We revisited the oyster bar at the Ferry Marketplace, again for lunch. This time we ordered the Clam Chowder, Oyster Stew, a dozen mixed oysters (atlantic, wellfleet, kumamoto and sweetwater) and a grilled cheese sandwich.
The oyster stew I had wondered about since our last visit, was basically oysters and cream – nothing really stew-like. It tasted good but I wouldn’t order it again - a disappointment. The potatoes with the clam chowder were too large and made eating difficult but the clam chowder is still a winner and worth seeking out.
I had heard rave reviews about the grilled cheese which incorporates Acme bread with Cowgirl Creamery cheeses – it was good but nothing to keep me dreaming about it – it tasted even better dipped in the oyster stew (and I'm sure it would be great too in the clam chowder).
The oysters on the half shell were fresh and cold and great.
A quick stop at the oyster bar at the Ferry Plaza Marketplace for a late lunch. The menu is small (as is the kitchen). The oysters are shucked in front of you and placed on crushed ice. We ordered the Clam Chowder ($12 - Manila clams with bacon, cream, aromatic vegetables and thyme), and a dozen mixed oysters ($23) with a glass of 2002 Chateau Bonnet ($9) and a Village Lemonade ($2.25). The clam chowder was really a pile of clams cooked in shell with cream, milk and bacon. What a fantastic surprise! Jack was thrilled, as was Trent, and I know we will return for this dish – I wonder what the oyster stew looks like?
My oysters on the half shell were all freshly shucked and cold. Four varieties were offered. The ones I enjoyed most were the Sunnyside from Washington. The only negative note is the choice of Village Lemonade ("French Style" it says on the label) which is carbonated. The second ingredient is High Fructose Corn Syrup, which really irks us (to say the least). We took a few sips and left it.
