Date Archives: November 2022

Moving to the southeastern coast of North Carolina means acclimating yourself to the most beloved dishes and cuisine of the local area. For those of us in Brunswick County, and the low country of North Carolina, this usually involves falling in love with seafood. And, one of the most popular seafoods during the fall and winter is a salty, briny oyster.

Enjoy Oysters at Area Restaurants

Lucky residents of Southport, Oak Island and the surrounding areas can find these salty delicacies in numerous establishments. A few to note include:

Moore Street Oyster Bar

Earning its name from its extensive menu of oysters and fresh seafood, this popular spot can be found along the downtown streets of Southport. Pop in for a quick bite while shopping or visiting the waterfront. Be sure to order The Kathryn with artichoke, white wine, parmesan cream sauce and basil or the Simply Southern with collards, ham, and bacon topped with pimento cheese.

Shagger Jack's

Featuring an assorted menu with some quality cajun flair, Shagger Jack's is a local and tourist favorite with indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating. Lightly fried oysters can be ordered as a platter with cole slaw and fries, or as a po'boy sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles and house-made remoulade.

Fishy Fishy

Seated right on the Intracoastal Waterway, boasting gorgeous sunset views is Fishy Fishy Restaurant. With dock side service available and a menu offering everything from delicious appetizers to seafood platters, you're sure to find something for the seafood lovers and non-seafood lovers in your crew! Opt for the highly-sought after seafood plate or add their mouth-watering oysters to any salad.

Island Way

Is there any other way than the Island Way? This oceanfront restaurant neighbors Ocean Crest Fishing Pier and offers some of the best views of any place in Brunswick County. Featuring steaks and seafood, be sure to stop by for a romantic dinner and to grab their oysters on the half shell before diving into your meal!

Enjoy Oysters at Home

Oysters can be enjoyed a variety of different ways like on the raw bar, steamed, fried or roasted. The only thing that stands in your way from devouring these filters of the ocean is the act of shucking (opening) the oysters. While the process seems intimidating, it's actually very simple.

Shuck in Six: 6 Steps to Shucking an Oyster

1. Protect. Use a thick cloth, kitchen towel or gloves to cover and protect your hands from the sharp shells and oyster knife.
2. Place. Using your non-dominant covered hand, hold the oyster with the hinge facing you.
3. Pressure. Using the oyster knife, gradually apply pressure and oscillate around the hinge to try and insert the knife into the hinge of the shell.
4. Cut. Once the knife enters the hinge of the shell, reach straight into the oyster for the adductor and make one clean cut across the adductor.
5. Open. Using the oyster knife, open the oyster and rinse it lightly to remove any broken shell pieces.
6. Decide. You can test the oyster by poking it around the lips to see if it's alive as it should retract. The oyster should smell fresh and like the ocean but not overly fishy or bad. If the oyster smells bad, or does not retract when poked, do not eat it. If the oyster is good to go, just decide on how you want to prepare to eat this delicacy!

Celebrate the Oyster

While oysters are technically harvested between October and March, they can be enjoyed year round. In Brunswick County, we celebrate all that is the oyster during the NC Oyster Festival. This annual family-friendly event includes everything from an oyster roast and arts and crafts festival to a full entertainment line-up and so much more!

Enjoy Oysters In Your Brunswick County Home

Living in Brunswick County is about so much more than just enjoying oysters. Whether you're looking for the perfect second home with a bit of coastal charm or you want to know what island life is all about, reach out to Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® today to learn more about living in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Be sure to check out the current available listings on our website to find your new Brunswick County dream home today!