Two of my cousins got married within the span of a week this past summer—Cousin Kristine got hitched in San Diego first, followed by Cousin Andrew tying the knot in Sonoma. While in Northern California for Andrew’s big day, I planned several notable meals along the way including stops at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, SHED in Healdsburg, and Hog Island Oyster Co. in Marshall. The latter was one of my favorite meals of the year.
A few weeks prior to the trip, I secured reservations for “The Boat”—a full-service restaurant perched on the shores of Tomales Bay. Sun-soaked and perfectly convivial, the dining “room” could not be beat. I mean, look at this view and crowd.
To start, a fantastic loaf of locally-made Brickmaiden Bread ($6) served with Achadinha cultured butter made from goat’s milk, cow’s milk, and Kefir.
Next up were half-a-dozen Hog Island Sweetwaters served with Hog Wash and lemons ($19). Luscious and briny, the oysters were so good that we ordered another half dozen straightaway.
Quite possibly even better than the raw oysters were the meatier barbecued ones topped with chipotle bourbon garlic butter and grilled ’til cooked through (4 for $16). The Astronomer and I thoroughly adored this sweet and spicy preparation and had to get another four to share.
Rounding out our lunch was the Charcuterie Board for two ($17), a lovely assortment of Fatted Calf spicy soppressata and salami, La Quercia caraway-spiced prosciutto, cornichons, fennel pollen mustard, and Cowgirl Creamery sea salt and olive oil crackers.
And finally, a serving of the County Line Greens ($10), a thoughtfully composed salad of Dapple Dandy pluots, mint, Thai basil, red onion, and a Saigon vinaigrette.
Making our way to Hog Island at Tomales Bay was a bit of a trek, but the food and surroundings made the excursion more than worth it. Gotta say, Hog Island is my newly discovered happy place. I can’t wait to return.
—
Hog Island Oyster Co.
20215 Shoreline Highway
Marshall, CA 94940
Phone: 415-663-9218
One year ago: The Arthur J – Manhattan Beach
Two years ago: Slacker.
Three years ago: N/Naka – Los Angeles
Four year ago: {swoon} Grilled Cheese with Pastrami at The Hat
Five years ago: “Old Chengdu Traditional Dishes” at Dan Dan Tian Shui Mian – Chengdu
Six years ago: Umami Burger – Pasadena
Seven years ago: Son of a Gun – Los Angeles
Eight years ago: Crest Cafe – San Diego (Hillcrest)
Nine years ago: Maple Bacon Biscuits
Ten years ago: Phở Hòa- San Diego
Eleven years ago: Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice
Twelve years ago: Jim ‘N Nick’s – Birmingham