Cathy pair your chosen dish with a perfect glass of wine. Saturday 22nd February from midday.
Make sure you head to the website scallop.org.uk and check out the other dishes, which look exceptional, at The Globe in Marsh, The Ferry Inn (Stone-in-Oxney), The George Grill, The Ship Inn and all the other venues.
Events
The Rye Harbour Herrings – As seen on screen with Mary Berry before Christmas, our famous local sea shanty band will be quite frankly popping up everywhere so check the website for details.
The Queen’s Head – Jonathan and his gang at the Queen’s Head have once again put on more events than there are days in the week. Again, take a look at the website but book the Rye Bay Crew early because you won’t want to miss out; and we hear the Mighty Zircons on Sunday 23rd February “bring The Party” so watch out for that.
Pub quiz at The Ship Inn – Following its roaring success last year, the quiz is returning and raising money for The Fishermen’s Mission so book your table for Wednesday 26th February at 7pm.
Scallop masterclass and dinner at Rye Fish Market – Ex J-Sheekey’s and Wright Brothers Chefs Richard Kirkwood and Andy Roberts teach you how to shuck and cook whilst you enjoy a three-course scallop dinner. £35 per person on February 27 at 6pm. Booking essential.
Tim Anderson Live Demo – MasterChef 2011 winner Tim Anderson is returning (he really loves Rye) to wow his audience at the Rye Community Centre with a live cooking demonstration on Friday February 28 at 6:30pm. Again, booking is essential. There will Japanese whisky tasting and a complementary shanties from The Rye Harbour Shanty Man.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Olly Campion archives , Marinos Rye .