Oysters . . . not just a meal, but an experience! Running list of top oyster experiences.

Top Oyster Experiences:

1) Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill, Baltimore Maryland.

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster” ~Jonathan Swift

Raspberry Point Oysters at Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill, Baltimore Maryland.

Ryleigh’s Oyster in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighbor hits the top oyster experiences as a quintessential raw oyster bar located in a city that resonates seafood cuisine: with its famous Inner Harbor; located on the Chesapeake Bay (largest estuary in North America); and one of the largest seaports in the Mid-Atlantic.

2.) Hog Island Oyster Bar at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa, California.

“Hogwash” and Wine!

Hog Island Oysters with Hog Wash at Oxbow Public Market in Napa

After a morning or afternoon (or perhaps entire day) of wine tasting throughout Napa Valley, this oyster experience at the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa is a delicious and refreshing way to satisfy your appetite and   compliment the finer tasting eliminates from the day. While not on the bay, the Hog Island Oyster Bar allows for the enjoyment of fresh shellfish from Tomales Bay while in the heart of wine country, and is sure to satisfy the connoisseur of both wine and bivalves.

Hog Island Oyster Company Hog Wash Recipe:

Makes 1 generous bowl

Ingredients (hogwash)

1/4 C seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 C unseasoned rice vinegar
1 large shallot, peeled, minced
1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded, minced
1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime

Method (hogwash)

Using a 50-50 blend of unseasoned rice vinegar and seasoned rice vinegar gives the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Seasoned rice vinegar has sugar and salt added, in just the right proportion. Both are great condiments to have on hand in your kitchen. Combine ingredients in a medium bowl. When serving, stir the Hogwash beforehand to include all the goodies in the bowl. Serve in a ramekin or small, shallow bowl along side freshly shucked raw oysters. Place a teaspoon near the bowl for guests to spoon the sauce onto their oysters. Use the Hogwash the same day it’s made. If making ahead, mix all dry ingredients and store refrigerated in an airtight container. Add lime juice and vinegar blend just before serving.

3. Georgetown Oyster Eat

Established in 1937, this annual Oyster Eat is a fundraiser held by the Georgetown Fire Company in Sussex County, Delaware. The historic and cultural small town event is quite the unique oyster experience as it is also by tradition a stag party. Steamed oysters, raw oysters, and egg salad sandwiches . . . not to mention the flowing craft beer and energizing bluegrass band. While slurping down some raw oysters is a must, whether pre-shucked or self-shucked, the steamed oysters get the attention of most participants appetites. Bellying up to the steamed oyster troughs, with volunteers shouting “Hot Stuff” as metal baskets are carried out full of piping hot steamed oysters is the familiar sound to those who have attend this annual fundraiser.  Its events like this that are the heartbeat of our unique American culture.

4) Raw Oyster Bar at Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes, Delaware.

“For the shuckin’ people – by the people for the people”

Chincoteague and Hog Island oysters at Big Oyster Brewing company.

One of the many hazy IPAs brewed at Big Oyster Brewery.

Fresh oysters and an amazing line up of creative and delicious craft beers brewed on site. While the fresh oysters available typically range from two to three varieties, they are fresh and on point; whether Chincoteague, Blue Points, or Hog Island oysters. While the variety of oysters may not be extensive, the variety of Big Oyster Brewery beers on draft is. From Dang IPA, a hazy New England / West Coast crossover style IPA to pair with your fresh shucked oysters from both the Atlantic and the Pacific, to Noir et Bleu, a Belgian Triple brewed with dried blueberries and black tea. So when visiting the beach towns of Delaware, definitely belly up to the bar for some fresh shucked oysters and to sample some of Delaware’s excellent craft beer.