Po' Boy

by Yvette Jackson
November 18, 2006

HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO.
Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111

The Stand is located at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (north of the Ferry Building) from 8am to 2pm on Saturday.

The Bar is located inside the Ferry Building Marketplace, Shop #11-1.
415-391-7117

The Farm is located on Highway 1 in Marshall, CA, 15 minutes north of Point Reyes Station.
415-663-9218

I love Saturday mornings because of Hog Island Oyster Co. As soon as I’m dressed, I put on my iPod and head down to the Farmer’s Market at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Hog Island oysters have become a weekly indulgence. Located between the north end of the Ferry Building and the water is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market where local vendors display seasonal fruits and organic goods. My first stop is always the Hog Island stand.

On days when the grill is set up, I order a Po’ Boy — a traditional Louisiana sub or sandwich made with French bread (fillings vary) — and enjoy a mix of Atlantic, Kumamoto and Sweetwater oysters on the half shell while I wait. The Po’ Boy consists of lightly grilled oysters on a baguette and is not part of the regular menu at The Bar inside the Ferry Building. The flavor is incredibly fresh. The oysters are harvested that same morning in Tomales Bay, just north of San Francisco. Other offerings include BBQ oysters, Hog Island Manila clams and Hog Island French Hogs — the French species of these oysters are known as belons. You can buy clams and oysters by the dozen and shuck them at home, but don’t forget the Hogwash! Hogwash is the perfect mixture of rice vinegar, shallots, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice that complements the natural succulence of Hog Island shellfish.

I have been on a mission to find a better tasting oyster and nothing comes close. The quality, friendly service and view of the San Francisco Bay make Saturday lunch at the Hog Island Oyster stand a worthwhile experience. To satiate mid-week cravings, there’s the Hog Island Oyster Company bar located just inside the Ferry Building Marketplace. The bar offers a gourmet dining experience 7 days a week. The farm in Tomales Bay sells oysters to go or you can shuck your own on-site at their bayside picnic area.

Yvette Jackson is a sound artist living in San Francisco. She has spent over 10 years exploring the neighborhood restaurants, farmers markets and specialty shops that make up the rich culinary treasures of the Bay Area.

Also in American, Oyster, San Francisco, Seafood