Hosting an Oyster Roast
Living in Charleston isn’t just an experience. It’s a culture. A true Charlestonian loves sitting on the front porch and relaxing with a cold refreshment in hand. They love hearing the crickets at dusk and telling stories of good ‘ole days. Most of them can’t shake their unusual attraction to the historic part of Charleston. All in all, nothing beats living in a charming, plantation house and serving guests the finest in the Lowcountry. It’s that southern hospitality that convinces most people not just to move here, but to live here — to call it “home.” And no other activity can represent the gathering of a community than a traditional oyster roast.
To host an oyster roast, you don’t need any high-tech equipment or huge fire pit going. You just need what every homeowner practically has: a grill. If you’ve been looking how to host a unique neighborhood party or plain out show-off, this would be your moment. Make your backyard stand out and impress all your friends. It’s time to break out the grill, heat up the charcoal, and slap on some Charleston goodness.
Cooking Oysters
Most people in Charleston have at one point, tried oysters. They are a delicacy in some minds, which makes the thought of having to cook them an awful scary thing. The very shape of them confuses people on how to begin. Then comes the problem of cleaning them and shucking them. They are things that take a little practice to get good at, but let me tell you, the results are mouth-watering. Nowhere else in the country will you experience the dynamic, salty taste of Charleston-flavored oysters. The smell of the sea and the warmth of popping them into your mouth activates almost every sense in your body.
So, here are a few tips to preparing and cooking oysters at home:
- Wash ‘Em Clean — If you happened to harvest your own oysters from the creek, make sure to give them a good rinse. A simple water hose and nozzle will rinse off any mud. Oysters from a local provider or seafood shack most likely have already cleaned them for you, so don’t worry.
- Shuck the Oysters — For this, it’s probably best to have an oyster knife. First thing you should look for is the “hinge,” or the “point”of the oyster. Wiggle you knife in and slip open the shells. Keep the oyster meat in one shell, and discard the other half.
- Heat up the Grilll & Cook — Oysters don’t take long to cook — just a few minutes. Heat up the grill (the hotter the better). Brush on some melted butter and add a pinch of chopped garlic. Close the lid and let them roast. It should only take 3-4 minutes.
- Dig In — Serve them hot and ready. And don’t forget to have the cocktail sauce ready!
Hosting an oyster roast is a great way to meet new people and to talk about living in the Charleston area. If you happen to be looking for a new home so you can host a party like an oyster roast, search our local guides for current homes on sale:
Stay tuned for our next edition of Being a Charlestonian….
