This might be just because I'm not a big seafood fan in the first place (except for some fish, clams, and scallops), but I find oysters a rather odd food to even think about eating. The way it must feel when it's going down your throat...gah. I wouldn't eat one for a million dollars.*
But I know that a lot of you out there love them, and Esquire has everything you need to know about buying and eating them: what they are, the difference between East Coast and West Coast oysters, how to shuck them (including the equipment you'll need), and a few companies where you can buy the best oysters in the country.
Oyster lovers, rejoice!
* This is a lie. I actually would eat one for a million dollars.

Whitney Houston Dead: Singer Dies at 48, Body Found in Beverly Hilton Hotel
Whitney Houston Autopsy: Cause of Death Determined?
Whitney Houston, Bobbi Kristina: Late Singer's Daughter Hospitalized
Whitney Houston Dead: Stars React to Legend's Sudden Death
Grammy Red Carpet 2012 (PHOTOS)
Jennifer Hudson Whitney Tribute: Grammy President Reveals Why Singer Was Chosen for Musical Memorial
Grammy 2012 Winners' List: Adele Sweeps Music's Biggest Night
People With Easy-To-Pronounce Names More Likely To Succeed, Study Says
5-Hour Energy: A Success Equal Parts Caffeine, Chemistry and Meditation
Katy Perry Grammy Performance 2012: Did the Diva Diss Her Ex-Hubby With Revealing New Song?











1-14-2007 @9:23PM bdw said... I currently live in CT, a few yards from the ocean. one of my wife's customers brings her a box of 75-100 every couple of months, that he digs up himself. As a native Coloradan, I have finally gotten my fill of them. Roasted is best, we simply wash them, put them in the oven, and wait till they open on their own. We had them in stuffing in the turkey for thanksgiving, and the in-laws were massively impressed with the rich flavor they impart. Half shell is good with vodka shots, but I don't care for the oyster shooters. My wife likes a raw one in her bloody mary. Don't really care for them scrambled in eggs, either. I sauteed some with beef and chinese black beans, good but not great.
Anyone else have a favorite recipe that we could try when the Oyster Fairy comes next?
Reply
1-14-2007 @7:21PM Sophie said... Oysters are delicious with a lemon juice on it. Thank you for this info, although I know oyster quite well, I have learned many interesting things about it.
Reply
1-15-2007 @8:40AM Blair said... bdw,
You might try scalloped oysters, very tasty!
A good, and easy recipe is in the Betty Crocker cookbook, works every time!
Reply
1-15-2007 @10:22AM j.c said... No mention of Malpeque or Bras d'Or oysters, a real shame.
Reply
1-15-2007 @1:45PM MJ said... Im a southeren girl so...........got to have my oysters dressed up and fried!! no nake oysters for me! They must be fresh!! the worst thing in the world is seafood that isnt fresh especially scallops...hated them until I went to mrytle beach at a seafood bar they were wonderful!!
Reply
1-15-2007 @1:45PM MJ said... Try them baked on tE half shell with parmesan cheese and bacon or italian ham! Wonderful as an appetizer.
Reply
1-15-2007 @4:37PM Blair said... now we are cooking! making me hungry too!
Reply
1-15-2007 @5:54PM Matthew said... I grew up on the west coast and detested oysters. When I moved to NC I had an oyster Po'Boy that was great and decided to give them a chance on the half shell out here. What a world of difference. West coast oyster are horrible. The Stump Sound ones here in NC are great.
I have been to many a party where a bushel or two was set by the barbecue. Someone would be putting the oysters on the grill, but anyone was welcome to sit there and shuck as many raw ones as they desired while drinking a brew or two, and keep the grillmaster entertained...
Reply
2-10-2007 @4:39PM Molly Bloomz said... For my $, Alaskan Oysters, served at Jen's Restaurant are the BEST! A close second, Liuzza's by the Track in New Orleans Oyster Po Boy---it doesn't get any better than that
Reply