Tomales Bay Oyster Company

50mi North by Northwest of the San Francisco Bay is another Bay of note; Tomales Bay.
And if there's one thing Tomales Bay is famous for it's its Oyster Company.
Before dating DH, oysters were a foreign object to me but in the last few years, the Tomales Bay Oyster Company has become a treasured destination in the Bay area.

Brick Maiden Bread: rye and sesame

fresh cured salumi

mixed nuts

Point Reyes Station, just a few miles south is the place to pick up picnic supplies, like Cowgirl Creamery cheese, fresh baked bread loaves and a bottle (or three!) of bubbly.

view from the picnic tables

Picnic tables and camp grills line the place, just off Highway 1, making it a perfect day-long excursion. 

oyster tanks

On a holiday weekend or if the weather is nice, the oyster company packs in the picnic people so arrive early to stake out a good spot. Fresh, farmed oysters are available by the dozen or by the 50-piece bag for large groups and ambitious small groups. Clams and mussels are also available for purchase, along with knives, gloves, lemons and hot sauce.

50 piece oyster pack

oyster glove

Alice, dutifully shucking

Shucking knives, rubberized gloves and practiced skill are essential to the oyster shucking process. 

roasted oyster with lemon juice & tapatio

A splash of lemon and a dash of hot sauce are essential to the eating of the shucked oyster. 

Champagne in Ball jars!

And a glass of Champagne is essential to fully enjoying the oyster experience.

grilled

raw

These oysters are equally wonderful raw, grilled over coals or fried up in a pan with breadcrumbs and gremolata. There is a certain carnal satisfaction though, to shucking an oyster and eating right out of its shell.

mother shuckers