Gulf Coast Oysters Will Now Need To Be Treated???

[MormonMatthew]

I wish I could link it (I dont know how to go about it) but I read today that Oysters from The Gulf Coast will soon need to be treated for bacteria before they can be sold to consumers..........

The article said that this is to help avoid illness that is sometimes associated with raw Gulf oysters, and that according to the FDA, it will not significantly change the oysters flavor or texture.

The restaurant people quoted in the story (I think one works at Herbsaint) seem to feel quite differently, and say that the treatment DOES affect the taste of the oysters and are concerned about loss of business for restaurants and for oystermen alike.

This new regulation would take effect in 2011.
------------------------------------------
Seems to me the FDA is attempting to address a problem that is not really an issue for 99.99% of the general public, and by doing so may threaten an American industry that is already apparently facing tough times.

[rosetree]

Here's the link from NOLA.com...

http://www.nola.com/dining/index.ssf/2009/10/louisiana_blasts_fda_plan_to_l.html

...and the AP story....
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVq1FcifXrKgRT8xZehOIdbyNUiAD9BJLB680

[Lostcajun]

Perhaps I'm a naive ignorant goof. But aren't the oyster beds cleaner than ever? I mean, when I was a kid in the 70's the oyster beds were not as protected as they are now. I know people who got sick on them too, BUT.... it just seems that everyone's being more careful about all of it. Because one break out will RUIN the oyster industry at least for a long season.

[MormonMatthew]

Here's the link from NOLA.com...

http://www.nola.com/dining/index.ssf/2009/10/louisiana_blasts_fda_plan_to_l.html

...and the AP story....
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVq1FcifXrKgRT8xZehOIdbyNUiAD9BJLB680

Thanks Mark.


I had never heard of any of this news until today.........

[festivalgirl]

At first I thought this was over kill but after reading the actual FDA statement I'm mulling. The old Month with an R rule has gone by the way side. We don't protect our water sources well enough. The two biggest arguments against are they won't look as nice and it will be costly. Not too much argument that it is unnecessary. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Speeches/ucm187012.htm

Apparently I have been eating treated Gulf Coast oysters out here since 2003 and never knew the difference.

[Phatpapa]

As was pointed out in the NOLA.com article.
I think the FDA needs to be spending time and resources on insuring imported seafood is making the grade instead.

[chrisjoseph]

After the bullshit our government and media has put us through on swine flu, let's just say I'm skeptical....

[Lostcajun]

I with you Chris. I'm not much of a fan of Government officials. I do think that there is a season for things, and our modern culture and tech has made it possible that we don't have to pay attention to seasons. And I do believe that that makes our food less nutritious. Back in the day (70's) I don't EVER remember eating ersters except in months ending with "r". And ya know, they ARE better during those months. BUT spoiled americans (democrats and republicans, as if there is a real difference) want their oysters when they want their oysters.

I do think we need to pay attention to the seasons. My son, the environmentalist, has challenged us with that. So, we eat things in season, and then canned foods that are not in season if we want that type of food. (Actually, canned diced tomatoes are WAY better that the fake "fresh" tomatoes that we get in the stores during the winter.)

So while I think a lot of government stuff is crap, I do think that "we" need to chill and honor the natural order of things. I'm not sure what the real motivation is of the governments approach is with this, but ultimately there is a better way that is the natural order of nature.

[Lostcajun]

AND, btw, my daughter has swine flu. It's not been scary at all, it's just the flu that has come early...

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

One dozen over here please.

[chrisjoseph]

AND, btw, my daughter has swine flu. It's not been scary at all, it's just the flu that has come early...

I had it a week and a half ago. IT"S THE FLU! No more, no less.

[Lit]

I ascribe to the colder-the-water-the-better-the-oyster school of thought. I love oysters and eat them every chance I get, but I never eat raw oysters in New Orleans because I think the Gulf water is too warm to make great ones. Instead, I eat them char-grilled, fried, baked and cooked every other way possible down there. Up here, I have access to great oysters from much colder waters, and my preference is usually for those from the Maritimes and Maine, although I still eat a lot of them from the waters surrounding the other New England states and Long Island (and occasionally from the Pacific Northwest). Conversely, I almost never eat them cooked up here; I only eat them raw. It is interesting to note that cooked oyster dishes are much less common up here too; and in New Orleans they are everywhere. I think there's a reason for that.

