Nick Schauman is one enthusiastic fella. He LOVES what he loves. (And I love that.)
I think I first met Nick when he was shucking oysters on the street in Hampden right outside the Corner Charcuterie Bar. (For the record, I still miss that place.) He was so engaging and we just clicked. I was getting more active on Instagram at the time and we were able to follow each other and keep up with what each other was doing. That felt like the most fun version of Instagram for me. Ads had not started, there were very few “content creators” and it actually felt FUN. We can talk more about that another time…but anyhow, that’s how we met and became friends.
Gradually, Nick’s curbside and backyard shucking adventures became a bigger business. He was part of the original partnership with True Chesapeake Oyster Company and eventually had three brick and mortar locations with his own brand, The Local Oyster. Ultimately, Nick decided to close his restaurants and focus solely on catering—a smart and strategic move if you ask me. He is currently working on a new venture, featuring steam pot kits that you can order and have your very own backyard seafood boil, it’s genius. I don’t have a backyard, but I’m hoping a friend will order a kit and invite me over!
Nick and his Local Oyster business partner Jen Whalen have catered for thousands and thousands of guests at countless special events and private gatherings around Baltimore and Washington. They are “the” go-to raw bar operation and do it with their own down home style and flair. They are engaging and fun and they serve the freshest, most delicious food – not just oysters, by the way. When I hear The Local Oyster will be at an event, I know it will be top notch.
I give Nick a lot of credit for his hard work and determination. His road has not been easy but man, that is so Nick to just put his head down and do the work. I admire that very much in people. He’s become a very good friend over the years and I’m so thankful for that. He’s a good egg.
Cake or pie? And, what kind?
I’m not a big fan of hot fruit but I do love pecan pie.
Your most prized possession?
After decluttering my life over the last few years I don’t really have a lot of stuff. Recently I’ve learned that my time is my most prized possession.
What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?
All things Asian. Vietnamese soups, sushi and of course Korean BBQ. I love bonchon.
What’s your favorite thing to cook at home?
Roast chicken, duh.
What is your morning beverage and how do you take it?
A strong cup of coffee with a little sugar and a lot of cream.
What’s your personal motto?
Life’s too short so you might as well have fun!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Definitely Halloween. Growing up we always had the scariest house on the block. I still love getting dressed up, breaking out the chainsaw and scaring the bejeezuz out of the kids and their parents.
Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?
About 13 years ago I was doing one of my first events at the SPCA and I met Drew Pumphrey aka The Smoking Swine. He was one of only a handful of food trucks in Baltimore at the time. He told me “whenever you see a camera, get in front of it!” He was a great guy and I miss him a lot.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Creating a business that creates community, representing Baltimore and making a life for myself that I truly enjoy.
The last text you sent?
“I get it. Once you read something 100 times it just goes in one ear and out the other.”
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Floating in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea with a piña colada.
What do you love most about food?
Eating it.
Your favorite place in Baltimore?
Cylburn Arboretum and Druid Park. I’ve been exploring them both for 20+ years and every time, I discover something new.
