There’s little that exemplifies summer more than the briny tang of a fresh oyster and a smooth, sophisticated cocktail. Houston’s Tasting Room knows this, which is why it chose now to introduce a program pairing oysters with classic cocktails.
The longtime Uptown Park hot spot has a variety of seasonal oysters on-hand, ranging from Martha’s Vineyard staples to Canadians favorites.
Crunchy and clean Alpine Bay oysters are harvested and handpicked in Prince Edward Island, Canada. A few hours west bring about La St. Simon oysters, the brackish shellfish with a creamy aftertaste from Shippagan, New Brunswick. Canadian Malpeque oysters are quickly climbing the popularity ranks, due largely to their buttery taste and the fact that they can be found year-round.
Perhaps the most recognizable oyster, the Blue Point, is commonly found in Long Island Sound and Connecticut. Diners go wild for the crisp, firm texture and sweet aftertaste, and the Blue Point is amenable to a variety of spicy and salty toppings. Martha’s Vineyard oysters, as well, are coveted for their creamy meat and clean seaweed flavor.
You might be thinking, “What’s an oyster without lemon?” That’s where the cocktail part comes in. Several of the special sips concocted for this pairing play off the oysters, complementing the distinctive flavor while adding a little extra kick.
Pair Martha’s Vineyard oysters with the Miette: Aperol (an Italian aperitif made with bitter orange and rhubarb), Lillet Blanc (a French citrus dessert wine), Prodige sparkling wine, fresh lemon, and cane sugar. The Vesper Martini features Dripping Springs artisan gin, Well No. 1876 vodka, Lillet Blanc, and fresh lemon, and it goes exceptionally well with Blue Point raw oysters.
Fruitière Muscadet pairs well with the Asian grilled oyster, while the spectacular Spanish sparkling rosé, Raventós, makes for an excellent companion to the barbecue oysters. Sounds refreshing, no?
There’s also an extensive list of wine and spirits at The Tasting Room to satisfy any palate. So whether you wash down your Alpine Bays with cool sips of Belvedere or finish off a dozen Malpeques with a glass of Chenin Blanc, there’s something for everyone.
