Shuck Those Oysters!
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Fall is a fine time to enjoy them.
By Morris Gut
National Oyster Day was August 5th, but mollusk experts say the fall season is one of the best times to enjoy them. Oyster aficionados cannot seem to consume enough, and more eateries throughout the area are serving these slippery delicacies than ever. Here’s where to indulge in greater Westchester and NYC, with all the trimmings. Check ahead for availability.
Grand Central Oyster Bar, 89 E. 42 St, Manhattan, at the Grand Central Dining Concourse. (212-490-6650). This iconic restaurant, serving its seafood out of a historic railroad station since 1913, finally reopened on Sept. 7th after a Covid closure. Patrons are returning not just for the oysters and seafood menu, but to sit in the dramatic Guastavino tile vaulted dining areas. www.oysterbarny.com
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave, Bronx (718-364-8510). It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up as an Oyster Bar & Clam Bar. Take your pick and enjoy a fresh platter rustic style right on the bustling sidewalk.
Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave, Bronx (718-367-4139). Started 3 generations ago by a Sicilian family of fishermen, this market has oysters in stock all season. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave, Harrison. (914-835-6199). Chef/owner Dean Vivolo has been serving his robust Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner for 20 years. He often has a fresh selection of oysters on hand. While the weather lasts, you can enjoy them al fresco. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Sea Flame Restaurant, 709 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale. (914-874-5366). Restaurateur Peter Bicaj has reimagined Sea Flame Restaurant in Scarsdale in the Vernon Hills Shops. The handsome bar now sports a fresh Seafood Raw Bar. Happy Hours, 4 to 7 p.m. Monday thru Friday weekdays are an especially good time to enjoy them for $1 apiece. www.seaflamerestaurant.com
Chazz Palminteri Restaurant, 264 Main St, White Plains. (914-600-8430) A Bronx Tale actor, writer, producer, and restaurateur Chazz Palminteri and his partnership have taken over the former Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on Main Street in White Plains. They now offer popular Happy Hours during the week from 4 to 7 p.m. that include fresh oysters shucked for $1.50 per piece. www.chazzpalminterinyc.com
Dubrovnik, 721 Main St, New Rochelle (914-637-3777). Dubrovnik offers a popular Bar Menu daily featuring regional oysters on the half shell. This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Happy Hours are back, too. www.dubrovniknewyork.com
Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Ln, Pelham (914-738-8686). Veteran chef/proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclectic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a daily Raw Bar. A fine selection of oysters ready for shucking is always on hand. www.cafferegatta.com
Kee Oyster House, 128 E Post Rd, White Plains (914-437-8535). A daily raw bar is available with a selection of oysters from all over the region. The blackboard lists the daily catch. They are served with house-made cocktail sauce, ground wasabi root, and Champagne sauce. www.keeoysterhouse.com
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave, City Island (718-885-9885). Big Blue Point oysters are listed on their daily blackboard, and they are terrific served with all the accouterments. Decadent Oysters Rockefeller, too. Wash it all down with one of the house specialty cocktails or a craft beer. www.artiescityisland.com
Bread & Brine, 119 Main St, Hastings-On-Hudson (914-479-5243). The place bustles inside and out, and “summers in Maine” is the theme. Fresh oysters are served in abundance with all the trimmings. www.breadandbrinehoh.com
Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House, 55 Abendroth Ave, Port Chester (914-939-2425). They serve a Wine & Brine weekday Happy Hour in their Oyster Lounge from 4 pm to 6 pm and all-day Thursdays, featuring 50% off the price of oysters, along with a discounted selection of wines and beers. Oyster shooters, too. www.saltaireoysterbar.com
Ocean House Oyster Bar & Grill, 49 N Riverside Ave, Croton-On-Hudson (914-271-0702). Husband and wife Brian & Paula Galvin reimagined an old vintage diner where they prepare New England-style seafood with gusto. A selection of oysters is always on the blackboard. www.oceanhouseoysterbar.com
Purdy’s Farmer & The Fish, 100 Titicus Rd, North Salem (914-617-8380). Purdy’s is located on a farm where they harvest herbs and produce for the restaurant kitchen. Oysters are also a specialty. There is a rustic farm market on site. Another location: Hudson Farmer & The Fish on the Riverwalk in Sleepy Hollow, 11 River St. www.farmerandthefish.com
Benjamin’s Steakhouse, 610 Hartsdale Ave, White Plains (914-428-6868). Proprietor Benjamin Prelvukaj has Blue Point Oysters on the menu daily. A fine start to one of their prime steak dinners. They have brought back their popular Happy Hours inside at the bar from 4 to 7 p.m. with a special menu. www.benjaminsteakhouse.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591 or gutreactions@optonline.net.
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