Drago Rich's Charbroiled Oysters

 

      Growing up in Western Washington I was born a lover of seafood, all of it, but oysters are near the top of the list.  Barb will eat them only occasionally, but for the most part this dish is all mine.  I grew up with them being breaded and fried as well as Oyster Stew on Christmas Eve.  Both are delicious dishes.  I have never cared for them raw on the half shell.  Tried them; once. 

      A few years back during one of our winter trips to Louisiana we stopped at Shuck's in Abbeville.  I had a sampler platter of charbroiled on the half shell.  They came with various toppings such as garlic butter, Parmesan Cheese, FETA and Blue Cheese, cream sauce, bacon, spinach, shrimp, crab, jalapeno, and bell peppers just to name a few.  I ordered the Super Sampler with 15 oysters, 3 of each flavor and I was in love.

  

      Of course, these are prepared and served in the original half shell which is fine if you can get them fresh.  If you can't, I found a set of porcelain oyster shells that can be used for the same thing.  They even do well over a fire.  You just find some already shucked oysters and the rest is delicious.  This recipe is fashioned after the famous Drago's in New Orleans. 

 

12 oysters (in half shell or use in molds)

4 Tbsp. Lawry’s Garlic Butter

4 Tbsp. Pecorino Romano Cheese

¼ tsp red pepper

Spritz lemon juice

¼ tsp white pepper

Chives for garnish

Garlic bread 

      Mix garlic butter, half the cheese, and the herbs and stir. 

      Heat grill, fire, or pit to hot.  Place oysters w/shell on grill to cook.  Cook till oysters just begin to sizzle and edges curl.  (watch, they cook fast) 

     Add the liquid butter mixture to each oyster till filled.  Cook again till bubbly.  Add remaining Pecorino Romano.  

       When done, remove and serve garnished with chives and crusty garlic bread, celery/dip, and even bread & butter jalapenos on the side.  Voulez vous bon temps rouler.

"Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. 

Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. 

Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride."

Anthony Bourdain

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