[Lit]

I had it a week and a half ago. IT"S THE FLU! No more, no less.

Our whole family had it this summer at the same time. For most of us, it was actually a good deal less than the normal flu, although it did linger a while longer.

[festivalgirl]

After the bullshit our government and media has put us through on swine flu, let's just say I'm skeptical....

AND, btw, my daughter has swine flu. It's not been scary at all, it's just the flu that has come early...

I had it a week and a half ago. IT"S THE FLU! No more, no less.

Our whole family had it this summer at the same time. For most of us, it was actually a good deal less than the normal flu, although it did linger a while longer.

glad i don't see you all in person ... that's a lot of damn flu and it's not even winter yet.

not worried .... don't get flu shots .... stay away from sick people

[Irishnms]

My only concern down here on the Gulf Coast is that Dupont factory!! We can only dream what they are dropping into the water!!!

[DenverDestinDarlin']

Just got back from Drago's. Yum! Grilled tho.
Had the 25 cent raw oysters last night at Don's in Hammond followed by their Jacked up Oysters. Both were very good. Raw fresh on the halfshell. Can't say raw NOLA oysters have never made me sick tho... Could they be the cause of my stomach cancer? Hmmm, I wonder.
Think Tulane would've figured that out by now, esp. since the docs tell me to eat them to boost my immune system with all that zinc.
Sorry you all have had the flu. They say once you've had it you're system will be boosted from it for years.

[stlbarb]

glad i don't see you all in person ... that's a lot of damn flu and it's not even winter yet.

not worried .... don't get flu shots .... stay away from sick people

the flu, in any given year, kills people. most often elder and people with other health issues. children who die from flu often have co-infections.

so the flu, regular, bird, swine, or whatever, can be dangerous.

[Lostcajun]

glad i don't see you all in person ... that's a lot of damn flu and it's not even winter yet.

not worried .... don't get flu shots .... stay away from sick people

be careful opening your us postal mail this week, you never know what might be in them envelopes.........

[Lostcajun]

My only concern down here on the Gulf Coast is that Dupont factory!! We can only dream what they are dropping into the water!!!

citizens need to watch and pay attention, the government will not

[stlbarb]

citizens need to watch and pay attention, the government will not

that's why you should eat your oysters, actually all your food, fried.
frying kills all the bad stuff. :rolleyes:

[Lostcajun]

that's why you should eat your oysters, actually all your food, fried.
frying kills all the bad stuff. :rolleyes:

and then clogs yer heart and kills you?

[stlbarb]

and then clogs yer heart and kills you?

not if you drink enough beer & wine. they cleanse your arteries.
especially if you have a cigarette afterwards.

[Lostcajun]

not if you drink enough beer & wine. they cleanse your arteries.
especially if you have a cigarette afterwards.

Oh, is that what they call the St. Louis Diet?

[stlbarb]

Oh, is that what they call the St. Louis Diet?

its my new retirement plan. i wont be able to afford to live to 100. might as well party now.

[festivalgirl]

the flu, in any given year, kills people. most often elder and people with other health issues. children who die from flu often have co-infections.

so the flu, regular, bird, swine, or whatever, can be dangerous.

if you're at risk, get a shot. if not, use common sense. somewhere between fear and total disregard is probably best.

the first outbreak was during jazz fest time. the notice on the train was hysterical and sad at the same time. "wash your hands", "don't sneeze into your hands", "don't sit next to people coughing" ...... didn't we learn this in kindergarden?

[Irishnms]

citizens need to watch and pay attention, the government will not

The government are paid off!! People who live within a 2 mile radous of the Dupont plant have cancer! I saw a show on it not too long ago. An oysterman who fishes in the area has cancer! He said he ate oysters every day! My boss won't eat oysters that are from within a 500 mile radious of here! I do eat the oysters ('cos I love 'em), but I figure it's infrequent, so I should be ok!! Only time will tell I guess!

[20-20]

Since this evolved into a bit of a swine flu discussion, my wife wanted me to ask if any of you who had contracted the flu had had flu shots? either for H1N1 or this years garden variety ?
She's on the fence as to having the shots or not and she is just curious.

