In the heat of summer or the depths of winter, there’s no feeling quite as exuberant and luxurious as dining on a selection of beautifully fresh oysters. Whether in an opulent restaurant or enjoyed in your own four walls, there are a myriad of ways in which the ceremony of consuming seafood can be elevated - from delectable, brine-filled cocktails to premium shucking tools and tableware. When enjoying oysters in the comfort of your own home, it’s essential that you invest in the proper tools of the trade to prevent unruly mishaps resulting in a bloody mess and a trip to A&E.
This means purchasing a purpose-made oyster shucking knife as well as a protective glove woven with stainless steel fibres. We spoke with Joey Ghazal, founder of New England-inspired brasserie and seafood specialist The MAINE Mayfair , for some advice on what to look for when it comes to oyster accessories. Ghazal advises “For oyster shucking, you'll need a good-quality oyster knife and a protective glove or cloth to hold the oyster.
A dedicated shucking board can also be helpful for stability.” The restaurant founder cautions that aggressive shucking can lead to unruly injuries. He reveals, “To shuck an oyster, insert the knife into the hinge of the shell, applying gentle pressure until it pops open.
Slide the knife along the top shell then remove the top shell and carefully loosen the oyster from the bottom shell without spilling the juice.” While that salty brine is part of what makes oysters so delicious, don’t be disheartened if there’s some spillage on your first go. Take a leaf out of the Mayfair-based restaurant’s book and pay attention to presentation.
“At The MAINE we serve ours on a raised stainless steel platter filled with crushed ice. It looks stunning and is an impressive centrepiece when entertaining. Don't forget an oyster fork, it makes for the most elegant way to enjoy the oyster.
” Investing in premium seafood accessories is a sure-fire way to ensure opulent dinner party success. Ghazal goes classic with his sauce accompaniments . He explains, “We serve oysters simply with many classic options: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, 2 styles of mignonettes (red wine, shallot and a classic white wine) and freshly grated horseradish.
” Keep scrolling for a selection of marvellous accessories for moreish molluscs..
