Health & Fitness
Keep the Oysters Coming!
Sharing the secret of the fresh, shucked oysters at the Altadena Farmer's Market.
Every once in a while, you discover something so unique, so delicious, and so special that you almost don't want to share it with all your friends and neighbors. Sadly, this is what has crossed my mind week after week when I indulge in the amazing raw oysters from the Shucks booth at the Altadena Farmer's Market.
I was so excited when I learned that a new farmer's market was coming to the park down the street from my house. I was looking forward to the fresh produce and selection of food booths. When I walked down to the market a couple weeks after it had opened, I was surprised to see someone shucking raw oysters and serving them up by the dozen.
Each week my friend and I would text each other all day and say "it's Oyster Day!" We would rush home, change our shoes and go in search of the Shucks booth. We quickly became connoisseurs of oysters as Ali Benhawi explained the different varieties and flavors of these little delicacies.
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On most weeks he always has the Malpeque Oysters. These oysters are small and have a clean, crisp taste. It is a great choice for anyone beginning their oyster journey (or trying to talk someone else in to trying one).
We always try to get their as soon as we can and order the fat, buttery Kumamoto Oysters or the Fanny Bays. The bigger oysters run out early. Each week Ali goes early in the morning and chooses the best oysters from his reliable suppliers. The variety changes each week depending on what is available.
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Last week, we hurried down to the market and walked down to the booth, but the booth was not there. We frantically looked around because it had moved several times, but no booth. Finally, someone gently told us that Ali did come that day, but reassured us that he will be back next week.
And then I realized, if I didn't share my secret about these amazing oysters, he may stop coming all together.
I have heard, from a very good source that Ali will be at the market Wednesday. Get there early, because I will be running down there to get the big ones.