READ THIS: The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell

Although the words "quaint" and "historical" are not necessarily at the forefront of one's mind when thinking about Manhattan, these words are favorites of Whom You Know readers and this is why you will love: "The Big Oyster."

In this historical tale of Manhattan, Mark Kurlansky regales the reader with stories of long ago and how the Oyster was the food of Manhattan, unifying the classes and attracting visitors from near and far, among them Charles Dickens. On page 197, a story was recounted of an English Earl, who upon realization that he had time to kill before the boat back to England told his American friend who had asked what shall they do, replied to the American:
"Return to Broadway and have more Oysters!"

Recipes from the Gilded Age for Stuffed Oysters as well as drawings and photos capture the essence of what life was like in Manhattan's Oyster Culture. From Henry Hudson to the Oyster Bar in Grand Central and everything inbetween, Kurlansky does not miss a detail or an opportunity to both educate and entertain the reader.

Peachy Deegan most recently had both East Coast and West Coast Oysters at Pastis! Although they thought they both were excellent, she preferred the East Coast Oysters, but her dining companion preferred the West Coast Oysters.
Menu:
http://www.pastisny.com/menus/supper.pdf
Site:
http://www.pastisny.com/index.php