It used to be that it was recommended you eat raw oysters only in the months containing a letter “r.” That was back when all oysters were harvested from the wild rather than farmed. Oysters spawned in the summer, when water temperatures were at their highest, and got soft and rank. Summer also brought more red tides, when algae concentration that is toxic to humans increased.
Thankfully, we don’t need to follow this advice in modern times. Many oyster farms are in cold waters, oysters from warmer regions are bred to be sterile and thus don’t spawn, and water is monitored for pollution, bacteria and quality. Oysters are also refrigerated immediately, until they arrive to your table.
Loaded with powerful nutrients, oysters are incredibly good for you. Packed with iron, oysters aid in the formation of red blood cells and strong bones in your body. Compared to an equal serving of chicken and an excellent and equally strong source of protein, oysters have half the calories. They are also high in omega-3 faty acids, known as the “good” kind of cholesterol that helps to reduce plaque accumulation. Vitamin E in oysters also helps strengthen the flexibility of cellular membranes, protecting your body against heart disease.
Raw oysters can be eaten a variety of ways, from plain, to a combination of vinegar, cocktail sauce or lemon. Experiment and find what you like best. Here are some of the best places to enjoy fresh $1 oysters in the city:
The Mermaid Inn. With locations in the West Village, East Village and Upper West Side, you can get your $1 east coast oysters 7 days a week: Mondays all day, Tuesday through Friday 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
The Dead Rabbit. Enjoy $1 Blue Point oysters in the heart of the financial district Monday through Friday 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Live Bait. Just across the entrance to Madison Square Park in the Flatiron district is this institution offering $1 east coast varieties daily from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Millesime. At the end of Gramery Park, you can dine on $1 east coast oysters at the upstairs bar Monday through Saturday 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
White Oak. In Hell’s Kitchen you can get $1 oysters all day, every day.
Bell Book & Candle. All day, every day at this West Village establishment, they’re serving up $1 oysters at the bar.
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DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit www.dashawellness.com.
