Table Hopping with Morris Gut: The Best Season for Oysters has Arrived
Mollusk experts say oysters are best consumed from September to April. The coming fall season is one of the best times to enjoy them. Oyster aficionados cannot seem to consume enough, and more eateries throughout the area are serving these slippery delicacies than ever. Here are some of the best spots to indulge in the Bronx and Westchester with all the trimmings. Check ahead for availability.
KEE Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), is a daily raw bar with a selection of oysters from all over the region. The blackboard lists the daily catch. They are served beautifully with house-made cocktail sauce, ground wasabi root, and Champagne sauce. www.keeoysterhouse.com
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island (718-885-9885) Big Blue Point oysters are listed on their daily blackboard, and they are terrific served with all the accouterments as are Decadent Oysters Rockefeller. Wash it all down with one-of-the-house specialty cocktails or a craft beer. www.artiescityisland.com
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. (914-835-6199) For over 20 years, Chef/owner Dean Vivolo has been serving his robust Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner. He often has a fresh selection of oysters on hand. While the weather lasts, you can enjoy them al fresco. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up as an Oyster Bar & Clam Bar. Take your pick and enjoy a fresh platter rustic style right on the bustling sidewalk.
Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-367-4139) Started three generations ago by a Sicilian family of fishermen, this market has oysters in stock all season. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com
Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve abundant platters of seafood, including Blue Point oysters, at this sprawling 95-year-old institution. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777), offers a popular Bar Menu daily featuring regional oysters on the half shell. This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. It has happy hours too. www.dubrovnikny.com
Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains (914-607-2476) Nick Fusco and his team serve a southern-themed themed locally sourced menu, fresh oysters included. Great daily happy hours. Rooftop dining and imbibing. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale (914-725-3450) A longtime favorite for seafood lovers. Oysters are served daily in the formal restaurant or Go Fish next door. www.eastchesterfish.com
Gus’s Franklin Park Restaurant, 126 Halstead Ave., Harrison (914-835-9804) 80 years running and still going strong. Oysters are served daily. Hearty tavern menu. There’s a market next door. www.gusseafood.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)