Oysters are croissants of the sea
With oyster season coming to an end, I think it is time to talk about our oysters, people! Sense moving to South Carolina, my appreciation of oysters has grown tremendously. I never knew what went into procuring them or the many varieties you should consider when ordering.
I have learned a lot from my husband who was born and raised in Bluffton, SC. I guess when you grow up by the water, you eat a little more seafood than the average Joe. Basically, choosing your oyster is all about deciding what area of origin you prefer. Oysters from the west coast tend to taste sweeter and are a little meatier. East coast oysters on the other hand have a lean meat and taste a little more salty.
Gulf Coast oysters are just shmedium (small medium) but they are consistent with good taste.
My suggestion would be to always order a dozen so you can taste at least two of each variety. That way you can really appreciate the taste of each. In this case, two really is better than one.
Some like them raw, some like them fried. Some like them grilled and covered in cheese and bread crumbs (that some would be me)!
We are lucky to have many good oyster joints in our backyard. One of my favorite spots is Jones Oyster Company. Located in our home of Greenville, SC, this place proves that you don’t necessarily need to live near the beach to enjoy good oysters. Ice is a wonderful thing!
Last week my husband and I had the pleasure of trying out a new spot called Mr. Crisp located in Greenville, SC. If you live near the area, it is worth a drive. The atmosphere was very lively and very different from what I expected from a place that is known for fried foods. We ordered a dozen oysters including Sweet Petites and St. Anne’s. Both were delicious and packed with flavor. Both being from the east coast, they were on the briny side. The St. Anne oysters looked giant compared to the sweet petites. If you want a lot of chew, this is the oyster for you!
When pairing a wine with your oysters, stick with something on the crisp and dry side for a nice compliment. I personally think a little champagne is the only true match for oysters, but any white will do!
I personally like my raw oysters naked, but if you insist on a condiment I think a little lemon juice will do the trick.
Like croissants, each oyster is unique. They are an art form of their own and loved by so many. I enjoy eating oysters but I also enjoy looking at them. I have found so many people that share my love for oysters and turned them into eye candy. For your staycation at the house, I suggest filling your walls and instagram feed with oysters.
One of my favorites is a hand painted piece by Margi Hershey. If you are ever in Bluffton, SC you should stop by the wonderful Bluffton General Store to check out her work. If you can’t make it in person, you can always shop their website. I have a hand painted tray in my kitchen and it is just more fun to serve things on a painted oyster shell for some reason. I love oysters so much, I had one of my favorite artists, Sarah Tinsley Parker, design a few shells for my husband’s groom cake!
Photo by Courtney Price
I can honestly say that my favorite color is neon. It doesn’t get much better than Neonskiltet. Am I right? His talent is unmatched in my book! Check out his site and add some neon to your life! I am hoping that one day he will make a croissant.
I hope you have fun with your oysters and always add them to your itinerary when exploring a new place! Learn about local spots that have great varieties and try cooking them at home. Maybe try throwing them on a charcuterie board. But definitely pair them with croissants!
