Holy cow! I've been stepping out of my comfort zone and trying different types of oysters. I know what I like so I've mostly stayed with my favs until now. In the last couple days I've tried 5 different types of oysters, all so different, yet SO delicious! Hanks so far had the best selection and the chef pared scallops with the best mango salsa I've ever had.  

Please give me oyster recommendations. NO CHAIN restaurants please. Something within walking distance since it's frigid.  
MUCH APPRECIATED!

Also meet an amazing sexy women there to.

.........14th Street.  Catch 15 just opened on K Street, but I have yet to try it out.

Hugs and Kisses,
Kelly

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Having worked in the restaurant industry for 20+ years as a Sommelier, Owner and GM,  I can say that the DC restaurant scene is seriously lacking Talent, value and Selection. Here is my Take on the Subject.

Oysters

1) East Coast:  Chincoteague, Parramour, Circle C and Chester River are all farmed in the Chesapeake Bay and are in a class by themsleves. Wine pairing would be an inexpensive Muscadet

2) West Coast: Fanny Bay, Totten Inlet are all farmed in the Pugent Sound area and tend to be big and very meaty. I personaly dont care for the copper finish. Kind of taste like sucking on a penny but a good pairing would be a Pinot Gris.

3) Kumomoto: Deep cup and buttery finish. My personal favorite and a good wine selection would be Pouilly Fuisse but Champagne would be even better.

4) European: Belon tends to be lean and thin but have a clean finish. Kind of like the taste you get from eating a cucumber.  A french Savignon Blanc like Sancerre or from Marlboro NewZealand would be my recommendation. Both are inexpensive.

There is a Place in DC I used to frequent regularly called Johnny on the Half Shell that had a wide selection of good quality oysters. Have not been there in almost 2 years though

http://www.johnnyshalfshell.net/

Another place is the Oceanaire Room  

http://www.theoceanaire.com/Locations/Washington/Locations.aspx

Thanks for bringing up the topic. Its a nice change from the every day topics on this board.

Any questions PM me.

808

 

 
 

-- Modified on 1/8/2014 9:02:49 AM

I forgot to mention avoid Blue Points. These Oysters are farmed from North Carolina's Pimlico Sound all the way up to Nova Scotia Canada. Its like the all purpose generic Oyster that you get when ordering in corporate chain restaurants that buy them by the ton. Although a Fried (blue Point) Oyster Po Boy with Remoulade  sauce and a Stella Artois for lunch has me salivating like Pavlov's dog right now.

-- Modified on 1/8/2014 9:26:48 AM

Had some of the best Oysters on a half shell complimented by Moet Chandon Dom P. 2002, I ever had last week at the WILLARD....

 
I Love All You Sexy Ladies, Please Don't Judge Me, I Will Get 100 years

DaTrufe

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If you liked Hanks...you will love the Pearl Dive Oyster Palace. A must see before you leave DC.

http://www.pearldivedc.com/

I recommend J. Paul's in Georgetown, on M Street  
Great oyster bar with lots of selection.  
Enjoy!

Brasserie Beck 1101 K St is my go to spot.

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I love a good oyster bar and so excited to explore all that DC has to offer

I thought you meant something else.

Looks like I'll be busy for a while. Thankfully I never get tired of oysters! )

oxox

Hank's is very good but they are expensive.  Hank's also has a restaurant in Old Town Alexandria not far from King street metro.  The Fish Market restaurant (http://fishmarketva.com) in Old Town Alexandria has excellent fresh seafood including a variety of oysters.  They have have price on local (i.e., Chesapeake) oysters during happy hour.  

That's right, all the oysters you can handle at any Clyde's for half price during happy hours. I know you said no chains, but Clyde's is very local, only 7 or so restaurants (including Old Ebbitt Grill) and they buy their oysters in enough quantity to supply their restaurants. So they get good quantity and good quality of most types. And did I say half price at happy hour?

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