[chrisjoseph]

I didn't get a shot, and won't get a shot. I don't believe in them. Not saying they might not be worth it for some people (high risk), but not for me.

[20-20]

That has normally been our position with occasional exceptions, but with all of the hoopla, one gets concerned, rightly or wrongly...not that I would ever impugn either our government or the media.

And since you are logged in CJ, a change of subject.I have been trying to purchase Glen David Andrews cd "Walking Thru Heavens Gate" and the folks at LMF tell me that they are out of inventory and have been for awhile.I assume production is not within your span of control, but if you could pass that along to the powers that be, I would appreciate it. Thanks

[piscesgirl]

Now that this has turned into a flu shot discussion, let me chime in... I never have and never will believe in flu shots. I have never had one and have gotten the flu exactly one time in the last 20 years. Meanwhile, people I know that get them religiously have gotten the flu far more often.

About the oyster situation, I really didn't read the whole article. I'm sure the serious foodies will say that it will affect the taste and whatever. I don't eat them raw no matter what month it is so I would have no idea. We definitely only used to get them in the "r" months so I understand what my bro Lostcajun is saying about our society wanting everything right this minute, regardless the consequence to health, environment, whatever.

And I definitely agree that the canned tomatoes are superior to that crap they're passing off as fresh in the produce section!

[ohio]

And I definitely agree that the canned tomatoes are superior to that crap they're passing off as fresh in the produce section!
They need a new name for those things in the produce aisle, 'cause they sure as hell ain't tomatoes...

[chrisjoseph]

I'll check with Glen's manager on the CD. In the meantime, you can purchase from Amazon (the 14.98 option is ours) at

http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Through-Heavens-David-Andrews/dp/B001RQM108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1256743864&sr=8-1


or you can download for 9.99 from

http://threadheadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/glen-david-andrews-walking-through-heavens-gate

[20-20]

Thanks CJ just ordered!

[BigDag]

Since this evolved into a bit of a swine flu discussion, my wife wanted me to ask if any of you who had contracted the flu had had flu shots? either for H1N1 or this years garden variety ?
She's on the fence as to having the shots or not and she is just curious.

My insurance company requires me to do a handful of things in order to keep the best coverage and rates available to me. A flu shot is one of the most hassle-free items on that list, so I get one.

[linza22]

agree with the tomato discussion. canned in the winter....

flu shot? I used to get the flu every single year until i started getting the flu shot. i still got it once, but to a lesser degree...so for me, i'm very nervous about not getting it this year....our company cancelled all flu shots due to the shortage of the vaccine...because folks that normally don't get one, panicked, and jumped on the bandwagon. hmmm.

and oysters? colder the waters the better i feel about eating them.

[Lit]

Since this evolved into a bit of a swine flu discussion, my wife wanted me to ask if any of you who had contracted the flu had had flu shots? either for H1N1 or this years garden variety ?
She's on the fence as to having the shots or not and she is just curious.

We did not get the H1N1 shots because it did not exist before we contracted the virus in early July and there is no need for us to do so now that we have already had it. My wife is a pediatric nurse and we have young kids, so she and they all usually get the regular flu shot. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't--it usually depends on whether I'm around when they get theirs. This year I was, so I did.

[Orleansnj]

I ascribe to the colder-the-water-the-better-the-oyster school of thought. I love oysters and eat them every chance I get, but I never eat raw oysters in New Orleans because I think the Gulf water is too warm to make great ones. Instead, I eat them char-grilled, fried, baked and cooked every other way possible down there. Up here, I have access to great oysters from much colder waters, and my preference is usually for those from the Maritimes and Maine, although I still eat a lot of them from the waters surrounding the other New England states and Long Island (and occasionally from the Pacific Northwest). Conversely, I almost never eat them cooked up here; I only eat them raw. It is interesting to note that cooked oyster dishes are much less common up here too; and in New Orleans they are everywhere. I think there's a reason for that.

Have you tried the gulf oyster raw? It really is fantastic.

Additionally, I think the issue of oyster dishes and their creatively cooked offerings are not an issue of oyster quality - but rather abundance and culture. The reality is that oysters are not as popular here in the northern states as, say, clams. the New England/Tri-State preference is clearly one for clams over oysters....and again, I think that is a matter of a supply/demand issue.

