Drakes Bay Oyster Company
Here’s the deal. I’ve been meaning to head up to Tomales Bay for some oysters for years. Ever since I moved up to the Bay area four years ago, I never got the chance. Until now. And of course, this technically wasn’t Tomales Bay. But still, this place was in the vicinity about thirty minutes away. It wasn’t fancy like the other places and quite frankly, I enjoy these types of establishments. They focus on one thing, the thing they’re good at, oyster’ing (don’t think that’s an actual word) and oh, did we oyster the hell out of this place.
Some things to consider if you want to hit up Drakes Bay:
- No reservations. Come early if you want a picnic table next to the water. We showed up around 10am on a Sunday and two were already taken.
- Bring tools to shuck. If not, you’ll have to pay more for them to do it.
- Bring your condiments. The place isn’t a grocery store.
- Bring a grill if you want to grill. There’s none there.
- Pets are allowed in certain areas but are required to be leashed.
- If you plan on going to the lighthouse, make sure you check the schedule here. They also want you to take a shuttle there.
- Finally, this oyster farm is in jeopardy of shutting down. Keep up to date on the news.
And with all that, as you may have guessed, we had a great time. It’s not like the place was breathtaking or awe inspiring or that we partied our heads off. No actually. It was simply, simple. And the occasion happened to be a friend’s birthday. Mellow and quaint. I think that’s what I’ve always expected for this type of experience. Wines, cheeses, and my favorite, beer. Add a little hike and it was a perfect way to spend a warm day in Northern California.
So simple, minced shallots, freshly crushed peppers, and some French Vinaigrette adds a very nice touch to the oysters. This is how oysters should be eaten. Especially these, smaller, more delicate one.
There are so many ways to enjoy these. Grilling is one way. Save the big ones for the grill and shucking them before hand let’s you add a base such as, I don’t know, beer. However, I prefer them raw and smaller.
This is how you do it. Get a bag of oysters, some oyster knives, your favorite condiments, and start shucking away. You may have to teach people on how to do it. I suggest doing a simple Google search before you get into some nasty accidents. If you’re event free, you’ll be enjoying some fresh oysters. Wish there was a little water fountain to wash out some shells. approx $.80/each
Another view of the home gives you a different feel to the area. Yeah, I would have fallen in love with building a house here.
Walking along the beach, you’ll find some interesting things. Like this beach house that’s slowly working it’s way to the eroding cliff. I wonder how nice this place used to be. Prime real estate before they realized the ocean was making it’s way in.