Fall is a time for giving thanks and enjoying the bountiful harvest of all sorts of delicious and wonderful things from our gardens and waters, so we’ve got to tell you, the Eastern Shore is the perfect place to savor the rewards of this season. Our visitors often delight in an authentic Chesapeake Bay crab feast but sometimes overlook another local favorite- fresh oysters.
The history of oystering in the Chesapeake goes back long before the 1800’s when the Bay was a maritime version of the wild west- these tasty treats were as good as gold. Spend a few hours exploring any of our charming small towns and it becomes clear that the oyster is deeply embedded in our culture, heritage, and appeal of the Eastern Shore. Oysters as art, their shells ground up as a paving material, and of course as a culinary delicacy are everywhere. If eaten raw, oysters are best when served chilled on the half shell drizzled with lemon juice and dipped in cocktail sauce. Just about every local has a delicious (and secret) recipe for oyster stew or oyster stuffing. When paired with a cold beer, oysters can do no wrong in the eyes of true Eastern Shoremen!
Speaking of beer, Fordham Brewing Co. from Dover, DE, launched “Rosie Parks Oyster Stout” at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Oysterfest this November which pairs perfectly with the ubiquitous bivalve. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Maritime Museum to help fund the restoration of the “Rosie Parks”, a beloved skipjack that once dredged for oysters on the Bay. It even has a slightly “briny” flavor which makes it perfect for enjoying with oysters! Available in our area in hefty 22 oz. bottles at Big Al’s, Village Shoppe, Wishing Well Liquors, Town and Country, Hair O’ the Dog, the bottle will be hard to miss. The label shows “Rosie” in all her glory with her sails hoisted high for all to see. Pop one open at a family gathering, give it as a gift or enjoy it on draft at Characters, Carpenter Street Saloon or the Big Pickle in St. Michaels and don’t forget to ask for a plate of our beloved oysters!!
Want to delight your taste buds with these little babies but don’t have time to drive to the Shore for a quick bite? You’re in luck- Captains Ketch, Kool Ice and Big Al’s all will ship to your doorstep!
Captain’s Catch- www.captainsketchseafood.com 410-820-7177
Kool Ice- www.freshmarylandseafood.com 410-228-2300, 800-437-2417
Big Al’s- 410-745-3151
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