My job in college was working for the Fisheries Department doing Eurasian Milfoil research.  You know it, its the lake weed found in every lake in MN, and what the harvesters are designed to clear out (you’ve seen them on Lake Calhoun, for sure).

We were researching different biological controls for the weed (those harvesters only spread it), but so far, nothing seems to slow it down.  Invasive species crowd out native plants and destroy our local ecosystem; and I got to see this first-hand.

So, I have a special distaste for invasive species.  When chef/owner Josh Thoma told me about a new invasive species, I was like, “Oh no…!”  But luckily, Smack Shack has a very simple solution: Let’s eat our way to sustainability!

The Invasive ‘Rusty Crayfish’…

Women Lake, MN was getting choked out by the Rusty Crayfish, and invasive species that feeds on EVERYTHING in the lakes.  Aquatic plants, fish eggs, EVERYTHING.  So when the Fish Guys (seafood distributor in the Twin Cities) brought the idea for a Louisiana-style Crawfish boil, the opportunity to eat 2,000 lbs of the Rusty Crustaceans would not be passed up.  (Read more about it on the Fish Guys website)

The best, and perhaps funniest part is that early spring traps are laid with watermelon rinds.  The Rusty Crayfish crawls in to the traps, because apparently they just can’t resist a good rind.  There, they live and grow fat, in preparation for the day when they will be lifted from Women Lake and transported to the Twin Cities, so we can gorge ourselves and help rid our MN lakes of them!

That is why I’ll be fasting the day before Smack Shack’s 3rd Annual Crayfest; I’m going to help eat these bastards out of existence, and you can too!

Smack Shack CrayFest 2015

Saturday, Aug 8th |  12pm – 10pm

$40 Advanced / ($50 at door) 

Facebook Event  |  On ThriftyHipster

Best Part? All-U-Can-Eat Crayfish; let’s help MN rid themselves of this invasive shellfish!

(Also all-u-can-drink Fulton Taps and Hurricane cocktails)

It’s a Louisiana-Style crayfish boil, and as with any great Twin Cities’ block party there will be live music, and an eating contest for you sports fans.