Pearl Oyster Bar

Hi Everyone,  I was in NYC last week and ate at one of my favorite restaurants, the seafood restaurant, Pearl Oyster Bar.  The restaurant is famous for it's lobster roll, which chef Rebecca Charles has recreated from her memories of childhood summers spent in Maine.  I've never had one, but I can tell you that what I do have is always exquisite!  I always start off with oysters on the half shell.  Here the oysters never disappoint.  Last week the oysters were Chinquoteagues which are from coastal Virginia.  Normally I don't care for oysters form the south or west coast.  I find them too big and not briny, however Chinquoteagues are more like northeastern oysters, small, briny and crisp, just like seawater.  While eating them I began to muse as I do when the oysters are good, that a good oyster is the perfect food!  Then on to fried oysters which are battered and seasoned to perfection.  I also ordered another favorite of mine, salt encrusted shrimp.  In this dish the large, succulent shrimp are cooked in their shell, coated in a crisp, salty mixture.  Fabulous!  That night the vegetable was asparagus, which being in season was perfect!  I recommend sitting at the bar where you can exchange pleasant conversation with the other patrons who are as delighted with their meal as you are with yours.  Wine, beer and champagne are served by a knowledgeable and helpful waitstaff.   People start lining up to get in when the doors open at 6, and if you go later, you can expect a long wait, but is well worth it. Pearl Oyster Bar is located on Cornelia Street in the West Village.   Mmmmmmm, oysters.....xo