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. During a private oyster-tasting tour, you may also visit oyster producers and local restaurants. France has some of the best oyster experiences in the world. Although Normandy is more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur than for huitres and other related products, this region should be an important factor when selecting huitres. Oyster shells are usually oval or pear-shaped, but will vary widely in form depending on what they attach to. A letter from Julius Ceaser reportedly claims that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. Find your part of the world and locate oysters with ocean maps or terrain. Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp.) 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. Every coastal community in Brittany produces non-plus ultra oysters. La Subhasta Restaurant, where a dozen will cost you35, Picture courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com. 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. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. The Kelly Galway is a very large oyster grown in wild oyster fisheries along Irelands West Coast, before being moved to oyster beds to fatten and develop their flavour, giving them the flavour of the Atlantic and the fresh waters of the Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan rivers. Oysters have been consumed in France since the Roman Empire. The average price per kilogram for fresh oysters in July 2021 was 7.2 euros. Bluff Oysters from the southern most tip of New Zealand's South Island are some of the most prolific. Many regional dishes include shellfish, which is aromatic and delicious in traditional dishes as well as in excellent wines. The harbour views are are charming and memorable, too. 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. Many people believe French oysters are the best in the world, and raw oysters are available at bistros and brasseries across the country. And while the three regions above are perhaps the most popular ones for sampling superb shellfish, other areas, including the French Cote dAzur and Sicily, harbour some excellent oyster-tasting opportunities as well. Oysters, as a side dish, are popular as an appetizer made with bread and butter. Theyve drunk malty, creamy stout with their oysters for generations, and it works surprisingly well with the salty hit of the oysters. Comptoir Saouf, where a dozen oysters will set you back15.30. There are many reasons why French oysters are the best. The Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata (which is almost extinct in French waters) was used to model his painting. - 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 Possibly the most famous oyster of them all are the Speciales Gillardeau, grown by the Gillardeau family near La Rochelle in Western France. Why not hire a private boat and embark on a tour of the areas fascinating oyster farms, implanted around the bay and visible at low tide? To get the best sense of oysters' individual flavors, it's best to eat them unadorned before adding garnishes like mignonette or cocktail sauce. For a more formal gastronomic experience, we particularly recommend lunch or dinner at Tabl Breizh Caf in Cancale, a Michelin-starred address whose Brton and Japanese menu fuses traditions beautifully; the menu includes oyster platters and fusion specialities using the delicacy as a key ingredient. Today, France produces between 130,000 to 145,000 metric tons of Pacific oysters . I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. These are refined oysters, grown in marshes (claires) that allow for optimum production and a controlled growing environment. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). An American oyster, as opposed to a French oyster, has a distinct brininess. Norway. 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. Save. Whether youre fancying a gin and tonic, or a shaken martini, the marriage between gin and oysters is a thing of beauty. 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 Prized by the Parisians, this delicate oyster is found in fine restaurants around the world. In fact, one in four French oysters hail from this region and are prized by locals and visitors alike for their variety and frank, complex flavours. For eating raw, sizes 3 - 4 are best. If youre looking for the perfect French oyster, the Gillardeau oyster is without a doubt the one to go with. This allows them to grow fatter and more substantial than fines de claire. 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? Some people enjoy them simply because they are without any extras, while others enjoy them with a sprinkle of butter and bread. The crisp, acidic flavour of dry sparkling wines- whether prosecco, cava, or any other iteration, work splendidly with oysters, cutting through the creaminess of the meat and singing with the salinity. Then, bring the oyster shell to the . No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. The oysters also benefit from a perfect climate that is not too cold and not too warm. (N.B. Terroir (pronounced "tehr-wahr") means the characteristics of a placeits climate, geology, and wildlife, for examplethat impact . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 5. Additionally, the French take great care in harvesting their oysters, using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. Real Estate The finest villas and apartments on the Cte dAzur and where to find them. French restaurants often offer a perplexing miscellany of oysters, at prices that differ according to shape, size and provenance. The family-run business delivers oysters with a big bold ocean flavour. If youre going to Normandy, here are a few posts to help you plan your trip. Some say a crisp, dry pilsner is just the ticket, but the Irish beg to differ. The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. If youre looking for a seafood dish that has a French flavor, try French 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. Oyster Rockefeller, a type of oyster that is popular in the United States, is also a native of France. 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. And the French know this. It was in 1825 that the first oyster restaurant in France opened, as oysters were a popular dish in ancient Rome. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. However, these oysters are truly massive, which means you likely won't want to order that many. Monaco Grand Prix yacht hospitality, MIPIM yacht charters, Cannes Lions boat rentals and Cannes Film Festival corporate yacht charter specialists. The best white wine pairings for oysters are cool-climate, high-acidity wines grown in mineral-rich soils. 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! 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. Although theyre raised in a few other coastal areas, plates are primarily linked with Brittany. Limfjord oysters, dubbed "the best oysters in the world," are quite rare. Finally, another destination in Nouvelle Aquitaine that reserves some of Frances 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. But some attain a gorgeous turquoise green hue due to their contact with a bluish-green alga. 9. 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. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. Julius Caesar claimed that Scotlands Loch Ryan oysters were the best in the world, or so the story goes. Ultimately, the best oysters in Brittany, France are the ones that taste the best to you. The Chesapeake Bay used to appear as if it were teeming with oysters as if it were a giant Milky Way. Going Deep Into Oyster Country. France also goes to greater lengths than anywhere else in the world to coddle some of its oysters, which can be finished in special salt ponds where each gets a designated amount of water, or may even have special algae added to turn their gills green (and flavor fruity). Although less intensely flavoured than the plate, the creuse is equally seductive. 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. In Brest, we recommend tasting the areas finest specimens at warmly authentic and lively spots such as LOyster Bar, a recently opened, sprawling space overlooking the Port of Brest and serving enormous platters of shellfish, including the oysters for which the area is renowned. Bouzigues may not be able to compete with the above two producers for notoriety, but their name is growing. 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. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. Best for Chesapeake Bay Oysters: Rappahannock Oyster Co. - VA. Best for Themed Bushels: Real Oyster Cult. On the federal level in Norway, strict sustainability laws have been in place for fishermen since the 80s. Beauregard. Oyster prices vary significantly from one location to the next. E-mail. The region, with roots in Celtic roots that stretch back thousands of years and fishing practices that are just about as ancient, has perfected the art of the huitre through a combination of treasured tradition and present-day innovation. For more information about oysters around the world, check out my new live show Around the World in 80 Oysters. Yannick effortlessly shucks oysters If so, get in touch with now. Determined by a complicated calculation that only the French understand; this designation means small- to medium-sized. Read our No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. Let your tastebuds be your guide! We particularly recommend tables including Le Patio, a Michelin-starred restaurant on Arcachons main beach thats headed be French chef Thierry Renou and features outstandingly fresh oysters and creative regional cuisine, as well as the recently opened Skiff Club in gorgeous Pyla-sur-Mer, with fantastic views over the dunes, remarkable gastronomy from chef Stphane Carrade, and a superb wine list. Oyster farming is a thriving part of the culture and economy of the tang de Thau (the Thau Lagoon between Ste and Bouzigues) in the Languedoc Roussillon and the picturesque town of Bouzigues produces the most sought-after oysters in Europe. Are French oysters the best in the world? 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. Your visit with local artisans will give you deep insight into the painstaking process of producing these delicacies, and the cultural traditions that have endured for hundreds of years. mignonette, a tangy condiment made of vinegar and shallots, is typically served with oysters. This unique terroir produces oysters that are delightfully fresh and full of aromatic flavours. Frances most renowned oysters are Speciales Gillardeau, which are produced by the Gillardeau family. the oyster in France. Not sickly sweet stuff, but the desperately dry Manzanilla, which delivers acidity, crispness and salinity in droves. As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. The sea views over the port are also superb. From North to South there are seven distinct growing regions: Normandy, North-Brittany, South-Brittany, West-Central, Marennes-Olron, Arcachon, and the Mediterranean. Each year Cancale produces 5000 tons of oysters farmed in its 'parks' in the bay and 1000 tons fished from the bay generally. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. Oysters are a popular food in France, and are often eaten raw with a squeeze of lemon juice. The oyster industry is rich in history, as can be seen by dipping your toe into the briny waters. This episode of How We Eat explores the complex history of this beloved bival. West Sweden. We'd like to introduce you to one of the best oysters in the world: the Belon oyster. Some people prefer a saltier oyster, while others prefer a sweeter oyster. Your private tour might include a visit to the charming town, stopping to discover the secrets of its finest local producers and tasting rooms. 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. France (7) Gulf Coast (15) Hood Canal (20) Ireland (3) Long Island Sound (16) Maine/NH (20) . Anthony Bourdain takes great pleasure in traveling because he respects people and food. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. "These are the closest [farmed] oyster to a wild Louisiana oyster that begs to be made into a po'boy.". If youre going to eat raw oysters, allow 6 to 8 oysters per person, and 5 if theyre going to be served warm. Their boutique in Bourcfranc makes an excellent port of call to procure the houses exquisite oysters for a festive and elegant meal, perhaps aboard a privately chartered boat or yacht. If youre having an event, pair your oyster with a cold Chablis or ros to make it extra special. The iconic river ships of No. The oysters are harvested and sorted by size after being hand-harvested. Because of their unique flavor and texture, this type of oyster will satisfy even the most ardent oyster lover. It is thought some of them even return to Catalonia but under a Gallic guise. 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.. There is no finer experience than dining on oysters overlooking the Thau lagoon as the sun goes down. The French eat oysters as they do in How To Eat Oysters Like the French. By . Vive la France! Bretagne produces several different varieties of oysters that are treasured by gourmet connoisseurs and fans of authentic, simple regional cuisine alike. For one, they are grown in some of the cleanest and most pristine waters in the world. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. All of these amino acids, in addition to being a source of nutrients, have been linked to aphrodisiac properties. Many consider theirs to be the Rolls Royce of French huitres. The Gillardeau family has been cultivating oysters for generations as a result of the familys ancestral passion for the delicacy. Oysters are typically consumed raw, in part due to their high nutritional value. Huitrerie Regis. Oysters taste different depending on where they were grown and how they were processed. 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. Some kind of dry white wine or Champagne is generally suggested as an accompaniment. Best for On-Demand Harvesting: Fishers Island Oyster Farm - NY. The creuse is everymans oyster. 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. Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. They are difficult to grow and are produced in small quantities, and so they are more expensive. However the area of the Delta de l'Ebre in Catalonia, produces such excellent oysters that actually 80% of these are exported to France. 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. Best Overall West Coast Oysters: Hog Island Oyster - CA. There, their golden flesh firms and the shellfish attain their full wild flavour. Denmark's second oyster is the Pacific oyster ( crassostrea gigas ), a foreign species that was accidentally introduced to the .