Oysters anyone?

Reading this inspired me to think of the other places in town I frequent for delectable bivalves. Kumamoto, Tomales Bay, Malpeque, Hog Island, you name it. Try one and all, compare the east coast vs the west coast, north coast vs south. I love them all. Briny or subtle, melon or cucumber finish. It's absolutely divine!

The article mentioned Zuni Cafe, and yes, the oysters there are marvelous. If you find yourself there, try the whole roasted chicken with bread salad as well. It is their signature dish, and just might be one of the best chicken experiences you'll ever have. Have some bubbly with the oysters, and a nice red with the chicken, and you're all set for a memorable meal. The place gets crowded, so try seating by the bar if you don't have a reservation. It's nice and cozy.

I've always enjoyed happy hour at Mecca. From 5-7pm, every night of the week, $1 oysters and $6 cocktails. How can you beat that? I just perch myself by the bar (the happy hour special is only available in the bar area), order a few of every kind of oyster they have, and just have a go at it. The fries are also fantastic!

Bacar has a nice selection too. I get confused though as to which day of the week they have the happy hour special ($1 dollar oysters). Their mussels are to die! And they've got this foie gras mousse appetizer that will send you to heaven.

Bar Crudo is fantastic for an all seafood meal. Sit at the raw bar, order a bottle of Prosecco and watch the chef's do their thing. It's a tiny tiny place on Bush and Stockton, and everything is fresh everyday.

Pesce on Polk Street is all about the Italian cicchetti. But the oysters are always fresh, and almost everything on the menu is delicious.

BluPointe on Kearny has a great happy hour deal too. But somehow, I could never enjoy that place. The music's too loud, and there's just too much attitude. Or maybe i'm just getting too old, or at least past the demographic they're going for.

I've yet to go to Hog Island Oyster, it's on my list. And one of these days i'll make it to Swan Oyster Depot and order dozens of oyster to take home. But what can I say, for me the experience is all about sitting at the bar/rawbar and watching the shucking action.

As to my preferred beverage accompaniment... I guess it depends on my mood, on the weather, and what i'm wearing. But almost anything goes... any kind of bubbly works (from Spanish Cava, to Italian Prosecco, to Champagne, to California sparkling wine), any kind of white (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, I've heard Chablis... i haven't tried that yet), and to any kind of beer... though maybe not the darker beers. Cocktails work too... but I generally don't like to mix sweet drinks with oysters. (although i've been known to have several bellini's at Mecca during happy hour... it's such a pretty shade of pink/peach/fuschia...)

Anyone care to add their favourite oyster place? or have a recommendation?

Now if you'll excuse me, it's quitting time, and happy hour's started...