Last weekend, the Boyfriend and I went exploring. For the past five months or so, we’ve been on opposite schedules and haven’t been able to spend a whole lot of quality time together. The remedy? Taking a quick road trip to Hog Island Oyster Farm in Marshall, CA.
You see, I’m obsessed with oysters. I developed this taste for these little crustaceans when my dad took me to Vegas for my 21st Birthday. I’ve been enthralled ever since. Now, I’m no expert on the different types of oysters. Whether they’re Pacific Oysters or Kumamoto Oysters or Atlantic Oysters, I wouldn’t know the difference. I just like them meaty, sweet and served with a tangy mignonette and some horseradish sauce.
But at Hog Island Oyster Farm, they’re not only known for their fresh-out-of-the-water oysters that you can shuck yourself, they also BBQ their oysters to perfection. Like, it’s ridiculous how delicious these BBQ oysters were. Oh. Em. Gee.
Hog Island Oyster Farm is just about an hour outside the city. It’s well-worth the drive, too, if you take Highway 1 (and you don’t get carsick). The weather was perfect — so perfect we blasted top 40s music (much to the Boyfriend’s dismay) with the windows down.
We stopped at Trader Joe’s on the way and picked up some snacks. Hog Island lets you bring your own goodies as well as purchase oysters there. They sell only oysters, cheese, bread, wine and beer. Who needs anything else? Well, we snagged some crackers and dip, some bottled water, and prepared for our own little picnic.
We arrived at Hog Island at 11:30 — plenty of time to drink some wine, bask in the sunshine and eat some oysters.
There are two options at Hog Island. You can rent out a large picnic table that’s complete with a barbecue where you can grill, really, whatever you want. You can purchase oysters in bulk and shuck them yourself, or you can order shucked oysters at the oyster bar. Or you can just show up (which is what we did) and order shucked oysters or BBQ oysters and grab a communal picnic table.
We ordered both raw oysters and BBQ. Both were….so incredible we ordered two rounds equalling a grand total of 48 oysters. OY! (See what I did there?)
And the BBQ…
HEAVENLY.
After some wine and some beer and a year’s worth of oysters, we decided to leave Hog Island Oyster Farm and venture to Petaluma for some ice cream. I’d never been to Petaluma before — it’s adorable. Quaint little shops and boutiques, local bars, what looked like some good restaurant, and killer ice cream.
We took some outfit photos for Aubergine & Eggplant (post coming soon), and headed back to the city so the Boyfriend could be at work on time.
While it didn’t seem like enough time together, getting out of the city really made a big difference in the quality of our “us” time. We were undistracted (Hog Island is so far out there isn’t even cell phone reception! Blasphemy!) and were able to catch up on the important stuff, not just the small talk. It feels like we’re back on track, and that feels good.
I’ve been there! The setting is amazing… although I have yet to acquire the taste for oysters (I know, shame on me!).
Looking forward to meeting you at the brunch in three weeks 😉
It’s the best! And yes, it’s an acquired taste. Just keep trying them! 🙂
Looking forward to brunch, too!
OMG. Yes. I love Hog Island Oyster Co. It’s so pretty there! And, yes, their BBQ oysters are to die for amazing.
RIGHT?!?! They’re insane! Yummm….
Love that place! I go almost every time I’m down in that area. Mmmmmm, oysters. Now I’m hungry.
My uncle and aunt own a second house in Petaluma. It’s one of those adorable old Victorians on Keller Street. I adore Petaluma. So many great shops and restaurants!
We had such a good time! Thanks for the suggestions on Twitter for Petaluma, btw. Next time when we have more time, we’ll have to check some of those out! (also, come visit?)
I usually go to Tomales Bay because you don’t have to reserve a table. Not sure how the price compares, but I do know Tomales Bay only differentiates their oysters by size, rather than type. 🙂 And all BBQing is on your own. I’ll have to try out Hog Island some time. I’ve only ever been to their storefront in the city.
Great way to spend time with your bf! I’m so thankful Ryan and I have similar schedules. He actually took on the early shift at work, so he’d be home in time to make dinner. 😛
I’ve never been to Tomales Bay, but it sounds delicious! You don’t have to reserve a table at Hog Island, though. You CAN but you don’t have to. They have plenty of communal tables as well. Either way, I LOVE OYSTERS!
Glad you hear you’re spending time with Ryan. I’m jealous your schedules work out so well! Also, lucky girl to have him cooking dinner! 🙂
Ok, after seeing those BBQ oyster pics I need to force myself to like oysters! Those look AMAZEBALLS!
You really, really do! And think of all the fun we could have with a picnic table and a grill! If you like mussels (which I know you do), you’d like the BBQ Oysters. PROMISE.