Matunuck Oysters are grown in Potter Pond, an aquaculture farm in East Matunuck, Rhode Island. How to Eat an Oyster Like the French: This is a list of some tips for how to eat oysters like the French. The crisp, acidic flavour of dry sparkling wines- whether prosecco, cava, or any other iteration, work splendidly with oysters, cutting through the creaminess of the meat and singing with the salinity. Christmas is almost upon us, and villages and cities across France are preparing for the seasonal Gallic rush on oysters. These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. Oysters are typically consumed raw, in part due to their high nutritional value. The name may not mean much to some, but to oyster fans, Tarbouriech oysters are among the very best in the world. These oysters are lauded as being unusually sweet and as having a pleasing, complex texture. Whether youre fancying a gin and tonic, or a shaken martini, the marriage between gin and oysters is a thing of beauty. On your private tour of the region and its noteworthy oyster farms, you can enjoy informal but authentic tastings at local sellers where you can order a few oysters accompanied by a glass of crisp white or try them cooked in apple cider and/or calvados, a local specialty. The oysters are said to have a unique flavour as they combine the saltiness of the Mediterranean with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Aquitaine?Your private oyster-tasting tour in the region may include visits to producers and local gastronomic tables specialised in fresh shellfish paired with excellent wines. They are delicious raw or cooked in different traditional Norman dishes, including ones featuring local apple ciders. Prized by the Parisians, this delicate oyster is found in fine restaurants around the world. Website. Other countries around the world have oysters that are frequently briny and salty. Open now : 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM6:30 PM - 10:30 PM. In 2017, the average price of fresh oysters was between 7.1 and 7.4 euros. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when the average price ranged from 7.1 to 7.3 euros. When they are three years old and fully mature, they are transferred to an estuarial environment. But the French are also far from alone in their love and pride of their home grown oysters, with many other countries across the world vying for the title of the worlds best oyster. The French are justifiably proud of their oysters; they are, after all, considered some of the finest on earth. It is possible to find some of the best oysters in France, from Cancale in Brittany to Arcachon near Bordeaux. Best for Wild Oysters: Glidden Point Oyster Farms - ME. The biggest oysters are best used for cooking something like an oyster stuffing, which my grandma loved to make for Thanksgiving (and I always managed to hide the heaping scoop of oyster stuffing or slip it in to napkin). Keep in mind that the tides here raise and lower the water by about 15 meters. Oyster shacks are all over Paris, and Parisians have a lot of love for oysters. If you are enjoying a private vacation or luxury yacht charter in Spain then your superyacht chef should be able to obtain fresh oysters from the Delta de lEbre. Since Roman times, they have been farmed in the Lagune de Thau, in the Mediterranean, and in the Bay of Arcachon. Enjoy. Although Normandy is more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur than for huitres and other related products, this region should be an important factor when selecting huitres. However the area of the Delta de l'Ebre in Catalonia, produces such excellent oysters that actually 80% of these are exported to France. Whether true or apocryphal, these are some mighty fine oysters, famed for their tangy, lingering flavour. You can even board a 2CV vintage Citroen on embark on a rustic yet elegant tour around the landing beaches and picturesque natural sites such as the Cliffs at Etretat, stopping to taste oysters and other authentic Norman products (calvados, wines, cheeses, ciders) along the way. Our private tours will unveil a host of secretive, exclusive and authentic places to taste the very best; these are just a couple we recommend in the area. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Brittany? Calibre oysters have a tangy flavor that goes well with their succulent flesh. The ultimate Paris vacation guide. Wild oysters are well-known in the northwestern harbor city of Brest. Another popular standard for judging oyster meat is the Worth Index. 9. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. Vive la France! Today, France produces between 130,000 to 145,000 metric tons of Pacific oysters . France also goes to greater lengths than anywhere else in the world to coddle some of its oysters, which can be finished in special salt ponds where each gets a designated amount of water, or may even have special algae added to turn their gills green (and flavor fruity). White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. Cancale: La-Pied-de-ChevalAnother variety that seafood aficionados prize is from Cancale, and more specifically an oyster referred to as Le Pied de Cheval (the horses foot). The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. With 640 km of stunning coastline it comes as no surprise that Normandy produces some of the world's finest oysters. