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Go Shuck Yourself - How to be an Oyster Fan in San Francisco
- by karey_ann
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- June 15, 2009
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- 2 discussions
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- 5 comments
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Oysters, oh, oysters. I don't really know when I became obsessed with you, but I did, and I am. Luckily for me, San Francisco has ample resources so that I can indulge my oyster fetish year-round and mostly in public. What follows is a guide to being an oyster fan in the city by the Bay!
Overview:
Oysters can be found in brackish water. In this area, the biggest farms are just north of Pt. Reyes in Tomales Bay.
Varieties of oysters can be compared to varieties of wine; each has its own complexity and signature flavor.
You can barbeque oysters, deep-fry them, or smoke them but oysters are definitely best ice cold and straight out of the shell, complimented with a nice IPA beer, light white wine, or a pinot noir.
That was my bourgeoise little synopsis. Now let’s talk about eating them!
Lagunitas IPA and oysters make an excellent pairing.
Aphrodisiac Qualities:
Oysters have long been considered aphrodisiacs.
I think it is, quite obviously, because of the evocative view once you crack them open . . . couple that with the texture, and you’ve got one heck of a body double for, well, certain feminine anatomy.
Scientists think it’s because oysters are high in zinc, which is important in reproductive organ growth.
I think my theory is far more credible, as evidenced by the above picture. See any zinc? I sure don’t!
Available in supplement form
but not nearly as much fun
Types of Oysters
There are many, but here are a few of my favorites:
Miyagis
Small, sweet, and buttery, these can be found right here around Pt. Reyes.
Hama Hamas
The Hama Hama is a variety of Pacific Oyster, known for it’s firm meat and mild finish.
Malpeque
From Prince Edward Island. A bit larger and salty tasting; full-flavored.
Wellfleet
Found off Cape Cod. Slightly salty, crisp.
Step #1: Go Out to Eat
Many of us don’t have too much spare cash around right now; however, oyster research is essential to becoming a knowledgeable fan. Hi Liner’s guide below can show you how to cut down on your food costs at home so you can afford more evenings out oyster tasting!
Bar Crudo
603 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Mmmmm. I just thought about Bar Crudo. I mean, I had to in order to find the picture of the bar below. And now I can’t stop thinking about it!
This is a great place to start your oyster education. Intimate and cozy, you can sidle up to the bar and ask as many questions as you can.
Just make sure that you save up enough of the green stuff, as I have been known to bankrupt my checking account and then consider my credit card for one more round of miyagis . . .
Rumor has it that there may be a second location coming soon to the NOPA area.
Mmmmm. I just thought about Bar Crudo. I mean, I had to in order to find the picture of the bar below. And now I can’t stop thinking about it!
This is a great place to start your oyster education. Intimate and cozy, you can sidle up to the bar and ask as many questions as you can.
Just make sure that you save up enough of the green stuff, as I have been known to bankrupt my checking account and then consider my credit card for one more round of miyagis . . .
Rumor has it that there may be a second location coming soon to the NOPA area.
The Bar at Bar Crudo
Hog Island Oyster Company
Ferry Bldg, San Francisco, CA 94111
Hog Island has a misty farm up north on the coast and they bring their wares down to a stall in the Ferry Building. The people from Hog Island are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They’ll shuck your oysters right there and talk you through shucking your own!
Hog Island has a misty farm up north on the coast and they bring their wares down to a stall in the Ferry Building. The people from Hog Island are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They’ll shuck your oysters right there and talk you through shucking your own!
Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Embarcadero
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Swan Oyseter Depot is good place to go after you’ve gotten your feet wet. This place is CROWDED with seafood zombies, and you might have to wait for a while to sit down to eat.
But the seafood and the oysters are very fresh, and cheaper than going to an upscale San Francisco eatery.
Swan Oyseter Depot is good place to go after you’ve gotten your feet wet. This place is CROWDED with seafood zombies, and you might have to wait for a while to sit down to eat.
But the seafood and the oysters are very fresh, and cheaper than going to an upscale San Francisco eatery.
Anchor Oyster Bar
579 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Fresh oysters in the Castro? Yes, please! A cozy atmosphere to enjoy your oysters; their clam chowder and mussels can also compete for your palate but you must resist!
Fresh oysters in the Castro? Yes, please! A cozy atmosphere to enjoy your oysters; their clam chowder and mussels can also compete for your palate but you must resist!
Step #2: Find Your Partner in Oyster Love
If you haven’t already found one, check Craigslist. You might find a posting as easy as this one
Step #3: Do It Yourself!
Get the picnic basket out, make the Whole Foods run, and head up north to spend a day in the sun/fog with your beautiful oysters.
Best Ingredients to Bring:
Fresh Lemon
Vinegar
Hot Sauce - preferrably Siracha
My love for Siracha knows no bounds. But that’s another guide . . .
Crab Cakes
To put on the grill next to your oysters
Wine
And lots of it!!
Lagunitas IPA
Did I tell you about the heavenly Lagunitas? You should bring some. Lagunitas Brewery has also put out a summer beer called “Little Sumpin’”, which also comes highly recommended.
Oyster Farms:
Both of the following farms offer the following amenities:
- grill
- picnic space
- oysters
- shucking tools
They are open year-round.
You bring:
- the condiments
- beer/wine
- dominoes
- love
- sober driver who is not annoyed easily (it is a long drive back to San Francisco)
Karey Ann with An Unsuspecting Oyster
Although it looks dangerous, it only becomes perilous after many, many glasses of wine and is actually quite safe.
The Grill
Oysters with a rich sauce + crabcakes = fantastic delicious
Map to Oyster Heaven
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Alright, I’ve never had oysters- I’ve always been too scared…BUT, this guide KIND OF makes me want to try them.
.jpg "Hi Liner")
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I had my first shucking experience in the summer. Those shuckers are a lot shucking harder to open than expected. We just had them raw, but the BBQ looks awesome.
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