Seafood Season

As we crossed the Williamsburg Bridge and left Manhattan, my classmates and I anxiously anticipated our trip to North Fork, Long Island where we would be visiting both Macari Vineyard and Peconic Oyster Farm. Like our previous field trips, this visit to the vineyard and oyster farm was a part of the Classic Culinary Arts plus Farm to Table program at the International Culinary Center. We were especially excited for this field trip because we knew we would get some fresh farm air, delicious wine, and freshly shucked oysters right on the water, and that’s exactly what we did. 

Our first stop was Macari Vineyard in Mattituck, New York. Alexandra Macari, wife of Joseph Macari, quickly met us and talked us through a wine tasting of some of their most popular wines. We tasted two whites, a rose, three reds, and a dessert wine, and they were all equally enjoyable. After the tasting we had lunch outside. It was a beautiful sunny and 70 degree day, and we overlooked the acres of grape vines, about to bud-break at any time. After lunch we took a tour of the grounds and made some last minute purchases so we could take some wine home.  Overall, it was a lovely morning at the vineyard, and we were ready to check out the oyster farm next.

After leaving Macari Vineyard and a quick 15-minute drive later, we arrived at Peconic Oyster Farm in Peconic Bay, New York. I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve never been to an oyster farm or really even knew much about harvesting oysters. However, it was a really interesting and remarkable farm. The best part of our visit was at the end when we sat on a picnic table right on the water, shucking and eating some of the freshest oysters I’ve ever came in contact with. It was a fun and delicious Saturday altogether.

Sitting there soaking in this experience made me think about all the best places to eat seafood in New York City. With the weather getting warmer and the summer drawing closer, everyone's dying to get out of the house and eat out in the city. And now that the restaurants are filling up, patrons are ordering fresh seafood more than ever. Seafood, especially raw seafood bars, are a staple during the warmer months, so it's the perfect time to look at some great places to get fresh catch in NYC. Here is a list of some of my favorite places to enjoy a raw bar and an oyster or two:

1. BLT Fish - 21 W 17th Street, New York NY 10011 - Located in the Flatiron District, this restaurant is perfect for the fish fanatic. They have some of the freshest fish in town, and if you're really ready to splurge, they have "The Grand Plateau" where you get an array of raw bar items for $120.00. Definitely check BLT Fish out for seafood grub. 
2. The John Dory - 1196 Broadway, New York NY 10001 - Chef April Bloomfield's The John Dory Oyster Bar is the perfect summer spot for raw bar lovers. Count on some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes in town.
3. ABC Cocina - 38 E 19th Street, New York NY 10003 - One of my favorite spots in NYC, ABC Cocina never lets its patrons down, especially when it comes to their raw bar. They serve fresh oysters and clams, shucked right in their open kitchen. If sitting outside and enjoying seafood is your kind of summer night, check out ABC Cocina in Union Square.

For more information, to read reviews, and/or to make reservations for these restaurants or any other raw bars in New York City, check out OpenTable's  New York City Restaurants page. Cheers and nom on!