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Generally raised in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys, these are oysters likely to please most palates for their soft, delicate flavours and pleasingly firm texture. While Normandy is perhaps a bit more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur, this region should be a priority when youre interested in tasting superb huitres and related products. The plants are difficult to grow and require a small amount of production, so they are more expensive to produce. The type of oyster, the size of the oyster, the freshness of the oyster, and the taste of the oyster all play a role in making this determination. While most French oysters are now Pacific Oysters, the Kelly Galway native oyster is an extremely fine example of the native flat European oyster that used to be prevalent in France, before disease and overconsumption almost entirely wiped them out. With its long beaches and steep chalk cliffs, Normandy is home to superb oyster grounds and has become one of the leading oyster-producing regions of France in recent decades. The French have a proud history of oyster growing, with cultivation stretching back to ancient Roman times, and world-beating rates of oyster consumption, eating an impressive 4.4 pounds per person per yearmore than anywhere else in Europe. Antisan is also a very popular yacht rental choice for events such as Cannes Lions and MIPIM. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. Bouzigues may not be able to compete with the above two producers for notoriety, but their name is growing. The oysters are harvested when they are three years old and have a slightly briny taste with a hint of sweetness. Use the small fork. If you want to stay cool this summer, try an aperitif spritz or a Louis Jadot chardonnay, both of which add a touch of sophistication. A stamp bearing the image of Henri Matisse was used to acknowledge the value of oysters in France, where they are so highly valued. He enjoys the simple pleasures of a seafood dinner in a fishing village such as Plouhinec and the more upscale surroundings of the Cte Blanche Resort in Saint-Malo, both of which are close to his home. Expect some competition, as for the French, getting the best oysters is somewhat of a national sport. The plates are flatter in shape and are also known as Belons or Marennes, two of the locales where they are produced. The rolls Royce of French huitres are the oysters from Maison Gillardeau. Interested in oyster tasting in France? The oysters also benefit from a perfect climate that is not too cold and not too warm. There are over 450 parks and gardens to visit in Paris. This creates different types of oysters, and the most common are Olympia Oysters, Kumamoto Oysters, European Flats (or Belon Oysters), Sydney Rock Oysters, Pacific Oysters, and Atlantic Oysters. Oysters are calibrated from 000 to 6, with the smaller number indicating the larger-sized oyster. When it comes to Christmas and New Years Eve in France, oysters (Hu*tres) are the second most popular product. Oysters taste different depending on where they were grown and how they were processed. Then, the only species available was the plate, or flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), more commonly known as the Belon. Oyster prices vary significantly from one location to the next. Best Overall West Coast Oysters: Hog Island Oyster - CA. To this day, the city offers many opportunities to enjoy oysters, in restaurants or from side walk vendors. In the 19th century, there were three oyster capitals in the world: Paris, London and New York. Why not hire a private boat and embark on a tour of the areas fascinating oyster farms, implanted around the bay and visible at low tide? The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. There are many other deserving candidates further afield, such as in Australia, New Zealand and America, but as we know, the freshness of an oyster is paramount, so this list will concentrate on the best of European oyster growers.). The best white wine pairings for oysters are cool-climate, high-acidity wines grown in mineral-rich soils. You should only consume oysters from the months of septembre, octobre, novembre, and novembre the three most common times to consume them. Limfjord oysters, dubbed "the best oysters in the world," are quite rare. