Postcard - Picture Perfect Views are yours to enjoy on a ride to Tomalas Bay, CA
Living in Northern California does have it’s perks, like having the ability to experience amazing day-trip destinations in literally every direction in under an hour travel time!
For instance, a scenic 40 – 45 minute ride towards Tomalas Bay takes us to West Marin, where both the famous Hog Island Oyster Co. and the Tomales Bay Oyster Company offer “fresh – right from the bay oysters” to enjoy on the spot (BBQ’s and picnic tables are available for a small fee).
You can also take them to-go, which is what we typically do…in which case I recommend you bring along a cooler to transport the oysters to keep them fresh. Both locations are very laid back, and both offer tranquil views of Tomalas Bay that will give you that “get away” feeling you deserve in order to truly relax and have FUN!
Experience friendly service - great scenery - and FRESH OYSTERS at Tomalas Bay Oyster Co., Marshal, CA
When doing your oysters BBQ style – consider adding a healthy flavor boost with anti-aging benefits with my “Anti-Aging” Garlic Butter Sauce” Recipe below – and pair your BBQ’D oysters with a sparkling beverage such as champagne, beer, or sparkling water to indulge in a most sumptuous pairing with nature’s perfect food ~ oysters.
To make Aprilanne’s “Anti-Aging” Garlic Butter for 2 dozen BBQ’D Oysters:
First: Mince 3 cloves garlic – let sit 10 minutes to enhance disease fighting properties.
Second: Melt 3 heaping tablespoons of a healthy butter-like spread (or butter if you must) to 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons first cold pressed olive oil in the microwave for 10 sec. increments at a time or on the stove top – keep an eye on it as it will melt fast and you don’t want it to burn.
Then – Add a few cubes of frozen basil (get in frozen section at Trader Joe’s). You can also finely chopped 5 -6 fresh basil leaves too – but the frozen variety is micro-fine and blends really well into the butter/olive oil mixture.
Next: Coarsely chop a few springs of fresh Rosemary, or the herb of your choice and mix all ingredients together well in a small bowl.
Now – once your oysters have opened up on the grill (they have been cooking at medium heat with the lid down for about 5 – 10 minutes depending on your grill and the temp. you have it set on) – split open and spoon enough sauce onto each oyster to cover the oyster meat and grill another few minutes until sauce gets slightly bubbly.
Then…ENJOY! You can make this a great, light meal by adding a fresh green salad, a loaf of crusty whole grain or french bread for dipping in the extra sauce, and a sparkling beverage which will pair well with the oysters.
Aphrodite- "The Goddess of Love" apparently had a thing for oysters...
Did you ever wonder how oysters got the wrap for being one of the best aphrodisiacs going? Well, as the story goes – the love goddess Aphrodite rose out of the sea in an oyster shell, and the “guilty by association” rule kicked in for oysters, which century after century have gained by this association with Aphrodite the reputation of enhancing the feelings of sexual desire and performance of those mortals who eat them.
Now as far as oysters being great aphrodisiacs – there apparently is no scientific proof to substantiate such a claim (sorry to be the one to tell you), but don’t let that prevent you from thinking what you want to think about them as the psychological impact of believing that oysters are aphrodisiacs can sometimes be strong enough to produce a greater sexual desire or performance – temporarily anyway.
Proposed aphrodisiac effects aside – Oysters are considered one of the most nutritionally well balances foods as they contain protein, carbohydrates and lipids. Extremely low in calories one dozen oysters contains approximately ONLY 110 calories, and they are full of vitamins, and possess the omega-3 fatty acids that are good for our skin, brain, and muscles.
Aprilanne Hurley, CN, is a Certified Nutrition Professional specializing in Public Nutrition Education and Weight Management in the Lifecycle. Hurley’s new diet and lifestyle book (title to be released for pre-sales late October 2010) will be out November 2010 and available on Amazon.com, as well as through book outlets globally. For more information and to schedule Aprilanne to speak at your next event please contact Hope Gilmore @ [email protected].
