Dining on raw oysters is a memorable culinary experience that every true seafood lover should experience. Because this time-honored practice has its own array of steps and nuances, it’s a good idea to know how to eat the oysters properly before you sit down in the restaurant and dive in. Here’s a quick guide to having a unique and wonderful meal. 

How to Eat Raw Oysters Like a Connoisseur 

1. Make Some Inquiries

Not all oysters are the same, of course. Like wine, their taste is a product of where they are harvested. But in the case of the oyster, that relates to the body of water instead of the land. Start by asking the waiter what region the oysters are from. Then follow up by asking whether they’re large, small, meaty, or have a certain signature taste. With a few inquiries, you’ll be able to pinpoint your best option. 

2. Bolster the Taste

Before you go to town on your oysters, it’s wise to add a few ingredients to amplify the taste. Squeeze a few drops of lemon from the wedges on the tray to add a little zest. Then consider a cocktail sauce or the classic mignonette, which combines vinegar, shallots, and pepper.

3. Free the Oyster

Now that you’ve added the proper garnish, it’s time to finally eat your prize. Don’t just raise the shell to your mouth. First, locate the small fork that should be beside your plate, and use it to dislodge the oyster, which is generally attached to the shell. While many diners love to simply slurp the raw oyster down, you can also use the fork to help usher the tasty delight into your mouth. 

For delicious raw oysters in Gulf Shores, AL, head right over to Papa Rocco’s. Since opening in the 1980s, the beloved oyster bar has provided fresh, tasty oysters by the half dozen and dozen along with renowned pizza and other popular fares. While you feast on one of the sea’s greatest treasures, you can wash them down with cold beer and listen to amazing live music. To learn more about where the restaurant’s oysters are sourced, just call (251) 948-7262 or browse online to consult the menu.