So, you’re visiting an oyster bar for the first time — welcome to the premium league! That said, stepping into an oyster bar can feel a little intimidating. There is raw seafood, fancy seafood names, and the whole slurping-from-the-shell thing. You might also be worried about ordering the wrong thing.
But, don’t worry: You don’t need to be a seafood expert to enjoy an oyster bar to its fullest. Here are five tips you need to follow for a memorable experience:
- Start With Cooked Oysters
Eating raw oysters can be overwhelming, especially for someone who’s never tried them before. The best thing you can do is start with cooked options. A reputable oyster bar will offer numerous options, such as:
Oyster Rockefeller – oysters baked with a rich, creamy spinach and herb sauce.
Chargrilled oysters – grilled oysters offering a smoky flavor, topped with garlic butter and spicy chilli sauces.
Baked oysters – baked oysters crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with breadcrumbs, cheese, or bacon.
Starting with cooked options will help you build confidence. If you like them, you might be more open to raw oysters the next time.
- Eat it Like a Pro
Feeling adventurous? Give raw oysters a try, but learn to eat them like a pro. They’ll be served ice-cold on a platter atop ice or rock salt. Follow these steps:
- Slightly tilt the oyster to drain off any liquid.
- Check if the oyster is loose from the shell. If not, use your fork to separate it.
- Garnish the oyster with desired condiments. Lemon, honey butter, hot sauce, and herbs are great options.
- Bring the shell to your lips and tilt it. Don’t be afraid to slurp — it is the best way to catch all the oyster’s natural juices.
With some trial and error, you’ll become a pro at oyster eating.
- Chew, Don’t Swallow
Here’s a secret most first-time oyster visitors don’t know: You should chew the oyster instead of directly swallowing it.
Chewing the oyster a couple of times will help you fully experience the texture and flavor of this unique food. By swallowing, you will skip the good stuff.
- Ask for Recommendations
Oyster bars strive to make your experience memorable. If you’re unsure what to order, ask your server or the person behind the bar for recommendations. Chances are you’ll learn more about oyster types, flavors, and cooking options than any Internet guide could have told you.
Above all, they know how each oyster tastes. For instance, some are briny and bold, while others are creamy and sweet. You can also tell them your flavor preferences, and they’ll recommend accordingly.
- Order Small Portions
One of the most common mistakes first-time oyster bar visitors make is ordering large portions of numerous dishes, wanting to try everything. This is not the best idea.
By ordering small portions, you can decide what you like and order more of it. Moreover, oysters taste best when they are fresh. So, ordering a large platter at once might impact the flavor of oysters.
