Three places to crack open an oyster today
By Melissa Gill
It’s National Oyster Day! (August 5) Oysters tend to attract an adventurous palate and are a celebrated delicacy in the culinary world. According to National Geographic, this popular dish is also a great source of calcium, iron and protein. Although oysters tend to be an acquired taste, they are more than just a food; they are an experience. After reading Anthony Bourdain’s book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” one of his quotes has always stuck with me: “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” Here are three spots at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas where your tastebuds can go for a ride.
Beauty & Essex
An Instagram-worthy food haven
Conceived by celebrity chef, Chris Santos, Beauty & Essex is a hotspot known for its Instagram-worthy Speakeasy Burger, but they also serve two oyster options on the menu: East & West Oysters and Pearls of the Sea.
East & West Oysters are offered in two different sizes: Half a dozen($25) or a dozen ($48). If you are looking for a simple way to satisfy your oyster craving, this is a great option.
Pearls of the Sea ($105) is one of Beauty & Essex’s signature dishes. This seafood delight comes with a dozen oysters, four shrimp cocktails, one pound of lobster and ¼ lb. of Alaskan King crab legs. This choice gives the guest a tasting of a little bit of everything on one plate.
Blue Ribbon
An elevated American hotspot
Blue Ribbon delivers New York City flavors to Las Vegas. Two chefs from New York, who are also brothers, Eric and Bruce Bloomberg, dreamed of opening a restaurant “where chefs go to eat.” Their menu inspirations pay homage to the brothers original location in SOHO. The East Coast is known as a seafood haven among foodies. Blue Ribbon stays true to this sentiment by offering two oyster dishes: Half a Dozen Raw Oysters and The Platter.
Half a Dozen Raw Oysters comes with the option of East or West oysters for $24.
The Platter serves up a variety plate of six oysters, three clams, half a Maine Lobster, Hawaiian Poke and twelve pieces of shrimp cocktail for $128.
STK
A hip hangout
Although STK is known for its steak, don’t let that sway you from giving their oysters a go. This contemporary steakhouse is the brainchild of The One Group and Executive Chef Stephen Hopcraft. This hip locale is a vibe. STK has an in-house DJ and a lit bar scene. The sexy atmosphere paired with an aphrodisiac may make this the most Vegas-esque spot on this list. STK offers three oyster options: Oyster On A Half Shell, Oysters Rockefeller and Shellfish Platter.
Oyster On A Half Shell entices tastebuds serving either half a dozen ($27) or a dozen oysters ($53) with Mignonette, cocktail sauce and lemon.
Oysters Rockefeller is a creative flavor bomb with Pernod, bacon and spinach ($37).
Shellfish Platter is one of STK’s signature selections. This platter comes with oysters, shrimp, ceviche, Alaskan red king crab and lobster ($58). This dish is a must for the ultimate seafoodie!
