Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published February 13, 2007 Block-Long Oyster Loaf Built Today The Louisiana Oyster Task Force inaugurates what it hopes will be an annual Oyster Jubilee this Thursday, when it takes over the 300 block of Bourbon Street (the one the Royal Sonesta Hotel fronts) and launches an all-day party. The centerpiece of the event is an oyster loaf that will extend the entire block, from Bienville to Conti. No, they're not kidding. And no, it will not be on one continuous loaf of French bread. (They thought about that, but no way could be found to bake such a loaf.) They'll start frying the oysters (they think it will require over a hundred gallons of the bivalves) and assembling the sandwich at 11 a.m.  Thursday, February 14. They figure it will take about two hours. (How will they keep the oysters warm? Oh, well.) (And another thing: Will it be dressed with lettuce and tomatoes, or done right, with just butter and pickles and hot sauce?) Afterwards, they'll cut it up and start serving. (The person I spoke with with the Oyster Task Force told me he thought it would be free, but he wasn't sure.) While that goes on, there will be other entertainment. Chef Jeremy Gresham from Bayona will do a cooking demo starting at noon. And, elsewhere on the street, these options will be open: Cajun & Creole food and beverages from Cafe Beignet, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Drawings for gift certificates from French Quarter businesses: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. French Quarter Arts and Crafts: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Music by Treme Brass Band: Noon-2 p.m. Music by Steamboat Willie Jazz Band: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. And this is only the first day of the Jubilee. On Monday--Lundi Gras--at 11 a.m., there will be a celebrity oyster-eating competition. I eschew most contests in which the winner is deteremined by the quantity eaten. However, I am persuaded by something Richard Collin said in one of his books: that the only thing better than a dozen oysters on the half shell is two or three dozen oysters on the half shell.  So I will be one of the contestants, because my object will not be to win, but just to eat a hell of a lot of oysters. Which, in case you haven't heard, are at the peak of their season right now, and coming in large numbers with high consistent quality. All from Louisiana. The Oyster Task Force figures it's going to make some money with their Jubilee. It will go to the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board's ongoing efforts to assist Louisiana fishemen in their recovery. Here's a web site for more information about the Oyster Jubilee and the Louisiana Oyster Task Force. © 2007 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com