There are usually two types of people…those who LOVE oysters and can’t get enough of them and those who can’t stand the sight of them. The oyster is a food that has an entire vocabulary all its own. Today, we’re going to give you the oyster 411. Everything you need to know about the beloved oyster including where to get them in St. Pete. We’re not saying you have to love them as much as we do but you should at least know what’s available to you and how to navigate your way around an oyster menu.
Types of Oysters
There are only 5 types of oysters. That’s easy enough to remember, right! Here’s the breakdown:
1.) Atlantic: These are the oysters you’ll most likely find around St. Petersburg thanks to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic oysters, in fact, can be found all the way up the east coast to Canada. You’ll recognize them because of their tear-drop shape and rounded edges.
2) Pacific: It makes sense to travel to the opposite coast to find our second type of oyster. These guys have jagged and pointy shells.
3.) Kuamoto: Just as their name suggests- these oysters originated in Japan. You’ll notice that they are smaller but have a deeper bed.
The last two are more rare and considered more of a specialty because there are fewer of them.
4.) Olympia: These are teeny tiny little oysters with a sweet taste.
5.) European Flats: Also known as the Belons they were named after a river in France. They are large and meaty but can be hard to find.
The Language of Oysters
Now that we’ve established the five types of oysters – we’ve got to know how to discuss them. Yes, oysters sort of have their own language. Thankfully, Madeleine Thomas provided a break down of the oyster lingo that will have us all sounding like pros! Her special report, Half Shell Hero, is about how oysters are changing regional economies. It’s extremely well done and certainly worth a read.
For our purposes- I’m digesting “oyster speak” down to the basics for you. Know the two terms below and you’ll be fine!
Brine: If you want to talk about how salty an oyster is… refer to its brine. “Briny” is also acceptable.
Liquor: This is the water that surrounds the oyster when it is delivered to your table. Don’t dump it! That would be an amateur mistake. Instead, eat it with the oyster and enjoy it because it is, after all, the oyster’s liquor and therefore part of what will make it so enjoyable.
These are the staples for discussing oysters but Thomas discusses several more including: creaminess, finish, crispness, and merroir. Click here if you want her in-depth version.
When to Eat Oysters
There’s a saying that you should not eat oysters during months that end in “R”. It’s known as the “R-month” rule. Oysters should be as fresh as possible but most experts say with all of the ways and places we obtain oysters now – this rule is simply outdated. So, try them every month of the year and decide for yourself if you believe in the “r-month” rule or if it’s just plain outdated.
Another important factor- what you enjoy with your oyster is just as important as the oyster itself. Like wine bring out the flavors of fish, beef and chicken… there are quality spirits that will do the same with a great oyster. Personally, I think oyster expert Rowan Jacobsen said it best in his feature “The New Rules of Oyster Eating”. Rule #15 says the drink that follows your oyster is as important as the oyster itself. Jacobsen recommends wine, sake, or a martini to follow Pacific oysters and beer or Bloody Marys to pair with Easten oysters. You’ll have to test your own palate to see what works for you.
Enjoying Oysters in St. Pete
Full disclaimer – this list is NOT comprehensive! If your favorite oyster spot isn’t on our list please leave a comment and let everyone know! Here are five fantastic places to enjoy oysters in St. Pete, though!
1.) Cassis: Sundays are a spectacular time to enjoy oysters at Cassis on Beach Drive in St. Pete! Bubbles and Oysters is the Sunday special and guests can sip a bottle of bubbly for $20 while enjoying a half dozen oysters for $10!
2.) Sea Salt: If you want to explore all kinds of oysters Sea Salt is the place to begin! The Oyster and Raw Bar menu does not disappoint. Each oyster comes with a great explanation so you know exactly which kind you are trying and where it came from.
3.) The Oyster Bar: Oysters are the name of the game here and there are 20 different ways to enjoy them at The Oyster Bar on Central Avenue in Downtown St. Pete. Another bonus – the kitchen is open until midnight and during Happy Hour you can enjoy $1 oyster shooters.
4.) 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House: The oyster bar includes a daily selection of boutique oysters as well as gulf oysters. There are also plenty of cooked oyster options if you’d rather.
5.) I.C. Sharks: Known for their relationships with local fisherman, I.C. Sharks offers fresh oysters on the menu.
By now you’re probably salivating or hopefully pondering whether or not to give the “slimy” oyster another try. Remember, some of the best things in life are an acquired taste. I used to hate onions and green peppers and now I can’t get enough of them. Foie Gras has never been quite the delicacy to me that it is to many but I’ve never turned down a bite. You just never know when it might be the very best you’ve ever had! Bon appetit!
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