Tomales Bay Oyster Company

Tomales Bay Oyster Company Tel: 415-663-1242 15479 Highway One Marshall, CA 94940 Photos and Story by Hannah Rose Miller A warm, sunny, summer day invited me to head to the coast with its promises of bright briny treats, so I ventured out to Tomales bay with a group of friends for casual picnic and barbeque. A short drive down hwy one south of Bodega Bay will bring you right to the front door of Tomales Bay Oyster Company, which, established in 1909 is California's oldest continuously-run shellfish farm. Located right on the beautiful crisp, clear waters of Tomales Bay, this delightful oyster company and picnic spot specializes in fresh, farmed oysters as well as mussels and clams. I brought my picnic basket full of flatware, bbq tools, chicken and sausages for the grill, and oyster accouterments as well as a big cooler of wine and water.

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This is how Tomales Bay Oyster Company works

Each picnic tables comes with a small barbeque but, be warned, 10 people per table only, one table per party, and it's strictly enforced (we were approached on two different occasions with instructions to confine ourselves to one table {there were twelve of us).

The oysters, mussels and clams were absolutely fresh and tasted clean, briny and perfectly of the ocean.

A mixture of cultures congregated on the tables around me, as we nibbled on local cheese, fruits, and the delicious ocean fare. All around me people also eating a delightful array of goodies with their sea treats from kim chi to pulled pork and beyond.

Our group had a wonderful afternoon eating, romping on the beach, flying kites, and enjoying the breathtaking vistas. It was a wonderful experience I cannot wait to repeat.

Tomales Bay Oyster Company is open every day. Mon-Thurs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri-Sun 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are located approximately four miles north of Point Reyes Station on Hwy One.

Look for the white picket fence.

Broiling Oysters

For mignonnette

2 teaspoons Champagne vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped shallot
Pinch of coarsely ground black pepper
Pinch of sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparing oysters

Preheat broiler.
Spread 3/4 cup salt in an 8- to 10-inch flameproof shallow baking dish or pan. Arrange oysters on their shells in salt, then top each with a piece of butter.
Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat until butter is melted and sizzling and edges of oysters are beginning to curl, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir parsley into mignonette. Divide remaining 3/4 cup salt between 2 plates and arrange 3 oysters on each. Spoon 1/4 teaspoon mignonette over each oyster and sprinkle oysters with grapes. Serve warm.