Welcome to the Club!

Not enough people know the taste of Texas Oysters, but a local theater company is trying to change all that.  Why is a theater company interested in oysters?  Rude Mechanicals' playwright, Kirk Lynn, says it's because "oysters symbolize the kind of culture Austinites want to see: raw, fresh, sexy, refined, and little bit out of the norm." 

It's a part of a new club dedicated to sharing Austin's live culture.  The Rude Mechanicals' Oyster Club will head out on exciting adventures throughout the year to sample the best local food, music, film, dance, art, architecture, and more. 

And to signal the sort of destinations they have in mind, their kick-off party 5-8pm on Sunday, October 12th includes a mini-road trip to The Plant at Kyle, a dramatic architectural landmark tucked away on 17 acres of hill country just 30 miles from downtown Austin.

Fresh Gulf coast oysters from local seafood vendor Roberto San Miguel will be in the culinary spotlight. With assistance from co-event-underwriter Ross Smith, Edible Austin magazine and local Chef Jim Doss, San Miguel will dazzle the crowd with oysters on the half-shell, oysters à la mac (cocktail sauce and Monterey Jack cheese), oysters Rockefeller and smoked oysters on skewers. Gulf shrimp and freshly caught red snapper will also be prepared for the non-oyster lovers in attendance. Local spirits will be in abundance as well, featuring Tipsy Texan mixologist David Alan serving up his signature Oyster Club cocktail (a perfect pairing for the feast made with Texas's own Treaty Oak Rum and a secret ingredient from The Austin Wine Merchant) and Paula Angerstein mixing Paula's Texas Orange and Lemon with local fave Savvy Vodka. Another perfect pairing with the oyster feasting will be selections from Saint Arnold Brewing Company. And Dr. Oolong himself, Jeffrey Lorien of Zhi Tea, will be serving a special blend of iced tea from their fabulous tea bar as well. Delectable desserts by Rude Mechs company member and gourmet caterer Leilah Stewart.

The event will also invite attendees to take a refreshing dip in the designer swimming pool at the Plant as they soak in the atmospheric Hill Country breezes. So bring your beach towel and swim gear.

DJ Manateeman will provide music for the evening including a five minute preview mix of the new Rude musical, "I've Never Been So Happy!"

Membership in the Rude Mechanicals' Oyster Club includes not only this event, but access to a members-only website where you can find out about the other events taking place throughout the year in months that contain the letter "R" (there's eight of 'em).  The premise is based on the popular misconception that oysters are only safe to eat in those months.  This may have once been a good guide before modern refrigeration made it safe to eat oysters all-year round. 

The Rude Mechanicals, whose work has toured around the globe, are now positioning themselves as more than playmakers.  With the launching of the Oyster Club The Rude Mechs are now tastemakers celebrating local live culture.  If you've ever wanted to experience more of what makes Austin unique, now's your chance to join the club.