Friends have been recommending the Oyster Bar & Restaurant for years. I tried to go there on a Sunday night but they were closed. However, I had more luck at lunchtime the next day.
The Oyster Bar & Restaurant first opened its doors in 1913 and is a New York institution. It is down in the lower level of Grand Central, off a side passage, and an oasis of calm and warmth, once you find it. When I first walked in I was a little disappointed that it did not look more glamorous. However, once I sat down I realised the place is all about understated luxury with cotton tablecloths, stunning blue water bottles etc The menu is dauntingly long but my waiter Ferruccio helped me navigate it. I picked the New England clam chowder and then oysters & fries. I was unsure which oysters to pick and Ferruccio said he would bring me a selection of the best. The velvety clam chowder was perfect with oyster crackers and hot sauce but I was surprised my oysters & fries were delivered after I had only had a mouthful of the soup, This meant the fries were going cold by the time I started them. However, my Melon Wild, Malpeque and Pemaquid oysters were sensational. I thought my oysters at Four Seasons Sayan in Bali could not be beaten but these were so fresh, and had such delicious flavours, they were even better, if that was possible. 🐻🐻🐻🐻 (4 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - bringing the second course, when I had only just started the soup, lost them a 'teddy'. My tips: you must try their incredible oysters & asked them to wait to bring your second course, until you have finished your first. |