Oysters taste different depending on where they were grown and how they were processed. The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. In Saint-Vaast-la-Houge, for example, France et Fuschias is a local table helmed by young chef Alexandre Raymond; it has won accolades for its excellent oysters and creative cuisine with roots in Norman cuisine. France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. These varieties typically. Oysters flavor is said to be unique because they combine the salty Mediterranean flavor with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. Casanova allegedly ate 50 oysters every day, naturally served by some dazzling beauty: It is the food of lovers, sucking the essence out of life. They explain every aspect of oyster history and nurturing. This creates different types of oysters, and the most common are Olympia Oysters, Kumamoto Oysters, European Flats (or Belon Oysters), Sydney Rock Oysters, Pacific Oysters, and Atlantic Oysters. When comparing Pacific Gold oysters to lemongrass or the green rind of a melon in Morro Bay, its often the case that the latter is made of yellow coral. Norway. On the island of Capers in South Carolina, a robust and juicy oyster known as the Capers Blade is produced. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. At bistros and brasseries around the country, you'll find raw oysters on the menu-and many believe French oysters to be the best in the . As the only oyster fishery still operating in Scotland, and a very slow maturation time of up to 8 years, the Loch Ryan oysters are a true delicacy to savour over Christmas and New Year. If youve eaten them before, or whether youre curious and about to experience them for the first time, theres nothing in the world quite like French oysters. The oyster industry is rich in history, as can be seen by dipping your toe into the briny waters. Because they live in different parts of the world, they have different dialects. The classics in Paris are oysters from legendary French oyster cultivation areas such as Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. From the direction of Lorient, take the exit for the D16 (Quimperle Centre) off the N165 then follow the D16 and the D116 south towards Moelan-sur-Mer. Best for Chesapeake Bay Oysters: Rappahannock Oyster Co. - VA. Best for Themed Bushels: Real Oyster Cult. If youre looking for a tasty, low-cost dish, try some of the more well-known French dishes like macaroni and cheese and croisins. Oysters from the East Coast are unquestionably the most popular in the seafood world. In Europe, raw French oysters are frequently served with a squirt of lemon juice and a squeeze of Tabasco sauce. You can even board a 2CV vintage Citroen on embark on a rustic yet elegant tour around the landing beaches and picturesque natural sites such as the Cliffs at Etretat, stopping to taste oysters and other authentic Norman products (calvados, wines, cheeses, ciders) along the way. The ultimate Paris vacation guide. Due to their unique taste, their longer maturation (up to 6 years), as well as their relative scarcity compared to the Pacific oyster, the native Kelly Galway oysters are prized by connoisseurs and chefs alike. Find Oyster Bars; . If youre going to eat raw oysters, allow 6 to 8 oysters per person, and 5 if theyre going to be served warm. Oysters grow all around the globe on rocks and piers in the saltiest of waters. Visit the picturesque seaside city of Cancale, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean but featuring a tranquil harbour where the oysters are protected from the harsh currents, and experience the culinary traditions that the city is quietly famous for. They are often served with a squeeze of lemon juice and a glass of white wine. Virtually anywhere along the French coastline (including the Mediterranean and of course Brittany) delicious French oysters are served, and at a fraction of the cost of those in Paris. Any gourmet tour of southwestern France which may also include caviar and truffle tastings as well as superb wineries around Bordeaux should and can initiate you to the regions top-rate huitres. "One of the best oyster bars in Paris!". Full of flavour and ideal for tastes that are a bit adventurous, these iodine-rich varieties are said to leave a subtle hint of almond on the palate. 