Are oysters an acquired taste? (2 Viewers)

[Senor Schmutzig]

I can't say that I have really tried oysters but I'm not a huge seafood fan in general and truth be told, they just look disgusting.



As luck would have it, I'm heading to the PNW later this week and am going out for oysters with my boss and another high level executive from one of our best customers. I am less than thrilled about the choice of cuisine.

I don't want to be a stick in the mud but how can I get through that evening and choke a few down with a grin on my face? I'm usually a pretty adventurous eater but oysters are pretty high on the list of things that I avoid eating.

 

[Apple Jack]

Don't chew them.

 

[dutch]

Once you get past the ooey gooey snot like texture they ain't half bad really. Truth be told I love 'em. There is no real fishy taste but there is essence of the sea to them. Some lemon and some cocktail sauce and you'll be fine.

 

[dutch]

Oh yeah, remember to just swallow don't chew.

 

[Christo]

Just load them up with hot sauce or horseradish.

 

[dutch]

Don't chew them.

 

[menobrown]

Don't chew them.

Good advice.It's one of my favorite foods in the world and I absolutely prefer them raw on the half shell. I way I like to eat them is squeeze a lemon on them, put some cocktail sauce on top and than a drop of tobasco and than just slide them down. Goes great with beer.

 

[bakes]

Don't chew them.

Good advice.It's one of my favorite foods in the world and I absolutely prefer them raw on the half shell. I way I like to eat them is squeeze a lemon on them, put some cocktail sauce on top and than a drop of tobasco and than just slide them down. Goes great with beer.

Agreed, and if they're really fresh the sauces stay home. Just an amazingly fresh from the ocean yet sweet flavor that cannot be duplicated.

 

[geoff8695]

If you can get away with ordering "Oysters Rockefeller", those are baked oysters, and have more of the texture and taste of a good stuffed mushroom appetizer in contrast to raw oysters.

Pretty damn tasty too.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Just load them up with hot sauce or horseradish.

I guess this is what makes me about oysters. I always see them loaded up with hot sauce or horseradish or something that would appear to hide the taste. If that is the case, what is it that people love so much about them?

 

[EYLive]

I love oysters; raw, steamed, fried, dried, hot pot. I chew them too, what's the point of eating if you don't enjoy each bite?

 

[Major]

I love oysters; raw, steamed, fried, dried, hot pot. I chew them too, what's the point of eating if you don't enjoy each bite?

Yep, me too. I used to more of crustacean guy but as I got older, I've developed an affinity for many an oyster. If you're ever in the Houston area, def hit Gilhooey's in San Leon (near the Gulf) in the winter. Best damn oysters I've ever had outside of some choice ones in Montauk: http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2010/07/robb_walshs_100_favorite_houst_97.php

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Just load them up with hot sauce or horseradish.

I guess this is what makes me about oysters. I always see them loaded up with hot sauce or horseradish or something that would appear to hide the taste. If that is the case, what is it that people love so much about them?

because putting horseradish and hot sauce on a cracker makes you look like a #######. When there's an oyster involved, it's good eatin.

 

[Fennis]

Just load them up with hot sauce or horseradish.

I guess this is what makes me about oysters. I always see them loaded up with hot sauce or horseradish or something that would appear to hide the taste. If that is the case, what is it that people love so much about them?

because putting horseradish and hot sauce on a cracker makes you look like a #######. When there's an oyster involved, it's good eatin.

I put hot sauce on horseradish and just eat it straight up.

 

[Pipes]

Just load them up with hot sauce or horseradish.

I guess this is what makes me about oysters. I always see them loaded up with hot sauce or horseradish or something that would appear to hide the taste. If that is the case, what is it that people love so much about them?

I love a good hamburger...doesnt mean I want it plain. Though I just put a drop of Tabasco on an oyster...just enough to add a little heat. Fresh oysters are amazing...you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Oysters are an acquired taste, but so is just about everything other than sugar. It's just that, with most foods, you acquire a taste for them when you're an infant, so you don't realize that the tastes are acquired. (Foods that are commonly thought of as acquired tastes, like beer, coffee, olives, and raw oysters, are foods that most of us do not eat as infants.)

With oysters, you can start by eating them at least somewhat cooked. They make a terrific stew.

They're delicious raw, but yes, it's a taste you generally have to acquire.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Yes. But for the love of god, chew them. If you must swallow the first few like a vitamin, do it, but you may find that you enjoy them. Its foolish to just swallow them See if you can get a Kumamoto oyster. They are tiny, plump and delicious.

 

[grateful zed]

See if you can get a Kumamoto oyster. They are tiny, plump and delicious.

those are some of the best, plus they are small and easier to swallow if you are struggling.

 

[Abraham]

Adore them. And one thing not mentioned: the morning after 2 dozen raw oysters is a bathroom masterpiece that should be enjoyed and appreciated.

 

[kutta]

I LOVE oysters. One of my favorites.

And I also disagree with those who say to just swallow them. I chew them and savor every bite.

A touch of horseradish and cocktail sauce is great. Or just plain raw. Depends on your mood. But it is hard to beat a big, fresh oyster. It tastes like you are eating the ocean. It's awesome.

 

[Abraham]

Horse radish, lea and perrins, cocktail.

A splash of tequila if im feeling frisky

 

[glumpy]

I LOVE oysters. One of my favorites.And I also disagree with those who say to just swallow them. I chew them and savor every bite.A touch of horseradish and cocktail sauce is great. Or just plain raw. Depends on your mood. But it is hard to beat a big, fresh oyster. It tastes like you are eating the ocean. It's awesome.

Wow--this took twenty posts. I'm with kutta.

