Oyster of My Eye

Oysters are a legendary aphrodisiac. Casanova, the original Latin lover, breakfasted on fifty a day to prepare himself for his arduous amours. So it is entirely apropos for you and your main squeeze to road-trip up to the Hog Island Oyster Company farm and indulge in their “shuck-it-yourself” option. The company, located nine miles north of Point Reyes Station, will provide the fresh oysters (for $10 to $15 per dozen) and other necessities, including a barbecue grill and picnic area right on Tomales Bay; you supply the rest. If Hog Island's tables are full or you don't want to pay the $8 picnic fee, Millerton Point (pictured) in Tomales Bay State Park offers free picnic tables and barbecue pits just a few miles south of the farm (you can buy an oyster shucker for $15 at the farm). We recommend taking the short trail right to the water’s edge; pack your Kumamotos and Chardonnay, lay a blanket on the beach, and let those oysters have their way with you.

BONUS: For a great taste, warm some butter, garlic, and chives in a small pan on the grill and drizzle over your oysters. Yummy.

Hog Island Oyster Company, 20215 Highway 1, Marshall; 415-663-9218.

To reach Millerton Point, drive a few miles south of Hog Island Oyster Company on Hwy. 1. The parking lot is on the west side of the road. The trail starts behind the parking lot. Tomales Bay map (PDF)