Monday, September 13, 2010

Rodney's Oyster House

                                                                                      a 'shuck' of a good time...

Food:

On this highly-anticipated night, after more than an hour and a half wait, we were finally seated at the oyster bar - extremely excited at the thought of devouring and gorging on oysters, oysters...and more oysters.



We were so hungry (and impatient) by the time we arrived that we hardly thought about what to order (I usually like to take my time, carefully weighing my options).  We just knew we wanted oysters. And lots of them.  Luckily, the lone-oyster-dude-shucker sensed our anticipation and asked if we wanted a dozen fresh oysters.  We immediately gave him the thumbs up.

Prior to the arrival of the oyster mania.  We each had a Caesar - which was very appetizing.  I liked how they used crushed ice, as opposed to cubed ice.  It was also wonderfully garnished with a nice piece of prawn, and sprinkled with freshly-grated horseradish.  Bread was also given, though it was fresh, but nothing to praise about.



Now onto the oyster mania.  We were presented with a dozen of freshly-shucked oysters (there were 3 kinds: Kumamoto, Kuushi, and some other one I don't recall) which were the 3 personal favourites of the oyster shucker's.  I'm glad we allowed him to choose the oysters because we slurped them down in seconds. They were amaaaazingly fresh tasting.  The bonus were once again, topping the oysters with the freshly-grated horseradish and the accompanying house-made sauces!



We also had the Pan Fried Oysters which were so succulent tasting with a crispy battered coating.  They were probably my favourite of the night.  The Oysters Rockefellah were darn delicious as well - soaked and baked in butter, spinach, garlic and whatever wonderful ingredients it may have contained. We also had the Seared Scallops, which although weren't huge and plump, there was a good 6-7 scallops, accompanied with a wonderful salad (everything was devoured so quickly, I don't even remember what I ate! lol)


Pan Fried Oysters ...
(note: on the left was the Fried Halibut that was mistakenly given to us)

Service:

We didn't really have our own personal server per se; our order was taken by the shucker dude (who was situated in front of us all night long) at the oyster bar.  There was also an order mix-up between the people sitting next to us and ours (hey, more food for us!) We didn't realize it until it was too late.  Otherwise, the service was good  - friendly and chattable.

Value:

A little steep - $2.50 - 3.50 per fresh oyster

Ambience:

This place is extremely LOUD, and can therefore either make or break your experience.  It's essentially a large wooden cabin, filled with loud campers (dining patrons) with the cabin 'leaders' being the huge, muscular oyster stuckers (haha).

Overall: 8/10

Yay: Come here for freshly-shucked oysters, pan-fried oysters, oyster rockefellar, and however you like your cooked cooked (or prepared) :)

Nay: Make reservations - I say at least 3-4 days in advance. I called the day before to book a reso for 2 and they were all full with the reason being that they only reserve the upstairs (approx. 6-7 tables). As a result, upon arrival, we were told that it would be a 1 hr and 20 min. wait before a table was available for us. We then ventured to Cactus Club for a drink, came back 1 hr and 20 mins later and waited for another 15 mins. before being seated.


The noise level can be extremely overwhelming especially if you're on a date or what not.  Also, I don't think this is the most kid-friendly place.  Prices are steep as well.

*** Interesting fact: They have a location in Toronto too and from what I've read, it's equally as bustling and busy!




Posted by: J

2 comments:

Anitoez said...

mmm i had the kuushi and kumamoto too and it was so good! next time make reservations! i think you for got to mention that they have hot hunks serving you the food... haha love eye candy! makes the food that much better.

this little oinky said...

Hi Anitoez,

Of course we tried making resos but didn't reserve them earlier that we should've. I did say these 'hunks' are indeed, muscular, but 'hunks' - maybe not so much. Knowing you, you probably gawked at every server there, lol. Thanks for dropping by! :D