My wife and I spent an amazing afternoon on Lake Minnetonka with some friends that have a 48’ cruiser. It was a glorious afternoon, perfect weather, great conversation, and wonderful views. After our cruise, there was a restaurant close to where we disembarked and being parched, we headed to the bar to get a cold drink. The restaurant had an emphasis on seafood but we had already eaten lunch. However, from the bar, you could see a large sign hanging over a display of oysters on a bed of ice.
The sign read, “To eat an oyster is to kiss the sea on the lips.” That brings up a strong mental image, right? As someone who is fond of oysters, I immediately got the reference. Oysters are either greatly loved or distinctly despised. Few foods elicit that kind of response at the extreme ends of the yummy spectrum. I find it interesting that most people that show a dislike for oysters have never eaten one. I get it; oysters are weird looking. The shells are not beautiful and the animal inside is rather gross in appearance. You generally eat them raw, that in of itself is enough to give many people the heebie jeebies. They are slimy and if you have the misfortune of biting one in half and then inspecting what it looks like on the inside, you would probably NEVER want to eat another one.
But they are good. The oyster may be the best representation of the sea. Its salty, as befits the salt water in which it grows. There are different sizes and shapes and it can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a distinct flavor, but can be used in other seafood dishes. You can get a dozen freshly shucked in some of the finest restaurants all over the U.S. Or you can motor up to an oysterman in Apalachicola, get a half bushel fresh from the bottom of the bay and if you know the technique, shuck them yourself, as fresh as they can be. Just a sweet kiss from the sea. On the lips.
But you have to try them to know if you like them or not. Trying and not liking, I completely understand. Seeing and not liking I don’t understand. If you try one, maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a lifelong liking for fresh kisses from the sea. What you cannot do is be offered one and say, “No thanks, I don’t like them” if you have never tried one. Don’t be a liar. You can say, “No thanks, not for me.” But I encourage you to try oysters (and other foods or activities) that you think are not for you). You never know until you try. Trying new things (within reason) is living. Trying is boldness. Be bold, close your eyes and eat one. Smack on the lips.