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. French definitely have a deep affection for the oysters, they even celebrate Christmas with this delicious seafood! They have a slightly sweet flavor that is generously filling in their semi-round shell. This flat, rounded and wild oyster variety has a fresh, fleshy interior and is appreciated for its unique flavour as well as its rarity. An American oyster, as opposed to a French oyster, has a distinct brininess. As coastal Normandy is home to some of the finest oyster beds in France, the region is brimming with raw bars, seafood restaurants and oyster farms that serve these local delicacies in style! In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. A Brut Blanc de Blanc (100% chardonnay) is a very good choice, such as either Pierre Gimonnet Premier Cru Brut NV, or Chapuy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Possibly the most famous oyster of them all are the Speciales Gillardeau, grown by the Gillardeau family near La Rochelle in Western France. Gillardeau Marenne-Oleron Belon (France) Belon River, Brittany Oyster & Chop, where a dozen bluff oysters costs $54, Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com / Farris Noorzali. When raw oysters are served, they are typically chilled or heated at room temperature, or they can be served raw in a cold or room temperature dish. Rent the finest South of France villas and prestigious properties in St Tropez, Cannes, Cap dAntibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. One of life's little luxuries during summer in Bordeaux is having your toes in the sand while slurping up a dozen oysters in Cap Ferret's no-frills oyster shacks. Virtually anywhere along the French coastline (including the Mediterranean and of course Brittany) delicious French oysters are served, and at a fraction of the cost of those in Paris. Easily accessible by superyacht, these oysters alone make Rhode Island a destination to cruise by. Heres a summary of some of the terms you are likely to encounter: France produces two types of oysters, plates and creuses. France has some of the best oyster experiences in the world. Born in 1953, Savoy began training to be a chef at the age of 15 and spent the next few years working with chefs around the world. Oysters have been grown in France for centuries and it was the first country in Europe to begin producing them on a large scale. Fine de Claire, Spciale de Claire, Belon, Gillardeauyou name it! Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. It should be mentioned that oysters are produced in an environmentally friendly way. In France, oyster butter is a simple and tasty way to enjoy seafood. Because of their smoother shells and saltier flavors, the oysters on the East Coast are more popular than those on the West Coast. According to Michelin, as a child, Savoy would peek into the pans in the kitchen of his family's restaurant, La Buvette de l'Esplanade, in Bourgoin-Jallieu.. Monaco Grand Prix yacht hospitality, MIPIM yacht charters, Cannes Lions boat rentals and Cannes Film Festival corporate yacht charter specialists. Grand Isle. A Guide to Oysters. Each year millions of oysters bloom along the coast of Washington, California, Alabama, Maine, and other states in the United States. The oysters are famous for their meaty flesh which supplies an endless ocean of flavours. Beauregard. He takes the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region not only because it is rugged on the coastline but also because it is rolling and rural. Fish and shellfish from West Sweden are some of the best in the world. There is no finer experience than dining on oysters overlooking the Thau lagoon as the sun goes down. Denmark's second oyster is the Pacific oyster ( crassostrea gigas ), a foreign species that was accidentally introduced to the . Oyster farming is a thriving part of the culture and economy of the tang de Thau (the Thau Lagoon between Ste and Bouzigues) in the Languedoc Roussillon and the picturesque town of Bouzigues produces the most sought-after oysters in Europe. And the French know this. Here's how to tell oysters from the US, France and Australia apart. It is not uncommon to see oysters shucked in front of you while you eat them (to preserve their flavor), or to serve them on ice. If you want to try something new, you can begin with Anthony Bourdains journeys; his travels are a great place to start. Plus Hotels, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, Cars, Sport, Events and much, much more. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). Australia is famed for its Sydney Rock oysters which are found in a variety of locations around the country including - Shark Bay, the Wingan Inlet and the east coast of New South Wales. Delta de l'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain When you think of eating oysters in Europe, you may automatically think of France. For eating raw, sizes 3 - 4 are best. Pair them with a Guinness. In addition to its historical significance as a place of memory and mourning following the tragedy of World War II, the area is prized for its delicious and distinctive oysters, which are fed by incredibly strong ocean currents that intertwine with the waters of nearby rivers. In modern times, France was the first country in Europe to begin producing oysters on