701 reviews #673 of 14,173 Restaurants in Paris $$ - $$$ French Seafood Healthy. Touring & Tasting on the PeninsulaWhy not couple a historical tour of Normandys landing beaches with a few gourmet tastings at some of the areas most prestigious oyster houses and seafood restaurants? France produces two types of oysters: the flat oyster (in French known as the hutre plate), a variety native to the region, and the rounded oyster (in French, hutre creuse), which is imported from Japan.Though the flat oyster, also known as Belon, originates here, most of the oysters harvested in Cancale are the rounded style, with the flat-shelled Belon making up approximately 2% of . The oysters are famous for their meaty flesh which supplies an endless ocean of flavours. Finally, there's no need to worry about calories whilst eating oysters! As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. Kelly Oysters, based in a small inlet in Galway Bay, have been described as the best flavoured in the world. There are two types of oysters: flat oysters (Belon) and cupped oysters (Huitres). Of those oysters, 50% are eaten in the single week between Christmas and New Year. Read our No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. When raw oysters are served, they are typically chilled or heated at room temperature, or they can be served raw in a cold or room temperature dish. Due to the way they are cultivated, Gillardeau oysters can be eaten more than eight days after packaging so ensure your chef orders some in if you are in the country on your private yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in France. Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. There are many factors to consider when determining the best oysters in Brittany, France. Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. Hennessey also provides the restaurant with big, meaty seven- to 10-year-old oysters, which chef Andrew Taylor roasts in a thick, Korean-style barbecue sauce. The process is known as Lostriculture and the growers are known as Ostriculteurs. Best for On-Demand Harvesting: Fishers Island Oyster Farm - NY. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . France (7) Gulf Coast (15) Hood Canal (20) Ireland (3) Long Island Sound (16) Maine/NH (20) . The oysters also benefit from a perfect climate that is not too cold and not too warm. On the federal level in Norway, strict sustainability laws have been in place for fishermen since the 80s. France is known for producing oysters in three forms: plates, creuses, and fines. France produces over 50% of the worlds oysters, and the majority of these come from the countrys southwest coast. The general rule for oysters is the accompanying beverage must be crisp, and it must be dry. The best white wine pairings for oysters are cool-climate, high-acidity wines grown in mineral-rich soils. Favorite varieties include Capital and Shigoku oysters from Washington, Kusshi oysters from British Columbia, and the coveted Hog Island Sweetwaters from California. Here's how to tell oysters from the US, France and Australia apart. Additionally, the French take great care in harvesting their oysters, using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. 22 boulevard Veyrier Montagneres, 33120 Arcachon, France. Australia is famed for its Sydney Rock oysters which are found in a variety of locations around the country including - Shark Bay, the Wingan Inlet and the east coast of New South Wales. Although the French eat oysters all year round, in winter you simply can't avoid them because they are everywhere. Artisanal oyster farmers and superb gastronomic restaurants and bars specialising in the delicacy thrive in Aquitaine, where prestige meets century-long traditions. Muirgen oyster - this is a size 1 Shucking or opening oysters They have a slightly sweet flavor that is generously filling in their semi-round shell. E-mail. An oyster with a weight of 1 to 6 on a scale is classified as Hutre Creuse. The best oyster restaurants in the world Essential pit-stops chosen by Simon Lamont, head chef of Raw Bar at Seabird, home to London's longest oyster menu THE COMPANY SHED, ESSEX 'An old hut just down the slipway in Colchester, with the farm a shell's throw from where you're sitting. Napoleon III is credited with introducing oyster parks in the 1800s because the gathering of wild oysters was wiping the species out. During your next private, high-luxury tour of Brittany, make sure to spend some time tasting and learning about their fantastic oysters. Sancerre is another excellent pairing. Some of the more popular places include Le Bouchon du Palais in Paris, LEcailler du Bistrot in Lyon, and La Cote des Monts in Bordeaux. Fishermen cannot make a profit on any fish caught outside of their quotas. The plates have flatter shapes than usual, and they are also known as Marneens or Belons in the two places where they are produced. But some attain a gorgeous turquoise green hue due to their contact with a bluish-green alga. The best oysters are available in September through April, but they are unlikely to be found on menus until October. French definitely have a deep affection for the oysters, they even celebrate Christmas with this delicious seafood! Brest: Distinctive wild harbour oystersThe northwestern harbour city of Brest is lauded for its superb wild oysters, which naturally flourish in the nutrient-rich waters around the area. Some oysters in particular, known as La Gravette feed on local plankton that lend them a unique, highly-prized flavour. It is the Damariscottas crisp, clean waters that allow the oysters to escape the sand and silt. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. And if the world is your oyster then Galway, on Irelands west coast, is your home. . France is home to four different oyster varieties. Terroir (pronounced "tehr-wahr") means the characteristics of a placeits climate, geology, and wildlife, for examplethat impact . As coastal Normandy is home to some of the finest oyster beds in France, the region is brimming with raw bars, seafood restaurants and oyster farms that serve these local delicacies in style! Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. However, these oysters are truly massive, which means you likely won't want to order that many. These oysters are lauded as being unusually sweet and as having a pleasing, complex texture. There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. Sharpen your elbows, grab your shucker, and join the fray! The country has a long tradition of oyster farming"L'ostriculture," and eating them, of course. France is well known for its delicious oysters, which are prized by gourmands around the world. This sweet, fruity oyster grows in Marenne-Oleron on the west coast of France, the largest oyster growing region in Europe. This flat, rounded and wild oyster variety has a fresh, fleshy interior and is appreciated for its unique flavour as well as its rarity. French restaurants often offer a perplexing miscellany of oysters, at prices that differ according to shape, size and provenance. Nearly 80 per cent of the oysters produced in the region are exported to France where they are then redistributed around the world. There are many places to eat oysters in France. Bretagne produces a wide variety of oysters, many of which are prized by gourmets. Then, the only species available was the plate, or flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), more commonly known as the Belon. Generally raised in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys, these are oysters likely to please most palates for their soft, delicate flavours and pleasingly firm texture. Sign up to BOAT International email newsletters to get the latest superyacht news, business analysis, exclusive event invitations, and more. Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp.) The creuse is everymans oyster. Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. The iconic river ships of No. When youre ready to eat the oysters, use a short, sharp knife with a short, sharp blade. Furthermore, because they are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicide, they are one of the most environmentally friendly crops available. A platter full of oysters, as well as other seafood, is another excellent way to enjoy oysters. West Sweden. There are both flat (native European) and creased (Pacific rock) varieties cultivated in the lake, some have an almost hazelnut aftertaste, while some are reminiscent of watermelon. However, the reigning champion must always be true Champagne from the Champagne region, partly because it is grown in soil which is rich in marine sediments and chalky notes, creating a magnificent mineral, almost saline partnership with the salty oysters. Finally, another destination in Nouvelle Aquitaine that reserves some of France's best oysters is the town of Marennes-Olron, famous for its "La Pousse en Clair" variety that is elevated in low density conditions and in shallow ponds called "claires". Ireland's oyster industry is an international powerhouse. Born in 1953, Savoy began training to be a chef at the age of 15 and spent the next few years working with chefs around the world. Ask anywhere in New Orleans and they'll say Gulf oysters are the absolute best. So if you love seafood, the west coast offers the finest available and is a beautiful spot to come and sample the seafood delights. Like wine, terroir and variety matters when . They are raised in shallow water from 4 to 6 months, producing only two to five oysters per square meter of water, producing a nearly crunchy oyster shell. Fishermen place baby shellfish in beds in order to grow them as they approach maturity, and they return to the beds to place them as they grow. These are just a couple of the local experiences we recommend others are closely guarded secrets that we reserve exclusively for our clients. Chablis is one of the finest choices, as its chardonnay grapes are grown in soil that was once the ocean floor, lending it a flinty, racy, palate cleansing acidity which complements the oysters of that region supremely. Some kind of dry white wine or Champagne is generally suggested as an accompaniment. Sydney Rock Oysters are small and soft and have a distinctive taste although their flavours can differ depending on which location they have come from. As one of Scotland's largest oyster beds, both wild and farmed Ostrea edulis oysters are still harvested at the site and they are famous for having a tangy long-lasting flavour and are more round and flat in appearance. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The fresh ocean taste of an oyster while relaxing on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. If youre looking for the best oysters in France, the Gillardeau oysters are an absolute must. oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. Arcachon, Pyla-sur-Mer & Cap FerretThe seaside resort town of Arcachon and its magnificent Bay is renowned for its fresh oysters. Elegant Address The very best in luxury villa rentals on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. Boat International Media Ltd 2008 - 2022. The majority of the plates oysters come from Brittany or at least France, but the creuse may be imported. He takes the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region not only because it is rugged on the coastline but also because it is rolling and rural. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Brittany? La Subhasta Restaurant, where a dozen will cost you35, Picture courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com. Frances most renowned oysters are Speciales Gillardeau, which are produced by the Gillardeau family. Bluff Oysters from the southern most tip of New Zealand's South Island are some of the most prolific. They are definitely an ingrained element of French culture. For one, they are grown in some of the cleanest and most pristine waters in the world. There are many oyster varieties to choose from, but the French oyster is the most popular. Oysters Shallots Butter Flour Mushrooms White Wine Cayenne Pepper Salt Breadcrumbs Parmigiano Reggiano WHERE TO EAT THE BEST Oysters Bienville View more 1 Arnaud's New Orleans , United States of America 2 Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar New Orleans , United States of America 3 Antoine's Restaurant New Orleans , United States of America 4 Oysters, a saltwater bivalve mollusk that has lived on Earth since dinosaurs, are a type of mollusk. Then, bring the oyster shell to the . Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Normandy?Normandy is known for its unusual variety of excellent oysters. In 2017, the average price of fresh oysters was between 7.1 and 7.4 euros. (Dont tell the French, but nearly 80% of the oysters here are exported to France and many are then sold in France and internationally under a French label. In addition to visiting local oyster producers in Arcachon and the nearby Cap Ferret, your gourmet adventure in the region might include lunch onboard a privately chartered yacht, prepared by a local chef and featuring freshly caught oysters accompanied by crusty bread and salted butter and some of the regions finest, crispest white wines. It is best to tip the oyster shell into your mouth and drink the seawater with it. The family-run business delivers oysters with a big bold ocean flavour. Many more oysters can be found in France, so you can find them all here. He opened his first restaurant in Paris in 1980 before moving it into a more spacious space in 1987 and . Hailing from Brittany, France these oysters are beloved throughout Europe. The plates are flatter in shape and are also known as Belons or Marennes, two of the locales where they are produced. Loch Ryan Ostrea edulis oysters can easily be shipped to anywhere in the Mediterranean but a visit to Loch Ryan would be possible as part of a luxury yacht charter in Scotland or you could vacation like Abramovich and take your own superyacht to Scotland. And the French know this. In appearance creuse are typically a pale ivory lined with black and brown. A large part of the region, whose largest city is Bordeaux, runs alongside the Atlantic coast, a genuine treasure-trove for local oyster-tasting. Level 1 has the highest weight, but level 2 has the most texture. An American oyster, as opposed to a French oyster, has a distinct brininess. The French oysters are meaty and nutty in taste. The Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata (which is almost extinct in French waters) was used to model his painting. France has some amazing Christmas markets. Aquitaine is a thriving oyster-producing region, thanks to the presence of small oyster farms and restaurants specializing in the delicacy. Comptoir Saouf, where a dozen oysters will set you back15.30. In addition to its historical significance as a place of memory and mourning following the tragedy of World War II, the area is prized for its delicious and distinctive oysters, which are fed by incredibly strong ocean currents that intertwine with the waters of nearby rivers. Spciales de claire mature for at least two months. Shells. If you want the best oysters in the world, you must visit the Delta de l'Ebre, which is located between Barcelona and Valencia and is a top contender. Though Bluff itself is a little off the beaten track, it's oysters are available across the country, so you should absolutely sail your superyacht to New Zealand Auckland and Queenstown in particular are of to some of the world's best restaurantsoffering this southern island delicacy. Although France is normally the first place that springs to mind for the world's best oysters, the Delta de l'Ebre, situated between Barcelona and Valencia, it a top contender. The best oyster on the planet, the Belon is harvested from all over France and finished in specially designed ponds (claires) in the brackish waters of the Belon River, where the French call garaging. Some people prefer a saltier oyster, while others prefer a sweeter oyster. 