At 20 to the square yard, these oysters mature for two months in salty claires, or marshes, where they filter nutrient-rich water that sometimes turns them green. 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. Find your part of the world and locate oysters with ocean maps or terrain. Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. By combining butter and salt, the oyster brine is enhanced and complimented by the richness and creaminess of the butter. Oysters have been part of the French diet for centuries. France is known for producing oysters in three forms: plates, creuses, and fines. Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. There are many other deserving candidates further afield, such as in Australia, New Zealand and America, but as we know, the freshness of an oyster is paramount, so this list will concentrate on the best of European oyster growers.). Oysters are prized for their soft, delicate flavors and firm texture due to their origins in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys. West Sweden. From coastal Virginia to New York and New Orleans, a writer delves into the history and lore surrounding the shellfish, with a focus on the role African Americans . Hailing from Brittany, France these oysters are beloved throughout Europe. Cupped oysters come in a variety of sizes and come in a numbered box. The simplicity of the dishs flavors highlights its ability to showcase each ingredient. Matunuck Oyster Bar, where a dozen oysters will cost you $24. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. Grand Isle. 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 Here's how to tell oysters from the US, France and Australia apart. Yannick effortlessly shucks oysters France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. From North to South there are seven distinct growing regions: Normandy, North-Brittany, South-Brittany, West-Central, Marennes-Olron, Arcachon, and the Mediterranean. These French oysters are raised in deep waters, then transferred to less salty shallow beds called claires to mature. Many more oysters can be found in France, so you can find them all here. When youre ready to eat the oysters, use a short, sharp knife with a short, sharp blade. 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. These are just a couple of the local experiences we recommend others are closely guarded secrets that we reserve exclusively for our clients. Sancerre is another excellent pairing. Alternatively, their recently opened tasting room on the Ile de la R off the Atlantic coast offers superb views over sea and sky. E-mail. 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. Healthy pinch . 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. According to Michelin, as a child, Savoy would peek into the pans in the kitchen of his family's restaurant, La Buvette de l'Esplanade, in Bourgoin-Jallieu.. Some people prefer a saltier oyster, while others prefer a sweeter oyster. That, to a layman is what all oysters look and taste like but to a true connoisseur, every variety of oyster has its own characteristics. It is the Damariscottas crisp, clean waters that allow the oysters to escape the sand and silt. Brittany Oysters Monaco Grand Prix yacht hospitality, MIPIM yacht charters, Cannes Lions boat rentals and Cannes Film Festival corporate yacht charter specialists. Oysters are such an established part of Irelands culinary background that it has its own dedicated oyster season with food festivals all over the country. Huitrerie Regis. 22 boulevard Veyrier Montagneres, 33120 Arcachon, France. Because French oysters are grown in France, they are considered to be the best. Oysters taste different depending on where they were grown and how they were processed. Towns such as Plougastel-Dauolas, also nestled on the harbour, are also noted for their wild huitres, which have a particular texture closer to a scallop and are rich in iodine. There is no finer experience than dining on oysters overlooking the Thau lagoon as the sun goes down. 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. 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. Fine de Claire, Spciale de Claire, Belon, Gillardeauyou name it! The production is small, really, considering that Brittany produces 35,000 tonnes of France's annual 150,000 tonnes of oysters. Many people believe French oysters are the best in the world, and raw oysters are available at bistros and brasseries across the country. 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. If youre going to eat raw oysters, allow 6 to 8 oysters per person, and 5 if theyre going to be served warm. We'd like to introduce you to one of the best oysters in the world: the Belon oyster. For true oyster lovers, theres really nothing better than tucking into a dozen on the half-shell at a seaside bistro. Years ago, there was an attempt to bring the Belon to Maine, and although the oyster farming failed, they survived in the wild. Well tell you why the oysters in France are so good, the different types, where you can enjoy them and how to eat them. However, no country in the world can offer a more complete oyster experience than France. Aquitaine is a thriving oyster-producing region, thanks to the presence of small oyster farms and restaurants specializing in the delicacy. Not sickly sweet stuff, but the desperately dry Manzanilla, which delivers acidity, crispness and salinity in droves. 