Safari #10: Oystah's

There once was a woman who dared to defy local bivalve yore.  This is her delicious (and thrifty) tale.

How many times have you been told to only eat oysters during the months that end in "r" (e.g. September, October, etc.)?  Perhaps I have a strong stomach (given the amount of raw seafood I already consume) OR there's nothing wrong with oysters in the summer. Hmmm or rather, Mmmm, I should say.

Given that oysters can cost nearly $3 each, how can one enjoy them and not spend a chunk of change?  Enter the $1 summer oyster specials to be found all over Boston, depending in some cases on the month and day of the week. Find an open patio, your favorite beer on tap, and slurp away.

Some of my favorites to get you started:

• Jasper White's Summer Shack (Back Bay and Alewife) - for the entire month of June, enjoy a wide-range of $1 oysters from all over New England.  If you're new to raw bivalves, you should definitely start here. Even if it's not June, head here simply for the selection.
  
• Marliave (Downtown Crossing) - are you looking for a bit of history to go down with your oystah?  Give Marliave a shot.  $1 oysters are served daily from 4 to 6pm.  Don't forget to try one of their many old-fashioned cocktails.
• McCormick and Schmick's (Faneuil Hall) - head to the bar to taste the $1 oyster of the day from the happy hour menu.  A great spot for people watching, if you're so inclined.
• Rialto (Charles Hotel, Cambridge) - enjoy local Massachusetts oysters for $1 on Mondays in the bar.  Note: no cocktail sauce is served here, so a trip to Rialto should be for seasoned slurpers only (unless you are brave).

***TIP*** If you are an oyster newbie, try asking for some bread or crackers as you go along.  They'll help coat your stomach and give you less of a "swimming" feeling.