I love Anthony Bourdain, but being strict about cold water oysters is a little too rigid. Apalachicola oysters are incredible. Not just because I grew up on them, but because I am an educated epicurean and have tried most of both types. Yeah, I won't touch a LA or TX oyster, but the Apalachicola oyster is a thing of beauty. Or, it was. I have not tasted them for years as they closed down the industry. I can't wait to try the new aquaculture farm-raised ones to compare.
How nice to hear from you and, yes, I remember that evening well. Graciousness is not my strongest suit, but I'm proud to have behaved appropriately that evening. Gotta get back to Charlottesville. Thanks for reading...
Not an oyster girl myself, but Lee and Rick’s is legend. Interesting story. You were asked to be a host and you did so graciously.
I recall another time that you were gracious. I was bold enough to ask you to meet me and my husband for dinner in Charlottesville, Virginia when you came for a festival of the book. Our only link (besides my liking your books) was that you were an acquaintance of my brother, Tom Wallace. We did have dinner together, and you were indeed gracious. You autographed our books and we went to your session the next day. A fond memory for us.
Ya know, I don’t recall that Tony suggested one or the other. He did show the guy a scar on his arm and said something like “I got this when I was 16 working in the kitchen at (I don’t remember where.) You need to start getting scarred when you’re young to be a chef.” Thanks for reading …
I wish to hell you guys had made it to Lee & Ricks. For me, it's one of the holy places in Florida. My dad and I used to go there and on my most recent visit, even though I'd had breakfast lunch and second lunch and third beer and a sammich with friends, I dropped in and killed a dozen oysters and a beer for my dad. That place is where God eats bivalves and if Saint Bourdain can't stomach Murder Points that's just more for the rest of us (I pretend he's still with us).
Lovely. And a nice respite from all the stories about mothers crowding the internet today. Not that I don't love and respect mothers. But a little variety is nice. Next time I am in Orlando, hope we can share some warm water oysters. (I still have fond memories of a couple of meals we shared at Ravenous Pig.)
This was so fun to read! Especially with all the local lore. I miss watching his shows—I haven’t been able to rewatch his shows or read his books since he passed away.
Yes, I do recall that methadone moment. I woulda worked it into this piece but I couldn't remember the exact details and I didn't want to misquote you. Although misquoting people has never stopped me in the past...
Great memory! When you did the MC duties that night at Enzian Theater I sat next to Tony onstage while you manned the lectern. You handled the rowdy crowd perfectly letting them enjoy the Bourdain aura in full kilo sized quantities. At one point you turned to me and asked, "So Norman, when did you first meet Tony?" I tried to be as deadpan as possible and replied, "It was in a methadone clinic in New York where we were both drying out". Tony swiveled his body towards me with a 'WTF!!' look. Then he got it. I was fucking kidding. He broke out laughing his ass off. That bit of theater brought us closer together than ever. As well as you and me. Cheers my Friend. Glad you opened up your Diner.
There are some good ones being farm-raised in the Indian River these days -- IROCS and Shark Bites. They go for about a buck a shell. I need to buy me a coupla hundred...
I love Anthony Bourdain, but being strict about cold water oysters is a little too rigid. Apalachicola oysters are incredible. Not just because I grew up on them, but because I am an educated epicurean and have tried most of both types. Yeah, I won't touch a LA or TX oyster, but the Apalachicola oyster is a thing of beauty. Or, it was. I have not tasted them for years as they closed down the industry. I can't wait to try the new aquaculture farm-raised ones to compare.
Love this! Reminds me of the chilled oysters and cucumber mignonette recipe I adapted from hit NYC restaurant Via Carota for easy home cooking!
check it out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com/p/get-via-carota-recipe-chilled-oysters-with-cucumber-mignonette
Via Carota is on my hit list. I have the cookbook but have yet to make it there. Damn those are some tasty-looking bivalves
How nice to hear from you and, yes, I remember that evening well. Graciousness is not my strongest suit, but I'm proud to have behaved appropriately that evening. Gotta get back to Charlottesville. Thanks for reading...
Not an oyster girl myself, but Lee and Rick’s is legend. Interesting story. You were asked to be a host and you did so graciously.
I recall another time that you were gracious. I was bold enough to ask you to meet me and my husband for dinner in Charlottesville, Virginia when you came for a festival of the book. Our only link (besides my liking your books) was that you were an acquaintance of my brother, Tom Wallace. We did have dinner together, and you were indeed gracious. You autographed our books and we went to your session the next day. A fond memory for us.
Which culinary school did he tell him to go to??!!
Ya know, I don’t recall that Tony suggested one or the other. He did show the guy a scar on his arm and said something like “I got this when I was 16 working in the kitchen at (I don’t remember where.) You need to start getting scarred when you’re young to be a chef.” Thanks for reading …
I remember when you were his host. We saw you and Anthony at Ravenous Pig at it was hard not to act the fan girl. About him, not you. :-)
Laura, you had Tony autograph your chest, yes?
And never washed it off!
I wish to hell you guys had made it to Lee & Ricks. For me, it's one of the holy places in Florida. My dad and I used to go there and on my most recent visit, even though I'd had breakfast lunch and second lunch and third beer and a sammich with friends, I dropped in and killed a dozen oysters and a beer for my dad. That place is where God eats bivalves and if Saint Bourdain can't stomach Murder Points that's just more for the rest of us (I pretend he's still with us).
Good sir, next time you’re in O’do we must slurp down a few.
I accept.
A Day (or three) In The Life - captures him beautifully- in a perfect nut ( or oyster) shell. Still he shoulda gone to Lee & Rick's
And you should go there, too, next time you’re down this way.
Lovely. And a nice respite from all the stories about mothers crowding the internet today. Not that I don't love and respect mothers. But a little variety is nice. Next time I am in Orlando, hope we can share some warm water oysters. (I still have fond memories of a couple of meals we shared at Ravenous Pig.)
Lee & Rick's it is!
This was so fun to read! Especially with all the local lore. I miss watching his shows—I haven’t been able to rewatch his shows or read his books since he passed away.
Why thanks, Kaylea. I've not been able to watch the shows either. I need to get over that.
Me too!
Yes, I do recall that methadone moment. I woulda worked it into this piece but I couldn't remember the exact details and I didn't want to misquote you. Although misquoting people has never stopped me in the past...
Great memory! When you did the MC duties that night at Enzian Theater I sat next to Tony onstage while you manned the lectern. You handled the rowdy crowd perfectly letting them enjoy the Bourdain aura in full kilo sized quantities. At one point you turned to me and asked, "So Norman, when did you first meet Tony?" I tried to be as deadpan as possible and replied, "It was in a methadone clinic in New York where we were both drying out". Tony swiveled his body towards me with a 'WTF!!' look. Then he got it. I was fucking kidding. He broke out laughing his ass off. That bit of theater brought us closer together than ever. As well as you and me. Cheers my Friend. Glad you opened up your Diner.
I'll have warm water oysters with you anytime. : )
There are some good ones being farm-raised in the Indian River these days -- IROCS and Shark Bites. They go for about a buck a shell. I need to buy me a coupla hundred...