Having said all of that - I don't eat oysters in a month without an 'R' because that's just the way it is. My mother-in-law provided me with a long dissertation once when I suggested we get some oysters in May. Since then - no go. heh heh

[Orleansnj]

I didn't get a shot, and won't get a shot. I don't believe in them. Not saying they might not be worth it for some people (high risk), but not for me.

This is my feeling - exactly.

[ohio]

Have you tried the gulf oyster raw? It really is fantastic.


They really are! I've gone so far as to try samplers at places like McCormick & Schmicks- ersters from all sides of the continent. Gulf ersters always win or tie for tastiest, imo.

[20-20]

I have to agree with you Ohio. I have tried the samplers as well as the local dishes when in the areas...SouthEast-North/NorthEast...NorthWest (sorry, I mean Pacific NorthWest..Whatever) and I prefer the Gulf Coast variety. I have to assume, however, that individual prejudices based upon where you were raised influence your preferences.That dosn't mean that they are not incorrect in their opinions..I just don't want to step on any toes !!!

Some folks like Mountain oysters....there is just no accounting.

[Phatpapa]

Some folks like Mountain oysters....there is just no accounting.

Hand up in air.....:)

[Lostcajun]

Hand up in air.....:)

ACTUALLY NO COMPARISON, trust me.... aka calf fries are popular here, and I am not impressed. Real ersters are a trillion times better.

[Michelino]

I have to agree with you Ohio. I have tried the samplers as well as the local dishes when in the areas...SouthEast-North/NorthEast...NorthWest (sorry, I mean Pacific NorthWest..Whatever) and I prefer the Gulf Coast variety. I have to assume, however, that individual prejudices based upon where you were raised influence your preferences.That dosn't mean that they are not incorrect in their opinions..I just don't want to step on any toes !!!

Some folks like Mountain oysters....there is just no accounting.

I've tried those samplers myself, from the Oyster bar at Grand Central to Old Ebbitt's in DC home of the Oyster Riot. (http://www.ebbittoysterriot.com/) The Gulf Oyster wins every time. A dozen at Drago's or Acme or Felix or the Fairground just crushes anything available elsewhere that I've tried them.

[Lit]

To each their peach folks. I like my oysters to be cold, crisp, firm and have flavor, usually with a good deal of salinity. I find the Gulf oyster to be mild, flaccid, soft and to have low salinity--very generic. But at least they are consistent. I like Malpeques from PEI as among the most consistent and widely-available in the style I like, but even they are pretty mild. Some of my all-time favorites--when I can get them--are Glidden Points from Maine, Aspy Bays from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Totten Virginicas from Washington. I always sample several different types when I am at places with a selection. I never see Gulf oysters offered at the places up here; and we get them from all over the country--even Meximotos from Baja. I have been to the Oyster Bar in Grand Central dozens of times over the past 20 years and have never seen a Gulf oyster on their menu. I don't think it's because they can't get them.

My rule remains the same: stick with the coldest, cleanest water. The water in the Gulf never really cools enough to make much of a difference from what I understand. Admittedly, I have not eaten many raw Gulf oysters; I only needed a few, and I generally don't keep trying raw oysters that don't wow me. A few weeks ago was the first time I was in New Orleans that it wasn't late April or early May, and if I'm ever going to try another raw Gulf oyster, it ain't gonna be then because the water is quite warm then. I agree that the prominence of cooked oyster dishes down there has a lot to do with supply, but I also think it has a lot to do with the fact that the culture is not one that savors the nuances in the differences in taste among all the different types of raw oysters. I'd be surprised to find any place down there that actually brings in any oysters other than local ones, given the incredible supply that is already there.

[festivalgirl]

Malpeques and Blue Points are also yummy ......

I have to admit that I'd trade them all in for Little Necks on the half shell. drool, drooooool.

[Corona]

Speaking of drool..this whole oyster discussion has me drooling. I loved them all ways until I developed this f'd up allergy to them about 10 years ago. Tested the waters a couple of times over the years in New Orleans but the result is always the same....severe ulcer-like pain for at least 24 hrs. Sucks big time. SOOOO, I live vicariously through Ed who sucks them up like they're the last ones on earth lol!

