565 Fifth Ave. (619) 233-6623
With fall upon us, I have found myself craving those darlings of the cold water months, raw oysters. I recently visited two local oyster bars, and decided it was time to see how Blue Point Coastal's bar faired in comparison. Blue Point features a regular bar where food can be ordered, as well as a low bar with cushy comfortable padded seats. I chose the latter for this evening's foray into all things fresh from the sea. The crowd was bustling even on a Tuesday night.
After talking to the raw bar chef, I settled on a mix of the two available oyster varieties, Pacific Orchard, and Cortez Island. How many? No playing around here, one dozen of each ($52 total).
The Pacific Orchards are a farm raised oyster from Stranges Bay British Columbia (front half of plate in the above photograph).
They were medium size with deep cups which were full of delightful Pacific coast liquor. The flavor was mildly salty with a hint of watermelon as a finish.
Cortez Islands are young oysters, farm raised in the Georgia Straits of British Columbia. They are cultivated using the tray-cultured process.
They were medium size with a mildly salty flavor. I found both types of oysters to be extremely fresh, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Next I ordered a Traditional Shrimp Cocktail ($13).
I received five large shrimp served with a classic horseradish and cocktail sauce. The poached shrimp were firm and had good flavor. The Cocktail sauce was tasty but unremarkable.
My neighbor at the bar had ordered the Pan Seared Dayboat Scallops.
The scallops were served with goat cheese and Portobello ravioli, and a caramelized shallot and herb sauce. My friendly neighbor insisted I share the scallops with her, and I must say, I was glad I did. The huge scallops were seared to perfect medium rare, and the shallot herb sauce was rich and delicious.
A unique aspect of Blue Point Coastal's oyster bar menu is the section devoted to oyster shooters. There are three interesting offerings. The Cultured Pearl ($6), has champagne, minced shallots, and chopped chives. The Spicy Siberian ($6), features Absolut peppar vodka, red chili sauce, and chopped chives. The Drunken Thai Oyster ($6), (pictured), had Absolut Citron vodka, spicy Thai sauce, chopped chives, and a lemmon wedge.
I sampled one of each (hey, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it). Each one had it's own unique personality, but my favorite was the Drunken Thai with it's sweet-hotness and citrus finish. All three are definately worth trying.
The Blue Point Coastal oyster bar offers a different experience from their local competition. It does not have a vast selection of oyster types like Oceanaire, nor is the food preparation show as entertaining as at the Fish Market. If you sit at the low bar, it does offer the most comfortable seating of the three establishments. Service is impeccable. The oysters they do stock are ultra fresh, and for me, the three unique shooters are enough to keep me coming back. The Blue Point Coastal oyster bar, much like the signature oyster shooters, has it's own unique personality that surely warrants a visit.
Hi, Jack- Good to see you got the message about oyster shooters....I now have a new craving and will try out BPC soon.
Posted by: cathy | October 19, 2006 at 08:56 PM
Hi Cap'n Jack!
My mouth is watering again. After your last two oyster posts, I made the mistake of ordering oysters at a place near John Wayne Airport called "Ten Asian Bistro". Don't ask me how I ended up there. Don' wanna talk about it.
The oysters were pitiful, which means my cravings have only gotten worse.
You're killing me here! =)
- Chubbypanda
Posted by: Chubbypanda | October 20, 2006 at 01:15 PM
My goodness Jack!
Only 2 dozen oysters and 1 shrimp cocktail...what, were you just snacking that night???
Posted by: Jim | October 20, 2006 at 05:02 PM
Hey Capt Jack - Still on your diet I see....LOL!
Posted by: Kirk | October 21, 2006 at 09:25 AM
Scallops! I love scallops... I wish I had some right now. Wow I never knew you loved oysters so much.
Posted by: Nguyen | October 23, 2006 at 11:36 PM
Hey, oysters are low carb, right?? :-) I know it's a "dreaded Cohn restaurant," but I have never had a bad meal at this place. That shrimp cocktail looks killer!
Posted by: Alice Q. Foodie | October 25, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Hey all,
Just got back last night from my annual New York City food trip.
Hi Cathy,
Let me know what you think of the shooters when you go.
Hey CP,
there are very few things that are worse than bad oysters. I have had good fortune of late (knock on wood).
Hey Jim,
I was trying to cut some more weight before NYC. I call it "The Captain's Oyster Diet". Think it will sell?
Hey Kirk,
19 pounds in 14 days, not bad huh? It gave me some wiggle room in New York.
Hi Nguyen,
I do love 'em, but it was a weight loss thing too. I was not going to lose much weight chugging lobster bisque.
Hi Alice Q,
see, you get it, low carb, low fat. The shrimp were awfully good.
Posted by: Captain Jack | October 27, 2006 at 07:14 PM
Sooooo-What did you eat on your Autumn vacation?
Posted by: cathy | October 28, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Hey Jack!
Welcome home! Maybe if you change the name from the "The Captain's Oyster Diet” to “The Captain's Oyster Shooters Diet”, then I think you will bankrupt Weight Watchers!
Posted by: Jim | October 28, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Horseradish Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients: sour cream, grated onion, prepared horseradish, salt... view the recipe
http://www.horseradish-sauce-recipe.w8w.pl
Posted by: philip | February 06, 2007 at 03:44 PM