Seas the day…National Oyster Day that is! Come Friday, August 5 seafood lovers all around the country come out of their shell to slurp these little delicacies.
Whether you like them au naturel, mornay or Kilpatrick, oysters have long been a favourite as a starter to a memorable meal.
Did you know oysters can change their gender? Starting as males, they usually end up as females during their lifespan – they can also filter about 5 litres of water per hour.
Here are five of our favourite destinations to get your oyster on to celebrate:
Fresh oysters and a crisp white wine are calling your name on Friday at Citrique restaurant on Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise. Expect modern and elegant dining inside the J W Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa as you set sail on a gastronomic journey from succulent fresh seafood and sushi to antipasto and yum cha, along with curries, Indonesian and European dishes.
This well-loved dining destination also serves up a decadent dessert buffet, all handcrafted by Citrique’s team of Chefs; while those who prefer to be waited on may opt for à la carte offerings such as roasted venison, beetroot, celeriac, berries, quince and cocoa jus.
Seafood spiced with global flavours is what you’ll find on the menu at ALBA by Kuruvita on Alba Close in Noosa Heads. Tucked away in Parkridge Resort in calm grassy surrounds, this new hub of food and beverage offerings by Celebrity Chef Peter Kuruvita is the place to head on Friday for freshly shucked oysters, mud crabs, crayfish, Moreton Bay bugs and much more.
The venue also hosts ALBA’s Chef Kitchen where you can learn all Peter’s secrets at cooking classes and Private Chef’s tables; there’s even a pizzeria, providore and café to meet everyone’s needs.
For more than 25 years, iconic seafood restaurant Fins on Bells Boulevard in Salt Village has been the go-to dining destination in northern NSW. Located at Kingscliff and the brainchild of celebrity Chef Steven ‘Snowy’ Snow, this fine diner is all class with wooden plantation shutters, potted greenery and moody lighting; setting the scene for memorable meals with family and friends from an innovative and creative menu.
Dive right in with entrées of Appellation oysters with eschalot vinaigrette, before hooking a main such as local line-caught fish, Balmain bug tail, King prawns, squid, mussels, olives and saffron rice.
Boasting sweeping views across Wollongong harbour, tri-level Harbourfront Restaurant on Endeavour Drive is stunning both night and day. Breezy outdoor decks and floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of views on every level, while friendly, professional service adds to the relaxed ambience throughout. Call into levelone downstairs for a wine and a light bite after the beach, or indulge in finer dining on the floor above.
Oysters Kilpatrick make for an ideal starter to a memorable meal, before reeling in a main of scampi, with tomato and sobrassada risotto, calamari, clams, peas, chives, parsley and crustacean oil.
Find a dining experience full of fresh seafood, swift service and serene views of Merimbula Lake, where their quality oysters are nurtured and grown, at Wheelers Seafood Restaurant on Arthur Kaine Drive in Pambula.
Wheelers carefully presents dishes with a signature touch of delicacy, reflected in the flavours of each meal and a seasonal menu showcasing local produce. Specialties include Rockefeller oysters with spinach, bacon, cheddar and breadcrumbs; followed by seafood bouillabaisse with shellfish bisque and garlic crostini.
Still looking to cast a line for oyster fun on Friday? Click here for a seafood restaurant near you.