Re: H1N1- there's been an outbreak at work this week and people are going nuts. Health and Safety emails several times a day, offering people masks and gloves....oh lord...the hysteria is ridiculous :(

[Phatpapa]

ACTUALLY NO COMPARISON, trust me.... aka calf fries are popular here, and I am not impressed. Real ersters are a trillion times better.

Oh, I totally prefer the ones that grow in H2O. But the ones that hang aint bad....

[i wanna be in NOLA]

Just got this e-petition by email to "save raw oysters"

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-raw-oysters

[Staxsun]

I've eaten lots of fancy shmancy oysters in the Pacific Northwest and the Eastern seaboard. While they were good, nothing beats a gulf oyster to me!

[Lostcajun]

I'm with Stax...... Gulf ersters ROCK!!

[Lit]

Fancy shmancy? Don't think I've ever had any of those. What do they taste like and what's so fancy about them? The only raw oysters I've had are just oyster meat in oyster shells, but they vary greatly depending on where they are from and how fresh they are.

[linza22]

Malpeques and Blue Points are also yummy ......

I have to admit that I'd trade them all in for Little Necks on the half shell. drool, drooooool.


haven't had a blue point in years. delish. and oh how i miss the little necks.

[20-20]

"Fancy shmancy? Don't think I've ever had any of those."

For those either not old enough or unfortunate enough to have never visited a "Joint" made of cinder block walls and concrete floors that were just hosed down every night with of course a parking lot paved with oyster shells, then, my friends....all that you have had to eat is "Fancy Shmancy" oysters!!!

[Lit]

"Fancy shmancy? Don't think I've ever had any of those."

For those either not old enough or unfortunate enough to have never visited a "Joint" made of cinder block walls and concrete floors that were just hosed down every night with of course a parking lot paved with oyster shells, then, my friends....all that you have had to eat is "Fancy Shmancy" oysters!!!

So the cinder block walls, concrete floors and parking lot material of the place that serves the oysters affects the taste?

FWIW, I've eaten them everywhere: from the shore within seconds of removal from the water; to the run-down fish shacks on the harbors where the boats bring them in; to the finest oyster bars in the country. I've found that nothing affects the taste other than the quality and freshness of the oyster itself.

[linza22]

"Fancy shmancy? Don't think I've ever had any of those."

For those either not old enough or unfortunate enough to have never visited a "Joint" made of cinder block walls and concrete floors that were just hosed down every night with of course a parking lot paved with oyster shells, then, my friends....all that you have had to eat is "Fancy Shmancy" oysters!!!

I do love a joint...but i love them anywhere! to me, it doesn't matter!

[swag]

I do love a joint...

As do many others here on this board. :)

[linza22]

As do many others here on this board. :)

you stop it!

[Delta]

I honestly can't say whether I've ever had anything other than a gulf oyster or not, but I suck those down by the dozen. They do a 10 cent special here every Sunday afternoon in season and we spend almost as much on the dime oysters as we do the beer to go with them.

Do the other kinds look any different than the gulf ones, or do they just taste different? And I have to agree with 20-20...ambiance does affect flavor!

[linza22]

I honestly can't say whether I've ever had anything other than a gulf oyster or not, but I suck those down by the dozen. They do a 10 cent special here every Sunday afternoon in season and we spend almost as much on the dime oysters as we do the beer to go with them.

Do the other kinds look any different than the gulf ones, or do they just taste different? And I have to agree with 20-20...ambiance does affect flavor!

there is a differnce in taste size etc. salty sweet etc. the only place i've tasted a variety of ostyers is at the high end restaurants....the sample platters were wonderful....it was fun to try all the different regions.

[Lostcajun]

I don't care where I eat them. BUT they are far better in season ("r").... and with a nice cold ABITA.... ahhhhhhhhhyeeeeeeeei

and I'll pass the joint to the rest of y'all...... like Mr. Clinton I did not inhale............

[Phatpapa]

I do love a joint...but i love them anywhere! to me, it doesn't matter! ;) :D

As do many others here on this board.

:D ;)

[linza22]

:D I don't care where I eat them. BUT they are far better in season ("r").... and with a nice cold ABITA.... ahhhhhhhhhyeeeeeeeei

and I'll pass the joint to the rest of y'all...... like Mr. Clinton I did not inhale............

