JACOBSEN SALT CO. PUTTING NETARTS BAY ON THE MAP

Here's something you may not know that I think is pretty cool and interesting! Right here in our own backyard the cold and pristine waters of Netarts Bay are being turned into salt that is being described by those with discriminating palates as having "beautiful taste, texture and appearance."  The proprietor of this new salt operation, Ben Jacobsen of Jacobsen Salt Co. has the mission of creating the best finishing salt America has to offer. And, from what I can gather he believes Netarts Bay has water capable of doing just that.  According to their website 94 restaurants (+/-) across the United States are currently using his salts in their creations, which may be a good indicator that he is in fact correct!

 This blog post started after a guy walked into Rob Trost Real Estate in Netarts yesterday with one question:  Do you know where I can buy that Netarts Bay salt?  He said he just saw it on AM Northwest!  We told him it was called Jacobsen Salt and directed him to The Schooner Bar & Grill around the corner on Netarts Bay. Immediately after he left we pulled up AM Northwest online and found a link to what he was talking about.  Take a peek at the footage in the link below!  I thought it was a fun segment. The hosts were so excited about the taste it made me want to run out and get some to try myself! 
Here is a link to the show:
http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/FEAST-Portland-223674071.html

Something I also just became aware of while perusing their website is that Jacobsen Salt Co. is holding a Fall Dinner Series right at their Salt production facility on Netarts Bay!  Each dinner will feature a different chef and a four course meal, also wine or cocktail pairings and dessert all with the backdrop of glorious Netarts Bay.  Prior to each dinner, wine and appetizers are served as guests are given a tour of the facility and grounds to showcase the salt harvesting process. They are even offering round trip transportation from the Portland area (for an additional fee) if you don't live in and around Netarts.  The grand opening event took place September 7, but future dates include September 18, October 5 and October 19.  Dinner prices range from $135-$175.

Visit their blog for details: 
http://jacobsensalt.com/blog/

Perhaps they will someday have short kayak tours launching right from their bay front bank after dinner!  Now that would be a wonderful way to finish off the evening, considering their ideal location toward the South end of the bay -- especially in the Fall!  What do you think Ben?  I hear Kayak Tillamook puts on a great tour.  They'll even bring the kayaks!  Something to think about I'd say!

When you have a chance definitely check out their website.  There's a ton of great reading material and product to discover!
http://jacobsensalt.com/

Great job Jacobsen Salt Co.!  We are having a great time watching your success and love that Netarts Bay is so important to your creation.

See you at the beach!
~Wendy
www.iWantABeachHome.com

SHUCK & SWALLOW OYSTER CONTEST

48 raw oysters in 10 minutes. Think you can beat that? You might have missed this event last year, but you won't want to let that happen again! This coming Saturday, September 10, 2011 the Netartian Beach and Bay Alliance {NBBA} will be hosting the 2nd Annual Pearl Street Oyster Festival where teams of two (a shucker and a swallower) pay an entry fee of $25 and compete for a $1000 purse (courtesy of the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge.) While not for the squeamish, this event requires these brave duos to shuck and swallow as many raw oysters as humanly possible in the designated time period of 10 minutes. While this is a very exciting event, there is much more than Netart Bay Oyster eating to this successful community event -- You will also find local artists, a variety of food vendors, a beer garden, non-profits and live music throughout the day.

Additionally, Kayak Tillamook will be offering demonstrations and kayak tours of Netarts Bay from the public boat launch, just steps away. Tours are $30 for each 1.5-hour trip, and include some instruction. Tours will be available from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those 16 and older. EVENT LOCATION: Netarts Boat Basin Road -- In front of the Schooner. Pearl Street will be closed to through traffic during the event. TIME: 11am - Dark. The Oyster eating contest starts at Noon on the deck of the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge. LIVE MUSIC: Noon - 8pm. 12-2pm: H.A.L (from Tillamook) 2-4pm: The Nobodys (from Netarts) 4-6pm: The Exiles (from Rockaway Beach) 6-8pm: Volifonix (from Eugene...this is a GREAT band!)

The Oyster Festival is a family and dog-friendly event. Mapquest this address for driving directions: 2065 Boat Basin Road, Netarts, OR 97143 Come out and support the NBBA! This is going to be a great event...Fun to be had by all! I hope to see you there!