Story and photos by Michael Waldstein
If you’re an oyster lover, there’s nothing better than really fresh ones. There are two problems with that, though. The first is that getting them really fresh often entails driving all the way out to Point Reyes or Tomales Bay. An hour and a half drive. In Glen Park we can easily solve that problem with a visit to our own Farmers Market and the “From The Sea To You” stand. You’ll shop there with Julio Ortega, which is always fun because of Julio’s wit and winning personality. You can take them home or he’ll open them there.
The second problem is opening them in a fast, efficient, safe manner, unless your an experienced shucker. Here’s my solution:
After trying several different tools, I came upon the “King Kooker” oyster shucker. Using it has your plate of raw oysters ready in no time with very little mess and clean up.
Everything ready.
Simply place the oyster under the steel spike and bring the lever down. It opens with little resistance. (Make sure the
point is in the hinge side of the oyster.)
That’s basically it. Sweet, fresh oysters all ready for lemon juice, vinegar or a ketchup, horseradish mixture or…