[Lit]

I honestly can't say whether I've ever had anything other than a gulf oyster or not, but I suck those down by the dozen. They do a 10 cent special here every Sunday afternoon in season and we spend almost as much on the dime oysters as we do the beer to go with them.

Do the other kinds look any different than the gulf ones, or do they just taste different? And I have to agree with 20-20...ambiance does affect flavor!

Ohh boy Delta, there's a whole universe of different kinds of oysters out there for you to discover. Taste, shape, size and texture are all very different--and sometimes even different within each style depending on the season. No matter what type of oyster, I think the one most important aspect is freshness. And that may have a lot to do with local preferences; depending on handling, the ones that have traveled the shortest distance to get to your plate will have an advantage from the start.

Two good books to check out on oysters: A Geography of Oysters, by Rowan Jacobsen; and Sex, Death and Oysters, by Robb Walsh. The former is a great guide to just about everything there is to know about oysters, and the latter is basically a rollicking trip around the world to eat oysters, comparing them as he goes. It also has a bit of the history too, and some recipes. Put them on your Christmas list (and then start planning a trip of your own...).

[ohio]

I do love a joint...but i love them anywhere! to me, it doesn't matter!
http://www.thefreshscent.com/wp-content/post_imgs/1106/small_joint.jpg

[MaloGator]

Ohh boy Delta, there's a whole universe of different kinds of oysters out there for you to discover. Taste, shape, size and texture are all very different--and sometimes even different within each style depending on the season. No matter what type of oyster, I think the one most important aspect is freshness. And that may have a lot to do with local preferences; depending on handling, the ones that have traveled the shortest distance to get to your plate will have an advantage from the start.

Two good books to check out on oysters: A Geography of Oysters, by Rowan Jacobsen; and Sex, Death and Oysters, by Robb Walsh. The former is a great guide to just about everything there is to know about oysters, and the latter is basically a rollicking trip around the world to eat oysters, comparing them as he goes. It also has a bit of the history too, and some recipes. Put them on your Christmas list (and then start planning a trip of your own...).

Another great book is Big Oyster: History on the Halfshell, by Mark Kurlansky. He also wrote two others, Cod and Salt. I haven't read Salt yet, but Cod is another great read. It follows the Basques up and over the top of the Atlantic to the New World.

[Lit]

Another great book is Big Oyster: History on the Halfshell, by Mark Kurlansky. He also wrote two others, Cod and Salt. I haven't read Salt yet, but Cod is another great read. It follows the Basques up and over the top of the Atlantic to the New World.

Been wanting to check that out too, but from what I understand it is more a history of NYC (through the history of the Eastern oyster) than a book about oysters per se. I am interested in Salt too. A few friends have had good reviews of it.

Hey Malo, on an entirely unrelated note, it looks like a few of the usual suspects and I might be headed to Boston for the Dylan show at the Wang on Sunday 11/15. Any interest? We were going to hit one of the NYC shows, but they are all mid-week and looking tough to pull off logistically. Let me know and I'll start an e-mail chain to see if any of the other potential attendees in the area are interested too. Probably start at Redbones beforehand.

[marignygreg]

http://www.thefreshscent.com/wp-content/post_imgs/1106/small_joint.jpg

Jeepers !!!!

[ohio]

Jeepers !!!!
Indded, Mr. Wilson, a Frenchmen St Special!

I was once, ahem...present, for one about half that size with some rastamen

[linza22]

Indded, Mr. Wilson, a Frenchmen St Special!

I was once, ahem...present, for one about half that size with some rastamen

HOLY MOLY! :p

[eat_mo_crawfish]

We had a fat sack this weekend for my birthday . . . . OYSTERS, that is. I literally got them off the boat, pulled up to our fave oyster shack, asked for a sack, Wade said "sorry man, boats hadn't come in yet [looks outside], WAIT, there's Victor, hang on." He goes outside, gets the oysters off the boat right as it pulls up and we're set.

They were fabulous, some raw, some chargrilled, some fried, the remainder tonight will be in artichoke and oyster soup for the Saints game. Growing up on the Gulf, I have always loved our southern oysters.

