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. They look identical at first glance, coming in some shade of grey with a similar briny flavour. Beauregard. These are refined oysters, grown in marshes (claires) that allow for optimum production and a controlled growing environment. Prized by the Parisians, this delicate oyster is found in fine restaurants around the world. 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. The wild huitres found in villages such as Plougastel-Dauolas are more similar to scallop meat than any other type of fish. View all posts by Alex Coles. The fresh ocean taste of an oyster while relaxing on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. Dishes such as Cancalaise oysters with apple pure, Japanese vinegar, pink onion flan and langoustine bisque are both delicate and full of gourmet flavour. If youre looking for a tasty, low-cost dish, try some of the more well-known French dishes like macaroni and cheese and croisins. The native Knysna oyster, nutty and creamy and utterly unique, is the speciality of 34 South, a bustling warehouse-style waterfront restaurant on the Knysna Quay. 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. Whether youre fancying a gin and tonic, or a shaken martini, the marriage between gin and oysters is a thing of beauty. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. - 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 Enjoy a platter of freshly caught, raw oysters accompanied with lemon and crusty bread, or try them cooked in Brton cider or even as a filling in a traditional savoury buckwheat crepe (galette). Vive la France! 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. Brittany Oysters The ultimate Paris vacation guide. This is an occasion where you dont need to fork out hundreds for a bottle of Cristal- and in fact shouldnt, as the complexity of a vintage champagne will only compete and clash with the oysters flavour profile. The family-run business delivers oysters with a big bold ocean flavour. He enjoys the simple pleasures of a seafood dinner in a fishing village such as Plouhinec and the more upscale surroundings of the Cte Blanche Resort in Saint-Malo, both of which are close to his home. 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. If youre looking for the best oysters in France, the Gillardeau oysters are an absolute must. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. They have a flavor reminiscent of brine and an intense copper finish, and they are full of umami. Get yourself a coffee and a pastry because its a long read. Barron Point: These large oysters ("hand-sized", as we like to call them) are from the nutrient-rich waters of Little Skookum. Real Estate The finest villas and apartments on the Cte dAzur and where to find them. The cold, crisp waters of the Candian coastline produces some of the best oysters in the world, such as Barron Point, Chef Creek, Golden Mantle, Mary Point, Malpeque and more. Elegant Address The very best in luxury villa rentals on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. 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. If youre having an event, pair your oyster with a cold Chablis or ros to make it extra special. Sancerre is another excellent pairing. In addition to eating and drinking with locals, he learns about their traditions and their cuisine. Artisanal oyster farmers and superb gastronomic restaurants and bars specialising in the delicacy thrive in Aquitaine, where prestige meets century-long traditions. Oysters, a saltwater bivalve mollusk that has lived on Earth since dinosaurs, are a type of mollusk. Known as the Royals Royce of oysters, these very fine oysters come at a premium. (N.B. 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. 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 The arctic temperatures and great depths of the southern waters in New Zealand contribute to the Bluff Oysters' rich and succulent flavours. Local producers such as Huitres Arin have fantastic tasting rooms/restaurants with sea views; take in the arresting natural beauty of the Bay of Paimpol as you enjoy a platter of the freshest local oysters, accompanied, of course, with salted Brton butter and bread. A bottle of Domaine Servin Chablis Premiere Cuvee les Pargues could be just the drop. Oysters are thought to have been first domesticated in the Mediterranean region around 700 B.C. The French have a proud history of oyster growing, with cultivation stretching back to ancient Roman times, and world-beating rates of oyster consumption, eating an impressive 4.4 pounds per person per yearmore than anywhere else in Europe. The best place to enjoy Bassin of Arcachon oysters is in Cap Ferret itself. Many regional dishes include shellfish, which is aromatic and delicious in traditional dishes as well as in excellent wines. No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. Very rich in iodine, these popular oysters are very frequently featured in top shellfish and seafood restaurants around France, but sampling them straight from the source is recommended for ultimate freshness and to witness the artisanal way they are prepared for consumption. Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachondre are three legendary oyster cultivation areas in France. McDonagh's, where a dozen oysters will cost you22. There are many reasons why French oysters are the best. Also raised on the Cotentin Peninsula but further to the east, the huitre de Saint-Vaast la Hougue is another noble oyster with a fleshy texture, rich in iodine and featuring a subtle suggestion of hazelnut. For one, they are grown in some of the cleanest and most pristine waters in the world. The general rule for oysters is the accompanying beverage must be crisp, and it must be dry. Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. They look identical at first glance, coming in some shade of grey with a similar briny flavour. A Brut Blanc de Blanc (100% chardonnay) is a very good choice, such as either Pierre Gimonnet Premier Cru Brut NV, or Chapuy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Because French oysters are grown in France, they are considered to be the best. For true oyster lovers, theres really nothing better than tucking into a dozen on the half-shell at a seaside bistro. Comptoir Saouf, where a dozen oysters will set you back15.30. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Monte-Carlo Music Masters showcases outstanding musical talents, Winter Tipples on the French Riviera : Where to Enjoy Vin Chaud and Other Wintery Treats, Michelin Stars and Rooftop Bars : 11 Things to do on a Cannes Yacht Charter, 3 reasons to charter a yacht to the South of France, The most fun toy for superyachts: Reverso, Discover The Best French Riviera 2022 Events, Discover ultimate luxury on a Monaco yacht charter, Why you should consider a Cannes Film Festival Yacht Charter, Best Affordable Restaurants on the Cote dAzur, Why you should charter a yacht on the French Riviera this September, Best Affordable Restaurants on the Cote d'Azur, MY Splendid Isolation : Why A Charter Yacht is a Haven from Coronavirus. The country is well-known for its oyster farms, which are an important part of the French culinary culture. Going Deep Into Oyster 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. Meanwhile, at Le Vauban in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the fresh shellfish platters are excellent, as are the beautifully presented dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The plants are difficult to grow and require a small amount of production, so they are more expensive to produce. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. Delta de l'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain When you think of eating oysters in Europe, you may automatically think of France. Boat International Media Ltd 2008 - 2022. Oysters are among the best in France, as they are found in towns along the countrys coast. The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. Fish and shellfish from West Sweden are some of the best in the world. Gillardeau Marenne-Oleron Belon (France) Belon River, Brittany Our favorite is Emile et une Hutre in Village l'Herbe. Besides, oyster preference is an extremely personal thing, and one that does not always correspond with either fame or price tag. Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. 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. Huitres et Saumons de Passy. You wont be disappointed. 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. The name may not mean much to some, but to oyster fans, Tarbouriech oysters are among the very best in the world. France is home to some of the best oysters in the world. Oysters are calibrated from 000 to 6, with the smaller number indicating the larger-sized oyster. Fine de Claire, Spciale de Claire, Belon, Gillardeauyou name it! There are numerous oysters to choose from in Alabama, but the Cancale oyster is by far the best. French definitely have a deep affection for the oysters, they even celebrate Christmas with this delicious seafood! A shigoku oyster is a suspension-grown oyster that is grown in bags suspended in water that moves with currents. Restaurants such as La Mare (in Grandcamp-Maisy) are reputed for their excellent, unpretentious and delicious cuisine, including fresh oyster platters. When youre ready to eat the oysters, use a short, sharp knife with a short, sharp blade. The iconic river ships of No. Oysters cost between 8 and 20 euros per kilogram, but they are not as affordable as sushi. There are two types of oysters: flat oysters (Belon) and cupped oysters (Huitres). The countrys long coastline and diverse climate provide the perfect conditions for oyster farming. +33 5 56 83 78 81. It's a French word that you may have heard used with wine. As part of a well-known oyster brand, the third and fourth generations have taken over management. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. An oyster with a weight of 1 to 6 on a scale is classified as Hutre Creuse. Expect some competition, as for the French, getting the best oysters is somewhat of a national sport. Fans may have their favourites such as the special oysters of Isigny, tasty and pulpy, and those of Saint-Vaast, which are known for their nutty flavour. Here are the ones we think you should visit. 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. To reach the Saupin standard, oysters must be grown at level 9. For centuries, oysters have been grown in France, and fishermen work within a rigid production cycle. Typically, this is the mouth of the Belon or Marenne rivers, where fresh and salt water blend. Nouvelle AquitaineHeading to Nouvelle Aquitaine and the relaxed seaside town of Bourcfranc le Chapus, you can taste some of Frances most-prized and expensive oysters at Maison Gillardeau, established during the nineteenth century and lauded by gourmets as unusually flavourful, fresh, and aromatic. Meaty, nutty, firm and savoury, the oysters are grown and carefully tended for four years, and due to their cultivation process are less briny than many other varieties. 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. by Margaret | Jan 30, 2023 | Popular Seafood Dishes. Some oysters in particular, known as La Gravette feed on local plankton that lend them a unique, highly-prized flavour. 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 oysters are available in September through April, but they are unlikely to be found on menus until October. The resulting oysters are silky in texture, with an addictive sweet-salty flavour. They are generally whitish-gray in outer shell color, and their inside shell . They are large, juicy and have an intense flavour, earning them a place among the finest oysters in the world. Seating at the outdoors Marker 13 Buoy Bar is first-come,. These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp.) Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. Share. It was in 1825 that the first oyster restaurant in France opened, as oysters were a popular dish in ancient Rome.