Rodney's Oyster House - Oysters! Oysters! Oysters!

Are oysters an aphrodisiacs? Historically, the first aphrodisiacs were food that resembled sexual organs thus, food that in some way looked like a female genitalia were reputed as being aphrodisiacs. In this list one of the most famous aphrodisiac foods are oysters for the clear resemblance to the female sexual organs. The Romans prized the aphrodisiacal properties of oysters and they may have been on the right track; oysters, have high amounts of zinc, essential for sperm production. Raw oysters contain lots of D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, both of which may increase testosterone which may, in turn, increase libido. Sexual appetite, more often than not, starts in the mind rather than in the body. So whilst oysters could have a psychological effect on the libido, I dont think it stimulates your mind. So maybe it is a myth...

I know there are many who are squeamish about eating raw oysters. The thought of a raw life bivalve mollusks down your throat can be unnerving. Can't blame anyone for not wanting to try raw oysters. Which is great for folks like me that love freshly shucked oysters. Naked or dressed! I generally avoid raw oysters at buffets and restaurant with low turnover. No point taking chances for health reasons.

In times past, a common rule of thumb was to eat oysters only in months that had an "R" in their name--that is, during cold weather. Happily, with modern refrigeration techniques and pasteurization, the danger of decay and food poisoning is nil. Today, oysters can be and are shipped and eaten year round


There are hundreds of varieties, each with distinctive characteristics. Often taking on the flavor of it's habitat. An oyster’s taste comes from the area it’s harvested. There are three broad classifications: Pacific, Atlantic and Olympia. Each is further broken down to the very shore from which they are harvested. The names of Oysters are sometimes base on where they are harvested from. Some of their names include Kusshi, Kumamoto, Cortes Island Oysters, Samish Bay, Steamboats, Pearl Bay, Malaspina, Royal Miyagi, Malpeque, Caraquet, Blue point, Pine Island, Pugwash, Effingham, Blue Points, Fanny Bay, Hood Canal, Tomales Bay, Hog Island, Cheseapeke Bay. Note how many of these are named from a geographic area. But most oysters fall into either the Pacific(West Coast) or Atlantic(East Coast).

The finer restaurants always gets the top pick of oysters available before you see them in your supermarket. As far as restaurant in Vancouver for oysters, my pick's are, Rodney's Oyster Bar, Blue Water, Joe Fortes, and Coast as my go to spots for oysters. But purely based on fresh oysters, I would pick Rodney's. So here is my blurb on Rodney's.

Rodney "the oysterman" Clark has been serving oysters with a Maritime hospitality themed in Toronto for over 20 years. They have one other location in Toronto. The Vancouver location located in the trendy Yaletown has been going over 10 years strong. It is a small two level place that probably sits 50-60 people with a 'Maritime Room" room available for up to 30 for private parties. You can dine by yourself or with your dining mate at the oyster bar. Where you can watch the 'oyster-tender' shuck your oysters place them on a bed of ice and grate fresh horseradish.

They have 5-10 different variety of oysters for you to choose from. Though it is based on availability. So best to go early for dinner if you want the best selection. There are three item's I am fond of on the menu, besides the fresh oysters, I like the pan fried oysters and bloody caesar's with fresh grated horseradish and a cocktail prawn garnish. I have not enjoyed any other food items that I have ordered whenever I go to Rodney's. I like the individual steam soup kettle that they use to make the chowders and steam the mussels and clam. Unfortunately the way they prepare them lacks flavor and taste. The chowder are very basic and bland tasting. Too bad since they have a perfect set-up to deliver great tasting shellfish chowders, soups and stew.

They do have a modest selection of beers, wines and champagnes to go with your meal. They do offer a few wines and champagnes by the glass. Sumac Ridge Stellar’s Jay Brut, and the Weingut Kruger-Rumpf Riesling (Germany) worked really well with the oysters. I really like the caesar's with fresh grated horseradish and cocktail prawn garnish. Price wise, it can get expensive as oyster doesn't really fill you up. With prices of about $3 or more per oyster. The bill can add up real quick. And they lack of solid main courses really hurts making Rodney's a serious dining destination. So I paraphrase. I come here only for the fresh oyster. And stay for some more oysters. They generally have the best and freshest oyster selection in town. Come early for the best selection, as they do run out of some variety later in the night.

Pros:
Casual fun dining
Sitting at the oyster bar and making conversation with your oyster shucker.
Fresh Oysters with lotsa 'sauces'

Cons:
Most of the other food items are kinda flat and bland.
Gets busy and sometimes loud. It's a small room so not an inimate setting.


Food          6 overall (8 for the oysters only)
Ambiance   6.5
Overall       6
Value         6.5