I must admit, though, that Barry took me to an oyster place in New York that had some really tasty bivalves. I think we got an order of 30, with 6 each being from different places, all very distinct tastes. Can't remember if it was there or in San Fran (probably the latter) where I got some oysters from Washington (state) that were out of this world, long and skinny like they were from fast-flowing water and just a really good flavor.

[Lit]

Glad to see you lived up to your bored name on your birthday.

At the risk of getting slapped with another "fancy shmancy" label, I would have to say that the Totten Inlet Virginicas from Puget Sound may be the best oyster I've ever had--especially the "titan" sized ones. I was previously disposed against Pacific Northwest oysters, but that one is amazing. Perhaps because it is essentially an East coast oyster that is now being farmed in the Pacific Northwest, apparently with a unique mix of algae and other naturally occuring minerals, etc. that give it an excellent flavor and texture--in addition to an impressive-looking shell and overall appearance. I used to think that a lot of the fuss about Pacific Northwest oysters was overblown hype, but these have made a believer out of me.

[Michelino]

I've eaten lots of fancy shmancy oysters in the Pacific Northwest and the Eastern seaboard. While they were good, nothing beats a gulf oyster to me!

Especially when doing it in New Orleans....getting fresh Gulf Oysters in the south reminds me of running across a cheap house wine in an Italian cafe that seems to blow away the best of what California has ever offered me. Considering that you can get a half dozen of the freshest, finest oysters at the price of perhaps one of the blue-bloods. Well maybe it only seems that way, but whenever I've ordered a sampler plate somewhere on the East Coast and then find even one of my high priced delicacies to be less than perfect, I'm suddenly off daydreaming about some gold-toothed shucker somewhere in New Orleans shoving me a couple of freebies across the bar to accompany an equally fresh and cold Abita...and there you go...

[Lit]

Especially when doing it in New Orleans....getting fresh Gulf Oysters in the south reminds me of running across a cheap house wine in an Italian cafe that seems to blow away the best of what California has ever offered me. Considering that you can get a half dozen of the freshest, finest oysters at the price of perhaps one of the blue-bloods. Well maybe it only seems that way, but whenever I've ordered a sampler plate somewhere on the East Coast and then find even one of my high priced delicacies to be less than perfect, I'm suddenly off daydreaming about some gold-toothed shucker somewhere in New Orleans shoving me a couple of freebies across the bar to accompany an equally fresh and cold Abita...and there you go...

Heh heh--on my last two visits to Drago's, some six months apart from each other--the same gold-toothed shucker was manning the osyter bar/grill pit. And he will definitely shove some freebies across the bar...

And fwiw, Italian wine usually blows away whatever California has ever offered me, no matter what the price or setting.

[Michelino]

Heh heh--on my last two visits to Drago's, some six months apart from each other--the same gold-toothed shucker was manning the osyter bar/grill pit. And he will definitely shove some freebies across the bar...

And fwiw, Italian wine usually blows away whatever California has ever offered me, no matter what the price or setting.

Obviously we are going to have to hook up for a Drago-going during FQF

[Phatpapa]

Great news for the Oyster industry!

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/fda_decides_to_hold_off_on_raw.html

[i wanna be in NOLA]

Public outcry wins the day!

[festivalgirl]

Public outcry wins the day!

Hopefully the public is right ........ of course, we can always blame the FDA if they're not ........

[i wanna be in NOLA]

There was a day when "consumer beware" meant something. Now we tend to expect the FDA (or other gov't agency) to protect us from ourselves. I could get on my soapbox but it's Friday and I'm listening to some good tunes. Peace.

[festivalgirl]

There was a day when "consumer beware" meant something. Now we tend to expect the FDA (or other gov't agency) to protect us from ourselves. I could get on my soapbox but it's Friday and I'm listening to some good tunes. Peace.

Personally, I don't expect the FDA to protect me from myself (I tend to stick to the R month rule unless the oysters were farmed in cold water areas). I expect them to protect me from DuPont, and dirty processing plants, and unsanitary farm conditions, etc. As far as I could tell, the main complaint was the oysters won't look nice & it's too expensive. No one really complained that it was unnecessary.

Enjoy your Weekend. :)

[JDM40]

Oh, I totally prefer the ones that grow in H2O. But the ones that hang aint bad....

Dito. Rocky Mountain Oysters are not as bad as they are made out to be. Sliced, battered and fried is best.