Sourcing Oysters in NYC
Anyone know a good place where I could get oysters wholesale for a party? My husband used to go to Downeast Seafood when they were in the meatpacking district, but since they've moved to the Bronx, he's lost his connection. We've tried Fairway and a few other local places but have been disappointed by the cost, selection, and quality.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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8 Comments:
Not really oyster season on the east coast....generally look for them in the "r" months....that might be why you are coming up disappointed.
derosa at 1:08PM on 06/23/09
i was getting them from farm-2-market - (pacific northwest oysters) but last time i got them i didn't care for the quality.... maybe it was a fluke, but who wants to take a chance and the owner didn't really make any ammends.... so there's hog island oysters out in california ... they ship....
anyplace else i'd love to hear about .....
pooch at 2:14PM on 06/23/09
Oysters spawn when the water warms up, and they develop a milky and flabby consistency. It's certainly "safe" to eat raw oysters year 'round, though of course there's always the risk of contamination.
Gourmet Guy at 5:23PM on 06/23/09
When the water gets cold, the oysters store glycogen, which makes them plump and sweet. In the warmer months they expend this stored sugar towards spawning, which makes them limp and less delicious. The rise in temperature also reaches a threshold above which bacteria become active, and therefore increases the risk of poisoning. Oysters from colder waters are still fine to eat, like those from Canada and Washington State. They're just not as good right now. If you absolutely must have them for your party, go to The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market and ask them, they would probably have the best options and their prices are the best in the city for retail. If you are planning on buying them in large quantities I'm sure they'll cut you a deal. Otherwise, you could try your luck at the new fish market at Hunt's Point. You'll have to get up very early though. And you might get turned away if you don't have a business license, not sure how that works.
simon at 5:50PM on 06/23/09
I'd recommend getting them shipped overnight from Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury, Massachusetts. web: www.islandcreekoysters.com
These oysters have won a number of tasting events, and the company and their web site are first class. According to their site, they sell a dozen oysters for $18 and a bag of 100 oysters for $100. Overnight shipping might be pricey, but I can vouch for the oysters, even at this price.
ekrhodes at 2:10PM on 06/24/09
@ekrhodes - thanks i'm certainly going to check it out.... we have an annual oyster fest and need a new purveyor.....
pooch at 10:37PM on 06/24/09
I work in the Union Square greenmarket on Wednesdays, and the (very particular) man I work with always buys oysters from the seafood seller who is there that day. Sorry I don't remember their name right now.
bassetgal at 10:50PM on 07/05/09
Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. I didn't find any wholesale in time, but ended up getting 4 dozen wellfleet oysters for the pretty reasonable price of $15/dozen at Fish Tales on Court St. in Brooklyn. People shucked their own and they were fantastic! Fresh, briny and delicious. A nice addition to the all-american bbq fare we had.
jbrach at 2:20PM on 07/07/09