Maison Premiere

Oysters (Raw Bar)

I love oysters, especially freshly shucked raw ones, so it’s no wonder I love Maison Premiere. The atmosphere of Williamsburg’s newest oyster bar is at once reminiscent of a Parisian café, a vintage hotel lobby, and a New Orleans absinthe house. Part of the fun of eating at an oyster bar is trying different varieties of oysters, so browsing Maison Premiere’s menu of about 30 different types of oysters is the start to a perfect evening. I like sweet and creamy, but some briny favorites are The Naked Cowboy from Long Island — briny with lots of minerality; The Humboldt from California — plump and meaty, medium brininess and a mouthful of sweetness; Eagle Creek from Washington — though high in brininess, notes of fruitiness make it very refreshing. Maison premiere specializes in absinthe, but I like my oysters with a classic Bloody Mary. Whatever your preference, oyster tasting with Maison Premiere cocktails makes for a very happy happy hour!

Editor’s PickCelia Sin-Tien Cheng | April 29, 2011

American, Seafood, Oysters