Hog Island Oyster Farm
In a day and age when food is full of additives, it's a good lot to know where your grub is coming from. Here is one solution: Head north to Hog Island's oyster farm on Tomales Bay. There, the oysters are pulled right from the water, and after spending 24 hours in a quality-controlled bath, are prime for the shucking. This is a skill that you'll have to acquire quickly, as there are no waiters at the farm. (This ain't the goddamned Ferry Building, city slicker.) It's a very do-it-yourself experience, and folks get creative with the picnic area's open-flame grills to personally prepare oysters by stewing, skewering, and pan-frying. A popular method is to just cook the oysters right inside their shells, which results in a brine-steamed oyster and delicious sea broth. To reiterate: Hog Island provides the oysters, shucking equipment, scenery, and seating. Everything else, from beer to mignonette, is your responsibility. Reservations are required.
|