WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED - A CULINARY "OYSTER" EXPERIENCE - JUST LIKE A FINE WINE.
The King St Oyster Bar (KSOB) is one of the newest palette-pleasing spots in downtown Middleburg not to miss! It sits prominently on the main downtown drag in a beautifully-renovated bank building. With a welcoming upbeat atmosphere, it offers a medley of fresh food, raw seafood and current spirits. Rick Allison, the owner, has dabbled in the past with seafood fare, but he has hit his mark with this second very successful Oyster Bar (and restaurant) in downtown Middleburg, Virginia.
The "Oyster Bar" food is VERY GOOD and it has a tasteful "unique" style with several dishes boasting a Spanish flare. See the history below on their link. The owner has an obvious knack for seafood with an unexpected twist. Rick has brought in a culinary team that, while adding excitement to his offerings, is staying in touch with what works price-wise too. EXCELLENT FOOD and unique, current cocktails.
I expect an "Oyster Bar" to taste and feel like Boston or Maine because of a childhood vibe on my mind . . . instead, you are given a nautical experience with the oyster-shucking on display for your entertainment in a vibrant, warm atmosphere that has the locals and tourists already "shucking" in!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR OYSTER?
Given the name "Oyster" Bar, I had inquired as to the various types of Oysters being offered because I had not dabbled much with fish/seafood varietals or differences- even though both of my parents are from Boston (Dad is a "Southie" and lived a block from the water). We grew up with all types of seafood and fish and thoroughly enjoyed all foods with the Italian side and my Dad (and his Dad) loving to cook. I was completely impressed learning that some oysters are not just saltier than others, or take on a different size or shell size and shape similar to how vegetables, fishes and meats take from their own environments, but they truly vary. One can become quite the enthusiast after looking into their differences from waterway to waterway and region to region. For example, West coast oysters, the owner shared, are smaller and sweeter . . . while East coast oysters are larger and a bit saltier and brinier, encased in shells with more shades of brown, green and white.
Suggesting a special East coast large oyster with a unique blend of garlic, cheeses and a flavorful combination of spices, the delicacy wowed me once again and was $5 a pop at happy hour. Don't ask me the name as the oyster which was described and delivered to us, but it will wow your palette and this was not your average "oyster" by any means!
In doing a little oyster research out of a newfound curiosity, I've learned that Eastern Oysters are great for martinis because they are a bit saltier and larger, with a smoother/flatter shell which lays well on a serving plate. West coast oysters are smaller and sweeter with more jagged shells appearing in shades of black, white, pink, green and purple. Their taste is sweeter with notes of cucumber, cut grass, watermelon and other flavors have been noted. Sound familiar? Maybe like wine notes? Exactly! Also, the West coast oyster is less salty, so it lends itself well to Asian-style dishes and they are less briny (vinegary) than the East coast oyster.
Moving right along to the other important stuff . . . some of my favorite appetizers at both locations are the Blue Crab and Corn Chowder, the Columbian Ceviche (a staple each time I visit with just the right amount of tortillas to go with), and the Asian Tuna several friends order regularly. I dabbled with the crab cake sandwich (ordering no bread to savor the actual crab cake ingredients). It was delicious! Growing up in Maryland, and having a family house on the water, I love to pick crabs with family and friends. Typically, I won't usually order a crab "cake" and only enjoy the pure crab meat with BUTTER, but I am so glad I did. Enjoy lobster rolls, blue cheese chips (the bomb!) and a well-rounded menu for those not into seafood.
A great way to sample many of the menu items is to visit during Happy Hour (3:00 - 6:30 pm) where both $5 specials and 1/2 price oysters, along with drink specials are offered. Two of my initial favorites stemmed from happy hour and are the Columbian Ceviche and the Crab Sliders - both had just the right amount of seafood in each dish. Some other favorites are the Calamari and the Mussels, but really everything is worth sampling. Lunch starting at 11 am and dinner are both served 7 days a week, and the menu includes everything from Filet Minot to decadent desserts, some entree-style salads, a great Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese and many great seafood dishes in between.
My daughter, a foodie well beyond her years, enjoys the Basil-Encrusted Chicken (Pasta) she just loves with pesto! She is one of my own biggest food critics and so complimentary - but as she continues to order this Pasta dish again and again at the Oyster Bar, I urge her by saying "You have to try new things - this restaurant is your Oyster"!
I have now been somewhat educated on oysters and decide to try this great restaurant . . . I did, all because of a little breath of fresh air arrived at its new location King Street Oyster Bar in historic, downtown, Middleburg, VA.
You can't go wrong by making a reservation, and tell them There's Something About Mary's List sent you!
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Oyster photo credit to EastCoastMagazine.com and some great oyster information by Maris Callahan, she picking the brain of Chicago's Pearl Tavern owner, Matt Balikov. Thank you!
