LEVEL 3 SPECIALTY

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is home to some of the most distinctive oyster-growing waters in the world, and this course goes deep into why. Developed following firsthand research in the region by Oyster Master Guild co-founders Julie Qiu and Patrick McMurray, and in partnership with New Brunswick Deliciously Canadian, this specialty course is built for professionals who already know their way around a half-shell and are ready to master the nuances of this singular region.

Course Details

Languages: English, French subtitles.
Course duration: 1 hour.
Access period: Enjoy 12 months of access.
Access device: Learn from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
Credits: Completion earns 1 Knowledge credit towards Level 3 Qualification.
Prerequisites: All are welcome. Completion of Level 1 is recommended.
To take this exam, you must have successfully completed the Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation course.

Photo by Julie Qiu / Styling by Patrick McMurray

Why Take This Specialty Course?

Speak confidently

Walk away with the knowledge and vocabulary to speak about New Brunswick oysters with the authority that comes from truly understanding a region.

Know more than most

Access the kind of on-the-ground insight that only comes from people who have actually been there, so you can offer your guests, clients, or customers something most of your competitors can't.

Taste differently

Once you understand the environmental forces behind merroir in New Brunswick, what's in the shell starts to make a different kind of sense.

Become an NB specialist

Become one of the few people in your field with genuine, tested expertise in a region that deserves far more attention than it gets.
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What You'll Learn

Dive into the regional identity, farming traditions, and environmental factors that define New Brunswick's oyster culture, grounded in firsthand research and built for professionals.
  • The geography and tidal systems that shape New Brunswick's distinct growing regions
  • How seasonality and local farming practices influence flavour, texture
  • The vocabulary for articulating merroir specific to this region
  • Sustainability practices shaping the future of oysters in the region
  • Grower profiles and some of the people behind New Brunswick's oyster industry
  • How to position NB oysters within the broader Canadian and international shellfish landscape

Patrick McMurray

Patrick McMurray has been shuckin’ around the oyster world since 1992 as a restaurateur, author, educator, competitive shucking world champion, and a Guinness Book record holder for the most oysters opened in one minute (33!)—of which he bested his record to 39 on the Gordon Ramsay F-Word Live show in 2017.

Patrick designed and built two restaurants in Toronto from scratch: Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill and The Ceili Cottage, and wrote The Oyster Companion. Patrick conducts Oyster 101 lessons for chefs, schools, festivals, and oyster lovers around the globe. Presently, he teaches culinary & hospitality (with an oyster & shellfish specialty) at Centennial College in Toronto.

Patrick attributes his shucking success to his technique and the pistol grip Shucker Paddy Oyster Knife he designed, which is now manufactured and distributed globally by Zyliss.
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Julie Qiu

Julie Qiu is an internationally recognized Oyster Sommelier, brand strategist, and educator operating at the intersection of oyster expertise and market development. As the co-founder of the Oyster Master Guild and founder of In A Half Shell, she has spent over 16 years institutionalizing oyster evaluation standards and advising seafood brands on global positioning.

Julie provides a specialized lens for the burgeoning oyster hospitality sector, translating technical merroir, biochemistry, and production nuances into actionable frameworks for industry professionals. She conducts advanced masterclasses and sensory pairing workshops globally, designed to elevate service standards and consumer engagement. Her creative contributions include co-authoring the 33 Oysters on the Half Shell tasting journal, the Oyster Species of North America reference, and hosting the Around the World in 80 Oysters webcast.

Become a New Brunswick Oyster Specialist

This course was made in collaboration with New Brunswick Deliciously Canadian and the New Brunswick oyster industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the course cover shucking techniques and how to taste oysters or just information about New Brunswick oysters?

This course focuses on the environmental, historical, geological, and industry-specific aspects of New Brunswick oyster production, offering a deep dive into the region’s unique merroir. Flavor profiles will be touched on, but tasting and shucking techniques will not be part of this discussion.

For a more detailed exploration of oyster opening and sensory evaluation techniques, you might want to explore the Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation course.

What specific resources or study materials will I have access to during the 1-year period?

Enrolled students will have access to: 
- The full video course in English with optional French Canadian subtitles.
- Downloadable PDF of the course slides for personal reference.

Do I need any prior oyster knowledge in order to take this class?

While prior oyster knowledge isn't mandatory to take this course, having foundational knowledge—whether from OMG or other sources—can greatly enhance your understanding and ability to contextualize the material. It will allow you to engage more deeply with the content.

If you're new to oysters or want to brush up on the basics, consider exploring the Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals course for a comprehensive introduction.

Do you offer group or team discounts for this class?

We do not offer group or team discounts for this class. However, qualified restaurant and retail business owners may be eligible for complimentary enrollment, courtesy of New Brunswick Deliciously Canadian. To learn more, submit this request form.

Does this course get me Level 1 certified?

No, this is a specialty course that focuses on New Brunswick oysters only. If you wish to get certified by the Oyster Master Guild, then you need to take the full Level 1 Certification Course.

What do I need, tech-wise, in order to take this class?

To have the best experience possible, you'll need:
- A reliable internet connection to access course materials.
- A computer, tablet, or mobile device with an up-to-date web browser.
- Headphones or speakers to listen to video lessons clearly.
- An optional notebook if you’d like to take notes during the course.

The class is designed to be user-friendly and works across most devices, so you can learn wherever you’re most comfortable.

Is this course conducted live?

Currently, this class is offered exclusively online. This format allows you to start at any time and progress at your own pace, making it accessible regardless of your location or schedule.

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