Originally Posted by
JBord
Any reputable seafood restaurant, including wayyyy inland here in Chicago, would take them off the menu if they can't get them fresh. I'm not ordering them anywhere else than a reputable restaurant, unless I'm eating a few miles from where they're farmed. The raw oysters we had in South Carolina were mainly local. Your point is well taken though, we have a place about 15 mins away that does a raw bar on weekends, but is not a seafood restaurant. I probably will think twice before ordering them there next time we go.
Originally Posted by
chgoeditor
I'm with Jbord here -- quality spots in Chicago that sell oysters aren't going to keep them on the menu and ruin their reputation.
Mmmm...po'boys! I also come from a family that serves scalloped oysters (aka oyster casserole) for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I love them that way. I keep trying to convince Mr. CE to make grilled or smoked oysters but no such luck.
I've had restaurant and hawker (food court) stall food and you can tell who's been using not-so-fresh stuff. Once I notice it, I usually put it on my not to patronize for a long time list. We're just getting through the pandemic, last thing we need is to get food poisoning. I don't get fresh oysters often, but they have to be fresh. If it smells off or hidden by an unusual amount of sauce (or alcohol), I'd be sending it back just so I don't end up sitting on the porcelain throne for the next few days.