Although National Oyster Day doesn’t fall until August 5th, the Original Oyster House will commemorate oysters beginning July 1st in an American Oyster Celebration which spotlights fresh Gulf oysters in a variety of delectable dishes. Many locals know the vital economic and environmental benefits oysters bring to our area, but what most oyster lovers may not know is the role they have in American History.
Recorded history of the New England settlements captured a passion for oysters. Oysters were so sought and plentiful in colonial times that they were shipped back to Europe from America. During the early 1800s, oysters were eaten by wealthier people except in local harvesting areas. When production surged in the mid to late 1800s, all economic levels enjoyed oysters because they cost less than poultry and other meats. Love of oysters even inspired early Americans to transform them into culinary desserts. Mark Twain mentioned his favorite ice cream flavor was oyster ice cream in his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. While some more popular oysters were transplanted from place to place in the 19th Century, oysters were able to keep pace with the demand. Today, the fate of the edible oyster relies on science, mankind and the environment. So as you join the American Oyster Celebration, don’t forget oysters are steeped in history and share a culinary moment with our colonial ancestors.
The American Oyster Celebration menu features Bill-E’s Bacon Planked Oysters [layered Bill-E’s Bacon planks topped with fried oysters, rémoulade and sweet pepper sauce drizzle] and Joe & Dave’s Favorite Oysters [Baked with garlic cocktail sauce, Bill-E’s Bacon and grated Parmesan cheese]. Bill-E’s Small Batched Bacon planks are locally cured and packed full of flavor. When combined with fresh Gulf Oysters, the briny and smoky flavors make a wonderful marriage. Gulf oysters are considered some of the tastiest in the world so if you have never tried them, you can’t beat Gulf oysters on a half shell, an Original Oyster House signature.
The Original Oyster House has become the “must-go-to” place for great fresh Gulf seafood, service and Southern hospitality and for its panoramic waterfront sunsets. A top-spot for hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters (Causeway location), the Original Oyster House has also become legendary for its homemade gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp as well as handcrafted desserts including its famous peanut butter chocolate chip pie. Patrons, employees and children are welcomed as family. Known as an employer of choice, Original Oyster House has long-time, loyal employees who value family, integrity and great service. Consistently earning high marks in customer satisfaction, the Original Oyster House’s mission is to exceed customer’s expectations and to give back to the community.
The Original Oyster House has two locations, Mobile: 3733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway and Gulf Shores: 701 Hwy 59 on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk. Both locations offer spectacular waterfront views, private party rooms and have been celebrated as the area’s finest family restaurants for the past 33 years. The Original Oyster House is managed by Superb Foods, a management company of Geez Louise Boutique, OOH Trading Company and Joe & Dave’s Sauces and Seasonings. For more information about the Original Oyster House, visit www.originaloysterhouse.com or call 251-928-2620.
Although National Oyster Day doesn’t fall until August 5th, the Original Oyster House has started early to commemorate oysters in an American Oyster Celebration which spotlights fresh Gulf oysters in a variety of delectable dishes.