 

[PitbullTD]

I have despised them every time I've had them, but im also in kansas soooo I won't judge. Though I have had some what I think is great sushi.

Anyways, this episode of Eat Street and the oysters this guy pulls off his fire truck really really had me drooling. Want to try them BADDD!

 

[Mohawk]

What Kutta said.

Straight up or cocktail sauce or lemon- however.

A delicacy!

 

[pittstownkiller]

I also don't get the not chewing them mentality. Raw oysters, unlike clams, are not chewy; they have a fish-like tenderness. Keep it small, if you're uncomfortable eating them, and try to have them before you go out to dinner with the group.

 

[SacramentoBob]

It tastes like you are eating the ocean.

This could be bad depending on which ocean you are eating.

 

[Guest]

One of the biggest complaints about oysters is the texture. Try ordering a cold-water oyster from the Northeast which will be more firm.

 

[Flying V]

Love 'em steamed.

Can't do them raw. It sets off my gag reflex.

 

[shake zula]

I love oysters; raw, steamed, fried, dried, hot pot. I chew them too, what's the point of eating if you don't enjoy each bite?

Agreed.I like them with sauce and without. One of my favorite summer foods.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Love 'em steamed.

Can't do them raw. It sets off my gag reflex.

Yeah that's probably not the impression I want to leave in front of my boss and clients (literally and figuratively).Maybe I'll just stick with beer. And crackers.



Naaaaah, I have to give them a try. I'll do anything once.

 

[saintsfan]

My favorite way to eat them is charbroiled, but I love them any old way.

Fried Oyster Poor Boy dressed with a cold Barq's in a bottle = heaven

 

[trogg78]

Oysters aren't in season... Am I right?

I love some raw oysters. I think they are only good in months with an "R".

 

[[icon]]

Mmmmmm @ Oysters.

Simply can't beat a good, fresh oyster raw. Chargrilled or properly done Rockerfeller is off the charts tasty as well.

If you're worried about it, post the name of the place you'll be dining at here and we'll peruse the menu and offer suggestions on the best way to order them. If you don't know then just assume Rockerfeller to be safe. You'll be fine.

 

[Apple Jack]

One of the biggest complaints about oysters is the texture. Try ordering a cold-water oyster from the Northeast which will be more firm.

Yep. Warm water oysters tend to be less dependably good. I more often find myself not chewing them. But Blue Point or Prince Edward Island or whatever...hell yes, I chew them.

 

[trogg78]

I'm always confused as to how you're supposed to eat them. Do you slurp them off the shell? What about the ones that are too big to properly position your mouth around? Or do you use that tiny little fork?

You have to slurp from the shell. If you use a fork you don't get all that awesome oyster juice.

 

[[icon]]

I'm always confused as to how you're supposed to eat them. Do you slurp them off the shell? What about the ones that are too big to properly position your mouth around? Or do you use that tiny little fork?

You have to slurp from the shell. If you use a fork you don't get all that awesome oyster juice.

It's called Oyster Liquor, and yep! It's part of the experience. For a rookie, scooping the oyster with a fork onto a cracker, and adding a healthy blob of cocktail sauce will nullify any offensive characteristics of the oyster and won't get your balls busted. That said, you're also missing out on the good stuff.

 

[snitwitch]

Yes. But for the love of god, chew them. If you must swallow the first few like a vitamin, do it, but you may find that you enjoy them. Its foolish to just swallow them See if you can get a Kumamoto oyster. They are tiny, plump and delicious.

Agreed. The correct answer is that you should chew the oyster 2-3 times then swallow. And for eating raw oysters, the smaller the better, like a kumamoto. The bigger the oyster, the more I want to cook it (preferably on a grill)My favorite topping is fresh squeezed lime and a dash or two of Tapatio, along with ice cold Tecate.There is nothing in the world like a really good, fresh oyster. There is also nothing worse than a bad oyster. Ensure you're eating at a reputable place.

 

[Wingnut]

Order em steamed if youre having this much of a problem thinking about eating them raw.

 

[Major]

You guys are such pansies. Man up and acquire the taste. My wheelhouse is raw, with a bit of lemon and the occasional splash Tabasco. 2 dozen, done.

 

[bshell27]

You guys are such pansies. Man up and acquire the taste. My wheelhouse is raw, with a bit of lemon and the occasional splash Tabasco. 2 dozen, done.

I'm with this group. I also chew a little, not like you would chew a sandwich, but a few bites.

 

[Guest]

I only eat oysters from the mountains.

 

[roadkill1292]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

 

[trogg78]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

I go to Pappadeaux.

 

[17seconds]

Why not just take a kitchen sponge down to the ocean, dip it in the water, and suck on it? Same taste.

 

[MikeIke]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

That's what Red Lobster is for

 

[roadkill1292]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

I go to Pappadeaux.

I don't know what that is.

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

That's what Red Lobster is for

Oh, my. No, I meant real seafood, fixed by people who know how to do it.

 

[Major]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

I go to Pappadeaux.

I don't know what that is.

You must not get out much. Only one of the most successful restaurant families in the business.

 

[E Street Brat]

To the op. Just say your allergic to shellfish. It's better then looking like a #####.

I have always loved them, nothing acquried about it.

 

[Guest]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

I go to Pappadeaux.

I don't know what that is.

You must not get out much. Only one of the most successful restaurant families in the business.

No need to be like that. Looks like they're basically a Texas chain with a handful of other locations.

 

[Guest]

Somebody made a fleeting comment about being from the midwest and not liking seafood very much. Is that typical? What do midwesterners do for a seafood fix? Or do they just go without?

That's what Red Lobster is for

Oh, my. No, I meant real seafood, fixed by people who know how to do it.

That's about as real as it gets. Maybe the occasional thawed frozen shrimp.