Now that we are finally in an “r” month — it’s time again for oysters! If you are superstitious or listen to old wives tales you know that eating oysters in months that do not have an “r” in them is not okay. So no oysters May through August. Although this means September you should be able to start shucking, hold off here in Florida. Beginning October 1st vendors can legally sell local oysters in St. Augustine. It’s still hot rather warm in North Florida until the end of September, October is a good month to add oysters back into your menu and keep it local.
Whether you like them steamed, raw, fried, Rockefeller, or casino style there’s a restaurant in town that prepares them that way. It’s probably a good idea to wear jeans if you are ordering steamed oysters. Be prepared to shuck your own as many restaurants do not offer to open the shells for you. If you are looking for a fancier oyster try Sunset Grille’s Sunset Oysters (yum!) or Cap’s Oysters Casino, both are served on the half shell and require less work to indulge.
Some of the restaurants that serve oysters in St. Augustine:
- Aunt Kate’s
- Sunset Grille
- Cap’s
- Saltwater Cowboys
- Conch House
- Creekside Dinery
- Salt Life
- Scarlett’s
- Hurricane Patty’s
- Kingfish Grill
Salt Life is now doing Margarita and Oyster Madness on Thursdays. With discounted margaritas, under $8 for a dozen steamed or raw oysters, or 6 of their super tasty grilled garlic Parmesan oysters, this is something I’m definitely planning to attend.
Fall is a great time for parties with friends – how about an oyster roast? All you need is some oysters, a fire, a cooler full of drinks and your closest friends you’re willing to share with. 😉 You can buy oysters by the bushel in St. Augustine at Stewart’s Market, Kyle’s Seafood Market, Seafood Shoppe and other seafood shops around town.
My favorite oyster recipe is my Grandfather’s Oysters Casino that uses his homemade relish. He made these every Christmas and they would hardly be out of the oven before our family had already eaten them all. They really are that good. Do you have a favorite oyster recipe you will be making soon?
