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Oysters Rockefeller

If you're looking for a dish that's truly decadent, then Oysters Rockefeller is guaranteed to be an indulgent experience. Not only do these succulent oysters come draped in a sinful buttery sauce, but they also boast a rich history that reaches back well over a century.

Oysters Rockefeller


Oysters Rockefeller was first served in Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans, which has the distinction of being the nation's oldest continually operating restaurant. While the recipe is a closely kept secret, we do know that it includes buttery goodness topped with various herbs and spices, along with a dash of absinthe for good measure. It's no wonder that this dish is often talked about in hushed tones by those in-the-know.

The dish gets its name from John D. Rockefeller, an American business magnate who was known for his immense wealth. It's said that the sheer richness of Oysters Rockefeller mirrors Rockefeller's financial success – although the exact ingredients are a guarded secret, so no one can truly say. That being said, some tantalizing flavors have been hinted at, such as celery, fennel, and even a hint of Pernod.

Eating Oysters Rockefeller is a luxurious experience that you owe to yourself. The piquant flavors and smooth texture combine together to create a gustatory delight that will make you feel as if you've truly lived. So, if you're looking to treat yourself to something truly decadent, then you should definitely give Oysters Rockefeller a try - you won't regret it!

The origin of Oysters Rockefeller

The infamous Oysters Rockefeller has been delighting diners since its inception at the legendary New Orleans restaurant Antoine's in 1889. As the story goes, the dish was created by chef Jules Alciatore, in honor of John D. Rockefeller, the wealthy American industrialist who was a regular diner at the restaurant. It is said that the wealth of its namesake was reflected in the rich and luxurious ingredients used to create the meal.

The true origin of this popular dish may never be known, but the prevailing opinion is that Alciatore was inspired by the escargot hors-d’oeuvre served at some of the finer restaurants in France. He substituted oysters for the snail meat and added a slew of luxurious ingredients to make the dish stand out from the traditional fare. While the original recipe is still a closely guarded family secret, it's believed that characteristic richness of the dish is due to a base of butter, parsley, and bread crumbs, as well as a selection of other secret ingredients, including anise extract and cayenne pepper.

Oysters Rockefeller has graced the tables of countless restaurants and homes since its debut in 1889, with each iteration calling for its own variation on the classic recipe. It remains a popular choice for dinner parties and restaurant menus, providing a decadent and semi-mysterious experience that has kept diners coming back for over 125 years.

FAQs about Oysters Rockefeller

What is Rockefeller style oysters?

Rockefeller style oysters are oysters that are baked with butter, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs. The dish is usually topped with grated cheese and bacon before it is broiled until golden brown.


What is the difference between Oysters Rockefeller and oysters on the half shell?

Oysters Rockefeller are baked oysters that are topped with a rich butter and herb sauce. Oysters on the half shell are served raw, typically with fresh lemon juice and cocktail sauce.


What's the difference between oysters and Oysters Rockefeller?

Oysters are a type of shellfish (usually an oyster species) that are typically enjoyed raw or lightly cooked. Oysters Rockefeller is a dish consisting of oysters topped with a mixture of herbs, spices, butter, and breadcrumbs before being baked.


Why do they call it Oysters Rockefeller?

The dish was created in 1899 by Jules Alciatore at Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans. It is named after John D. Rockefeller due to the richness of the dish and the fact that it was so expensive to make. The original recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it is believed to contain pureed oysters, butter, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a variety of other ingredients.


Types of Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller, a beloved dish emanating from New Orleans, Louisiana, is a delectable treat renowned for its originality and complexity. While some consider Oysters Rockefeller to be overrated, this succulent dish is still a hit in many seafood restaurants. What exactly makes Oysters Rockefeller stand out? Let’s dive into the different types of Oysters Rockefeller and see what makes it so spectacular.

The original version of Oysters Rockefeller typically entails baked oysters on the half-shell topped with a mixture of julienne vegetables, such as celery, onion and parsley, drenched in a rich butter and anise-flavored sauce. Otakus Rockefeller, an adaptation of the classic dish, substitutes the usual components with oyster flesh, tofu and various Japanese ingredients like scallions, bonito flakes and kelp stock. Equally scrumptious, this contemporary fusion of French and Japanese flavors presents a thrilling contrast between the velvety texture of the oyster and the firmness of the tofu.

Crab Rockefeller is another iteration of the famous dish. This decadent version infuses the classic recipe with succulent chunks of crab meat, rendering a sweet contrast to the piquant notes of the sauce. The use of mayonnaise instead of butter heightens the seafood flavor while adding a tangy zest.

For those that love seafood, Clams Rockefeller is a delicious spin on the original dish. Clams are classically paired with white wine and garlic, but Clams Rockefeller takes it up a notch, using a creamy sauce containing cognac, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper and absinthe for a complex, invigorating flavor.

Finally, Mushroom Rockefeller deserves recognition as well. This vegetarian version consists of mushrooms, onion and celery covered with a buttery, herb-infused sauce. The mushrooms are baked until golden brown, resulting in a robust yet delicate taste.

Whether you’re looking for the freshness of Oysters Rockefeller, the unique Otakus Rockefeller, the succulent Crab Rockefeller, the tantalizing Clams Rockefeller or the savory Mushroom Rockefeller, one thing is for sure: Oysters Rockefeller will never fail to provide an unparalleled gastronomic experience. With its multiple variations, Oysters Rockefeller guarantees every diner an original and mouthwatering treat.