Table Hopping with Morris Gut: The Best Season for Oysters has Arrived!
Mollusk experts say oysters are best consumed from September to April. The coming fall season is one of the best times to enjoy them. Oyster aficionados cannot seem to consume enough, and more eateries throughout the area are serving these slippery delicacies. Here are some of the best spots to indulge in the Bronx and Westchester with all the trimmings. Check ahead for availability…
KEE Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), A daily raw bar with a selection of oysters from all over the region. The blackboard lists the daily catch. They are served beautifully with house made cocktail sauce, ground wasabi root, and Champagne sauce. www.keeoysterhouse.com
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island (718-885-9885) Big Blue Point oysters are listed on their daily blackboard, and they are terrific served with all the accoutrements. Decadent Oysters Rockefeller, too. Wash it all down with one of the house specialty cocktails or a craft beer. www.artiescityisland.com
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. (914-835-6199) Chef/owner Dean Vivolo has been marking over 20 years serving his robust Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner. He often has a fresh selection of oysters on hand. Enjoy them al fresco on the patio. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Kenny’s on the Water, 2 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, at the Municipal Marina.(914-999-4918) Open for business while the marina is under construction. The Raw Bar offers a variety of oysters throughout the day. Valet parking. www.kennysonthewater.com
Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains (914-607-2476) Nick Fusco and his team serve a southern themed locally sourced menu, fresh oysters included. Great daily happy hours. Rooftop dining and imbibing. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale (914-725-3450) A longtime favorite for seafood lovers. Oysters served daily in the formal restaurant or Go Fish next door. www.eastchesterfish.com
Gus’s Franklin Park Restaurant, 126 Halstead Ave., Harrison (914-835-9804) 80 years running and still going strong. Oysters served daily. Hearty tavern menu. Market next door. www.gusseafood.com
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up as an Oyster Bar & Clam Bar. Take your pick and enjoy a fresh platter rustic style right on the bustling sidewalk.
Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 95-year-old institution, Blue Point oysters included. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Chazz Palminteri Restaurant, 264 Main Street, White Plains. (914-600-8430) ‘A Bronx Tale’ actor, writer, producer, and restaurateur Chazz Palminteri and his partnership offer popular Happy Hours during the week from 4-7 p.m. that include fresh oysters. www.chazzpalminterinyc.com
Benjamin’s Steakhouse, 610 Hartsdale Ave., White Plains (914-428-6868) Proprietor Benjamin Prelvukaj has Blue Point Oysters on the menu daily. A fine start to one of their prime steak dinners. www.benjaminsteakhouse.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)