944

944’s Guide to Passion via Pure, Unbridled Oyster Decadence

The charming little bivalve, known quite simply as an oyster, has long been rumored to contain wonderful aphrodisiacal qualities. The luxurious, delicately soft and moist meat encased within a calcified shell has been poked, prodded and analyzed by researchers with the hopes of proving it is indeed an ocean-bred love potion.

Oysters have, in fact, been found to contain rare amino acids, which have the potential to amplify sex hormone levels. For this reason, 944 implores readers who might not have otherwise given oysters a try the other 364 days of the year to give them a shot this Valentine’s Day. Encompassing the flavors of the sea with such varied finishes as melon, cucumber and lettuce, this mischievous mollusk could be just the sweet little enticement needed for a full night of uninhibited romance and ardor. Paired with a flute of classic champagne or another high-quality sparkling wine, oysters are the ideal start to an absolutely perfect and passionate evening.

oysters
What’s in a name? Well, with oysters, a name showcases one of the items it does best. Oysters provides a classically warm and inviting ambiance with white subway tiling and heavy wood features, evoking a Boston vibe. It features assorted oysters on the half, an oyster sampler and Tobiko-style oysters, which are topped with wasabi-infused caviar. With live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights and a happy hour that features half-priced oysters from 4 to 7 p.m., Oysters is a great V-Day option.
2515 E. Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar | 949.675.7411
www.oystersrestaurant.com

bluewater grill
Located on the dock of Newport Harbor with available yacht parking, Bluewater Grill provides traditional maritime ambiance. The waterfront location is completely befitting for the delicious oyster concoctions available. Offering favorites Kumamoto and Hammersley oysters from Washington, Bluewater Grill serves a variety of oyster dishes including oysters on the half shell and oyster shots with Absolut Pepper Vodka.
630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach | 949.675.3474
www.bluewatergrill.com

mariscos puerto esperanza
Just a tad inland and not the most predictable date spot for a big V-Day celebration, the brightly colored environs of Mariscos Puerto Esperanza is reminiscent of a Yucatán beachside restaurant. With tropical hand-painted murals of palm trees and sandy beaches covering the arched walls and chair backs featuring a variety of fish, it feels only natural that this laidback Mexican restaurant features delectable oysters at impressive prices and quality.
1724 N. Tustin Street, Orange | 714.998.3599
www.mariscospuertoesperanza.com

wildfish seafood grill
With a clean, modern South Beach vibe, Wildfish Seafood Grill is a great date destination for Valentine’s Day. The raw bar features a rotating schedule of seasonal and fresh oysters that are shucked to order. Also, offering a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. nightly, Wildfish Seafood Grill provides two-dollar-off drinks to pair with its array of seafood and oyster delights.
1370 Bison Avenue, Newport Beach | 949.720.9925 | www.eddiev.com

scott’s restaurant & bar
Scott’s knows seafood, including oysters. Its raw bar is one of the best and features only top-notch oysters that average about 24 hours from sea to plate. Located in the heart of Costa Mesa, just across the street from South Coast Plaza and within walking distance of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Scott’s is the ideal starting point for a sophisticated evening of indulging in food, art and culture.
3300 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa | 714.979.2400
www.scottsseafood.com

claes restaurant
Located within the Hotel Laguna, Claes Restaurant is nearly on the beach. Offering stunning views and a romantic, laidback Southern California upscale dining environment, Claes is the ideal spot to start a lovely evening. Go for the fresh, ever-changing selection of half-dozen oysters and a cocktail or glass of bubbly to kick-off a night of passion.
425 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach | 949.494.1151
www.claesrestaurant.com

bear flag fish co.
Situated on the Balboa Peninsula and surrounded by water, Bear Flag Fish Co. is the perfect location for the freshness this fishmonger is hocking. With a sparse interior and a mildly eclectic nautical theme, this fish market and restaurant offers delectable seafood. For the daring romantic open to wielding a stiff knife and donning a special glove, Bear Flag Fish Co. is the perfect place to pick up a selection of fresh oysters for a special homemade dinner for two.
407 31st Street, Newport Beach | 949.673.3474
www.bearflagfishco.com


Scott’s Restaurant & Bar’s Chef Mike Doctolero Gets Raw

While the side effects are enticing, sometimes the appeal of shooting a raw oyster can be a bit of a turn-off. Scott’s Restaurant & Bar’s Chef Mike Doctolero offered up his shellfish expertise and oyster opinions to help ease the trepidation, allowing Orange County Valentine diners to go raw.

“The proper preparation is to just shuck them to order and then serve them with sauces such as cocktail or ceviche sauce,” he says.

The taste is like shooting the ocean, he explains. Some people like to describe the flavor profiles in wine terms, but Doctolero prefers to measure quality and flavor by the brine and nectar. Touting Kumamotos and Kusshis, all from the Northeast, as his personal favorites, Doctolero says that flavor is really reflective of the origin of an oyster.

“The flavor varies greatly,” he says. “The colder the water, the better the oyster.”

According to Doctolero, the best way to eat an oyster is to ensure that it is high quality, recently harvested (by Doctolero’s standards that means about 24 hours) and then shucked to order. Additionally, when paired with champagne, a good sparkling wine or a neutral white wine, oysters go down even easier; chardonnays on the other hand, can often times get too big and fruity and end-up overpowering the delicate flavors of raw oysters.

When asked if the average Joe should try shucking oysters at home, Doctolero says, “All you need is an oyster knife, or even a screwdriver. You just need strength to the blade.”

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