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. Additionally, personal preferences will also come into play. Best Overall West Coast Oysters: Hog Island Oyster - CA. France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. Your private tour might include a visit to the charming town, stopping to discover the secrets of its finest local producers and tasting rooms. 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. Oyster Rockefeller, a type of oyster that is popular in the United States, is also a native of France. Typically, this is the mouth of the Belon or Marenne rivers, where fresh and salt water blend. There are numerous oysters to choose from in Alabama, but the Cancale oyster is by far the best. The oysters from Cancale France are thought to be some of the best oysters in the world and in 1994 Cancale was classified as a 'Site remarquable du got', a town remarkable for the taste of its oysters! The famous advertising slogan for Guinness Guinness is good for you rings true in this case, but Murphys or your preferred Irish Stout will be just as good. Keep in mind that the tides here raise and lower the water by about 15 meters. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. Its flavour is easy, fresh and sprightly, evoking bracing sea breezes and sea water. The French produce two types of oysters: oysters on plates and creuses. Tempura oysters are a speciality here. This unique terroir produces oysters that are delightfully fresh and full of aromatic flavours. The iconic river ships of No. Not just any oysters, Tarbouriech. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. In modern times, France was the first country in Europe to begin producing oysters on a large scale. These are among the most sought-after. In the 19th century, there were three oyster capitals in the world: Paris, London and New York. 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. Cancale: La-Pied-de-ChevalAnother variety that seafood aficionados prize is from Cancale, and more specifically an oyster referred to as Le Pied de Cheval (the horses foot). These oysters are lauded as being unusually sweet and as having a pleasing, complex texture. Oysters, according to popular belief, have a distinct flavor that is influenced by the Mediterranean's salty taste and the River Ebro's sweet freshness. Restaurants such as La Mare (in Grandcamp-Maisy) are reputed for their excellent, unpretentious and delicious cuisine, including fresh oyster platters. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Places To Use Your Oyster Freedom Pass, Oysters As A Potential Treatment For Cancer, The Florida Keys: Home Of The Worlds Largest Oysters, The Pros And Cons Of Eating Snails And Oysters. The oysters are harvested when they are three years old and have a slightly briny taste with a hint of sweetness. Oysters grow all around the globe on rocks and piers in the saltiest of waters. Are French oysters the best in the world? The Chesapeake Bay used to appear as if it were teeming with oysters as if it were a giant Milky Way. In Europe, raw French oysters are frequently served with a squirt of lemon juice and a squeeze of Tabasco sauce. Terroir (pronounced "tehr-wahr") means the characteristics of a placeits climate, geology, and wildlife, for examplethat impact . Grown by Caminada Bay Oysters, this variety is giant, meaty, and fit for frying. True Belon oysters are produced in the area around the French river Belon, and some say that they are some of the rarest oysters in the world. If youre looking for a seafood dish that has a French flavor, try French oysters. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. Oysters from France are prized for their delicate flavor and freshness. (N.B. Oysters are a popular food in France, and are often eaten raw with a squeeze of lemon juice. Mont-St-Michel Bay, located between Normandy and Brittany, is a stunning sight to see. There are around 350 oyster farmers in the Arcachon Bassin and they produce 8000 - 10,000 tonnes of Pacific cupped oysters per year. They are definitely an ingrained element of French culture. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. The arctic temperatures and great depths of the southern waters in New Zealand contribute to the Bluff Oysters' rich and succulent flavours. The best oysters are available in September through April, but they are unlikely to be found on menus until October. Six of the best luxury hotels with private yachts, Why this private island in Tanzania should top your travel list in 2023, Why St Barths is the spiritual home of regatta racing, Why Norway should be next on your charter hit list, 7 of the best coastal hikes accessible by boat. But a bowl of clam chowder feels particularly restorative on a. Expect some competition, as for the French, getting the best oysters is somewhat of a national sport. The company is based near La Rochelle in western France and the oysters are cultivated over four years following strict rules which have been passed down by four generations. When oysters spawn in the spring and summer, their meat becomes soggy and thin. Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachondre are three legendary oyster cultivation areas in France. Best for On-Demand Harvesting: Fishers Island Oyster Farm - NY. During the winter of 2010, I had the incredible opportunity to travel around the world for business. A letter from Julius Ceaser reportedly claims that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, France is the largest producer of oysters in Europe. Coming from the Loire Valley, this cool climate wine is grown on an ancient sea bed known as the Paris basin, and its bracing acidity, citrus notes, and mineral profile matches exceedingly well with oysters. Fish and shellfish from West Sweden are some of the best in the world. The latter two offer types known as Fines and Fines de Claire, although they traditionally hail from the Marennes-Olron region. Spciales de claire mature for at least two months. They are also delicious when cooked with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings. 1 medium jalapeo, minced (about 1 tbsp.) Also called portugaises or japonaises, these oysters have a convex shell. Anthony Bourdain takes great pleasure in traveling because he respects people and food. by Margaret | Jan 30, 2023 | Popular Seafood Dishes. Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. They are delicious raw or cooked in different traditional Norman dishes, including ones featuring local apple ciders. There are 4.5 square miles of oyster beds in a natural harbor where the oysters are grown. A platter full of oysters, as well as other seafood, is another excellent way to enjoy oysters. In addition to eating and drinking with locals, he learns about their traditions and their cuisine. Theyve drunk malty, creamy stout with their oysters for generations, and it works surprisingly well with the salty hit of the oysters. 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. France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. 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". Oysters are grown in seven different regions in France, including Normandy, Brittany, Arcachon, and Aquitaine. 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. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. Catalina, where a dozen oysters will cost you $72. Oysters, a saltwater bivalve mollusk that has lived on Earth since dinosaurs, are a type of mollusk. Ask anywhere in New Orleans and they'll say Gulf oysters are the absolute best. 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. The Gillardeau family has been cultivating oysters for generations as a result of the familys ancestral passion for the delicacy. There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. Many countries produce lots of wonderful oysters. Besides, oyster preference is an extremely personal thing, and one that does not always correspond with either fame or price tag. French definitely have a deep affection for the oysters, they even celebrate Christmas with this delicious seafood! Description: Temporary closure of the restaurant for annual leave from Monday November 15 to Thursday December 9. Have we managed to intrigue your palate? By . The largest city in this region, Bordeaux, is located along the Atlantic coast. Plus Hotels, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, Cars, Sport, Events and much, much more. Finally, there's no need to worry about calories whilst eating oysters! She is one of the few yachts able to cruise with more than 12 guests onboard and can welcome up to 40 guests for day charters. "It has a strong, earthy brininess that is perfect for the steak lover," Brownlee says. Like Kelly Galways, Loch Ryans are native oysters of the European variety, and they have been grown by the Wallace family since 1701, when King William II gave the family the rights to harvest the beds. You should make sure you sample Sydney Rock oysters if your are cruising in the country on your own yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in Australia. The harbour views are are charming and memorable, too. The northeastern French region of Brittany is as famous as Aquitaine for its world-prized, incredibly fresh oysters. To reach the Saupin standard, oysters must be grown at level 9. To get the best sense of oysters' individual flavors, it's best to eat them unadorned before adding garnishes like mignonette or cocktail sauce. Enjoying a suite of international oysters with friends in Hong Kong. Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. The average price per kilogram for fresh oysters in July 2021 was 7.2 euros. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. But some attain a gorgeous turquoise green hue due to their contact with a bluish-green alga. Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. Barron Point: These large oysters ("hand-sized", as we like to call them) are from the nutrient-rich waters of Little Skookum. Bartenders are getting creative with their martini and oyster collaborations; some now make martinis with an actual oyster thrown in there to take place of the vermouth, while others pop the oysters own salty, delicious juice in there to take the traditional olives dirty role. No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. The oysters alone (from a farm up the road) are worth the hour-long drive from San Francisco to a dockside shanty on Tomales Bay. 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. From Strasbourg to Colmar to Paris. And justifiably so. Last but certainly not least, the northern region of Normandy (which borders Brittany) is also home to some outstanding oyster producers and gastronomic restaurants that make creative delicious use of the shellfish. You will pass by the region if you are cruising on a superyacht from Barcelona to Valencia. Like wine, terroir and century . Website. If you like buttery Chardonnays, these pair well . You can even taste them onsite in the areas many informal yet wonderfully authentic cabanes huitres (oyster-tasting cabins), where you might enjoy breathtaking views over the Arcachon Bay, the astrounding Dune Pilat and the Cap Ferret. These oyster are best served raw with the meat being delicate and buttery with the texture of creaminess and rich mineral taste.