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Smitty
Tucked next to Gibsons' wharf, Smitty's Oyster House warms the bones of Henry (Smitty) Smith's blood, sweat and tears. Henry, one of Gibsons' early pioneers, built the blue box in 1957 with his own hands. It's old fir structure is truly incredible. It operated as a Marine Chandlery and was one of the first Mercury Marine Dealership in BC. The eventual decline of the commercial fishing industry forced Smitty to close the doors in 1995.
Along came Stafford
Fast forward to 2005. While on a family stroll down the sea walk with his wife, Jade and daughters Royal and Pearl, Stafford discovered the delapitated Smitty's Marina Building. Stafford Lumley, owner and operator of Rodney's Oyster House (Vancouver), was intrigued and excited with this forgotten beauty.
Trained by world renowned oysterman, Rodney Clark, Stafford always romanticized about having a seaside oyster house, and here it was.
The Lumley's soon learned that John Smith, Henry's son, and now the owner of the building was one of Stafford's best customers. Over a plate of oysters and a bottle of wine, the deal was done. Smitty's Oyster House was born. In keeping with Smitty's form, Stafford enlisted the help of good friend Shawn Divers, and together transformed the old blue landmark into a celebrated eatery.
First Oyster
The old barn doors swing open and customers are enthralled. Chef Conor Lowe, has taken the fish by its gills, directing his kitchen with youthful enthusiasm, while turning out new and classic dishes with flair. The room entices all your senses, and if you're lucky enough to sit on the patio at the 27 foot spruce harvest table on a warm sunny day, well it just doesn't get any better. A bevy of local shellfish, including Jervis Inlet oysters, Salt Spring Island mussels, and Savory Island clams arrive daily. Listen to Van Morrison echo off the brick and watch the trawlers unload their catch as you tuck into a plate of oysters. You really feel "away". Smitty's Oyster House is truly the pearl of the Sunshine Coast.
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