a large scale. France produces two types of oysters: the flat oyster (in French known as the hutre plate), a variety native to the region, and the rounded oyster (in French, hutre creuse), which is imported from Japan.Though the flat oyster, also known as Belon, originates here, most of the oysters harvested in Cancale are the rounded style, with the flat-shelled Belon making up approximately 2% of . The native Knysna oyster, nutty and creamy and utterly unique, is the speciality of 34 South, a bustling warehouse-style waterfront restaurant on the Knysna Quay. This results in oysters that are plump and full of flavor. The Hog Island Oyster Company of Tomales Bay, California, is famous for its hog Island Sweetwater oyster. Our favorite is Emile et une Hutre in Village l'Herbe. Fresh Shipped; Oysters. Oysters are a type of shellfish that is commonly found in France. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. Like wine, terroir and variety matters when it comes to the world of oysters. They have a flatter shape and are known as Belons or Marennes in two of the places where they are made. Find your part of the world and locate oysters with ocean maps or terrain. Arcachon Bay Oysters in France Piret Ilver Oysters are "affordable luxury" - always special, different in every corner of the world, and every moment while eating oysters is special. Additionally, personal preferences will also come into play. These farmed oysters are harvested in a salt pond to give them their characterful, briney flavour and slightly sweet finish. Although France is normally the first place that springs to mind for the worlds best oysters, the Delta de lEbre, situated between Barcelona and Valencia, it a top contender. 5. The largest city in this region, Bordeaux, is located along the Atlantic coast. Zest of 2 limes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The production is small, really, considering that Brittany produces 35,000 tonnes of France's annual 150,000 tonnes of oysters. - Luxembourg) +33 1 44 41 10 07 Website E-mail Improve this listing Ranked #700 of 19,809 Restaurants in Paris 698 Reviews Price range: $28 - $38 Cuisines: Seafood More restaurant details nyctravelbug6018 Are grown at just 10 to the square yard. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue In appearance creuse are typically a pale ivory lined with black and brown. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Six of the best luxury hotels with private yachts, Why this private island in Tanzania should top your travel list in 2023, Why St Barths is the spiritual home of regatta racing, Why Norway should be next on your charter hit list, 7 of the best coastal hikes accessible by boat. The Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre does nicely here. The oysters are harvested and sorted by size after being hand-harvested. Not just any oysters, Tarbouriech. In France, the oyster has been beloved by kings and peasants for thousands of years and today, the French continue to love these salty and briny treats from the sea. Towns such as Plougastel-Dauolas, also nestled on the harbour, are also noted for their wild huitres, which have a particular texture closer to a scallop and are rich in iodine. Provence & French Riviera. Oyster Reviews Julie Qiu May 25, 2020 Australia , France , Africa , Brazil , Ireland , Japan , Scotland , Tasmania , international , best oysters , Loch Ryan , Bouzigues , Senpoushi , Fines de Claire , Kelly Galway 31 Comments It's a French word that you may have heard used with wine. Your private tour might include a visit to the charming town, stopping to discover the secrets of its finest local producers and tasting rooms. For a more formal gastronomic experience, we particularly recommend lunch or dinner at Tabl Breizh Caf in Cancale, a Michelin-starred address whose Brton and Japanese menu fuses traditions beautifully; the menu includes oyster platters and fusion specialities using the delicacy as a key ingredient. Each year Cancale produces 5000 tons of oysters farmed in its 'parks' in the bay and 1000 tons fished from the bay generally. If youre looking for a more intense oyster flavor, consider California oysters. Check out where to go for the Best Seafood in the World: #1. Although not a traditional superyacht destination, the oysters in Ireland are reason enough to make a visit. Matunuck Oyster Bar, where a dozen oysters will cost you $24. They taste slightly different depending on where they came from: salty and nutty in Normandy, iodiney and delicate and invigorating in Brittany. At 20 to the square yard, these oysters mature for two months in salty claires, or marshes, where they filter nutrient-rich water that sometimes turns them green. If you like buttery Chardonnays, these pair well . Make it a young wine, as youll again run into the pesky complexity clash with older vintages, and dont overchill, or youll ruin the flavour. She is one of the few yachts able to cruise with more than 12 guests onboard and can welcome up to 40 guests for day charters.