The Fundamentals of Oysters With Found Oyster's Ari Kolender
Feb 20, 2025
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Ari Kolender, a shellfish expert and owner of Found Oyster and Queen Street restaurants, takes listeners on an oyster odyssey. He shares the artistry of shucking and the current trend of incorporating oysters into dinner parties. The conversation dives into the booming oyster farming scene, sustainable sourcing, and the unique flavors of North American oysters. Ari also reflects on dining experiences and explores the best pairings for enjoying these delicacies. Prepare to enhance your oyster game and satisfy your seafood cravings!
Expertise in shucking oysters enriches both restaurant and home dining experiences, highlighting the importance of skill and practice.
The rise of dinner parties reflects a cultural shift towards personalized dining, with oyster shucking as an interactive guest activity.
Oysters are sustainable seafood that improve water quality, showcasing their ecological benefits and the growing interest in responsible sourcing.
Deep dives
Exploring International Flavors
Adding variety to weeknight meals can be easily achieved by incorporating international flavors. At Whole Foods Market, customers can find a wide array of sauces and marinades inspired by cuisines from Asia, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and more. A quick and flavorful option is a rice bowl with high-quality beef and organic vegetables complemented by a tasty sauce like the Momofuku brand. This approach allows home cooks to elevate their meals with bold flavors while supporting quality sourcing.
The Rise of Dinner Parties
Dinner parties have become increasingly popular as a social trend, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Instead of dining out at restaurants, people are now opting to host gatherings at home, where the experience is becoming centered around the fun and interactive activity of shucking oysters. The inviting atmosphere of dinner parties allows guests to engage with one another over hands-on experiences, such as learning how to shuck their own oysters. This shift reflects a cultural movement towards more personalized and intimate dining experiences.
Oyster Appreciation and Expertise
Ari Collender, a chef and restaurateur, emphasizes the importance of expertise in shucking oysters for both restaurants and at home. He discusses how knowledge and skill can enhance the experience, noting that many amateurs may struggle with proper techniques. With practice, individuals can develop their shucking skills, elevating their dining experiences at home. This expertise not only showcases one's culinary abilities but also adds a unique element to social gatherings centered around oysters.
Sustainable Oyster Farming
Oysters are highly sustainable seafood options that contribute positively to the environment. Each oyster has the capacity to filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, significantly improving water quality while they grow. Efficiently farmed oysters can be produced with minimal environmental impact, making them a great choice for conscious consumers. The growth of oyster farming practices has fostered a renaissance in oyster consumption, leading to increased interest in sourcing them due to their ecological benefits.
Proper Oyster Shucking Techniques
Effective shucking techniques are crucial to ensuring that oysters are presented well and maintaining their delicate flavor. Proper shucking includes retaining the liquor within the shell, which adds depth to the tasting experience. Collender highlights that many individuals, even in restaurants, often fail to shuck oysters correctly, resulting in a subpar experience. Understanding the nuances of shucking not only preserves the quality of the oysters but also enhances the overall enjoyment for diners.
Today, Dave and Chris are joined by shellfish expert Ari Kolender of Found Oyster. Ari walks them through the levels of expertise on oysters and helps everyone gain new knowledge on how to be an oyster majordomo. The conversation doesn't clam up after the informative chat, though, as Ari joins for a seafood-themed MOIF.
Hosts: Dave Chang and Chris Ying
Guest: Ari Kolender
Video/Audio Producer: Victoria Valencia
Majordomo Media Producers: Kelsey Rearden and David Meyer