Feast and Fluid: Island Creek Oysters at Central Bottle

awesome island creek team, shucking to order

Last night I went back to Central Bottle for their Thursday night Wine Bar, with the extra added bonus of Island Creek Oysters for just $1 each.  The place with packed, and I got to chat with Maureen and meet Nick, another treat. My companion last night commented that “this place has gotten really popular” which is definitely true, but I love that it still doesn’t feel cramped- lively and energetic as it is, there always seems to be room for two more at the bar.

The wine pairings last night were great, starting with a Prosecco and ending with a Gewurztraminer. The sommelier’s recommendation was to test the nose of each wine and then work your way from #1 to #4, trying an oyster with each. Who am I to challenge this excellent plan?

The first, Adami Prosecco ($20/bottle), was probably my favorite, but I love bubbly anyway so that’s a bit of a bias on my part.  Number 2 was a Felluga Friulano ($17), with a mix of minerals and acid that paired extremely well with the oysters. Number 3, La Valentina Pecorino ($18) was my partner’s favorite, but I preferred number 4, the Lageder Gewurtraminer. An unconventional choice with the oysters, it was so smooth, with a clean nose and floral notes, I was not complaining.

One more word about the extremely fresh oysters- they were really phenomenal. The Island Creek team was shucking them to order, and they were the best I’ve ever tasted.

i heart oysters

More food options at Central Bottle Wine Bar nights are a cheese plate or charcuterie board, among others. Frankly, I could make a meal out of just the antipasti there and never have to go out to actual dinner- I just can’t get enough of pretending I’m back in Italy. Last night we went back for a full glass of our favorites from the tasting flight (mine was #2) and chatted the night away.

Oh Central Bottle, I just love you.

The next thing I want to try? Some of Stacey Daley’s food.