Welcome to 2022’s first -r month, which for those who don’t know, is the best time of year for oysters. While long gone are the days of only eating oysters during the cooler months thanks to, umm, refrigeration, this time of year is when oysters reach their more desirable lean and firm texture and bright and briny flavor. Here is a map rounding up where to find some of our favorite North Fork oysters and where to get them to-go. Get your shuck knives ready!
- PECONIC GOLD OYSTERS
Oyster name: Classic Petites, Dinosaurs
Flavor notes: complex, savory, smokey
Pair with: Macari Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Pointe Blanc de Blancs
Cost: $25/2 dozen
21125 County Road. 48, Cutchogue
2. PEEKO OYSTERS
Oyster name: Peeko Oysters
Flavor notes: briny, sweet, nutty
Pair with: Muscadet or Sancerre
Cost: $15/Baker’s dozen
900 First St., New Suffolk (plus other locations, see site)
3. HAMPTON OYSTER CO.
Oyster name: Joyrides
Flavor notes: salty, vibrant, clean
Pair with: Peconic Bay Vineyard’s Viognier
Cost: $18/dozen, $25/2 dozen
At Peconic Bay Vineyards, 31320 Main Road, Cutchogue (also at Farms For the Future farm stand in Southold, 3005 Youngs Ave.)
4. CORNELL OYSTERS
Oyster name: Cornell’s Peconic Bay Oyster
Flavor notes: salty, sweet, creamy
Pair with: Bedell Cellars’ 2020 Viognier
Cost: $15/dozen
170 Jockey Creek Drive, Southold (also stands in East Marion, Laurel, and Riverhead)
5. FOUNDERS OYSTER FARM
Oyster name: Founders Oysters
Flavor notes: delicious brine with sweet finish
Pair with: your favorite North Fork Sparkling Wine
Cost: $15/Baker’s dozen
140 Founders Path, Southold
6. SOUTHOLD BAY OYSTERS
Oyster name: Southold Shindigs
Flavor notes: sweet taste with briny finish
Pair with: Suhru Wines’ 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Cost: $15/Baker’s dozen
10273 North Bayview Road, Southold
7. YENNICOTT OYSTERS
Oyster name: Yennicott Oysters
Flavor notes: salty, briny, sweet
Pair with: McCall Wines 2018 Chardonnay Reserve
Cost: $10/half dozen, $20/ dozen
At KK’s Farm, 59945 Main Road, Southold
8. LITTLE RAM OYSTER CO.
Oyster name: Little Ram Oysters
Flavor notes: Tastes.Like. Vacation
Pair with: Shared Table Sauvignon Blanc
Cost: $30/burlap bag of 25
12710 Soundview Ave., Southold
9. PECONIC PEARLS
Oyster name: Peconic Pearls
Flavor notes: sweet with a delicate brine
Pair with: Paumanok Vineyards Chenin Blanc
Cost: $15/Baker’s dozen
At Southold Fish Market, 64755 Main Road, Southold
10. WIDOWS HOLE OYSTER FARM
Oyster name: Widow’s Hole Oyster
Flavor notes: crisp, clean, briny
Pair with: Paris tea
Cost: $6/half dozen, $12/dozen
307 Flint St., Greenport
11. OYSTERPONDS SHELFISH CO.
Oyster name: Oysterponds Select
Flavor notes: plump, briny, mineral finish
Pair with: Miller High Life – The Champagne of Beers
Cost: $12/dozen
At Latham Farms, 21920 Main Road, Orient