261 Reviews. If you want to try something new, you can begin with Anthony Bourdains journeys; his travels are a great place to start. Grand Isle. However the area of the Delta de l'Ebre in Catalonia, produces such excellent oysters that actually 80% of these are exported to France. Certificate of Excellence. Although not a traditional superyacht destination, the oysters in Ireland are reason enough to make a visit. Make it a young wine, as youll again run into the pesky complexity clash with older vintages, and dont overchill, or youll ruin the flavour. Cancale alone produces 60,000 tons of molluscs, accounting for roughly one-third of the nations total. These oysters are lauded as being unusually sweet and as having a pleasing, complex texture. Some say a crisp, dry pilsner is just the ticket, but the Irish beg to differ. It is a noble oyster with a fleshy texture, iodine, and hints of Hazelnut, and it is one of the best oysters available in the market. Some people enjoy them simply because they are without any extras, while others enjoy them with a sprinkle of butter and bread. The French eat oysters as they do in How To Eat Oysters Like the French. The oysters are said to have a unique flavour as they combine the saltiness of the Mediterranean with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Aquitaine?Your private oyster-tasting tour in the region may include visits to producers and local gastronomic tables specialised in fresh shellfish paired with excellent wines. Their stance is visitors and tourists should feel privileged to be served the finest in the world. Whether true or apocryphal, these are some mighty fine oysters, famed for their tangy, lingering flavour. The oyster can be served plain, with a splash of lemon juice, vinegar, or a shallots sauce, or with vinegar and a dash of lemon juice. In addition to eating and drinking with locals, he learns about their traditions and their cuisine. Huitres et Saumons de Passy. The type of oyster, the size of the oyster, the freshness of the oyster, and the taste of the oyster all play a role in making this determination. France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. Provence & French Riviera. For other strong white wine accompaniments, a very dry Muscadet from the Loire Valley promises a clean and crisp flavour profile, while a dry German Riesling is outstanding with meatier, creamier oysters. Many countries produce lots of wonderful oysters. They are typically served raw, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drop of Tabasco sauce. Winnder of the best savoury oyster dish in 2018 (Denmark Oyster Festival/ (Sren F. Gammelmark)) The Denmark Oyster Festival, held on the Wadden Sea island of Fan, has only been going since 2016, but it has quickly established itself as one of the best in the world. Are grown at just 10 to the square yard. The coast of France also offers fantastic oyster experiences. Although less intensely flavoured than the plate, the creuse is equally seductive. Best Oyster Gifts; 2020 Holiday Newsletter; Solstice Spirit; Rebuttal to Oyster Herpes Op-Ed; They are delicious raw or cooked in different traditional Norman dishes, including ones featuring local apple ciders. - Luxembourg) +33 1 44 41 10 07 Website E-mail Improve this listing Ranked #700 of 19,809 Restaurants in Paris 698 Reviews Price range: $28 - $38 Cuisines: Seafood More restaurant details nyctravelbug6018 Continue on the D116 south to the turn off for the Port de Belon to visit the port side of the river or turn onto the D24 toward Riec-sur-Belon to . White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. These are among the most sought-after. Wild oysters are well-known in the northwestern harbor city of Brest. This region produces one out of every four French oysters, which are prized by locals and visitors alike because of their variety and complex flavor. This unique terroir produces oysters that are delightfully fresh and full of aromatic flavours. While Normandy is perhaps a bit more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur, this region should be a priority when youre interested in tasting superb huitres and related products. During the winter of 2010, I had the incredible opportunity to travel around the world for business. Fine de Claire, Spciale de Claire, Belon, Gillardeauyou name it! Oyster Reviews Julie Qiu May 25, 2020 Australia , France , Africa , Brazil , Ireland , Japan , Scotland , Tasmania , international , best oysters , Loch Ryan , Bouzigues , Senpoushi , Fines de Claire , Kelly Galway 31 Comments While most French oysters are now Pacific Oysters, the Kelly Galway native oyster is an extremely fine example of the native flat European oyster that used to be prevalent in France, before disease and overconsumption almost entirely wiped them out. Open now : 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM6:30 PM - 10:30 PM. The country is well-known for its oyster farms, which are an important part of the French culinary culture.