If you take the Cal Train into San Francisco, you will exit just a few block walk along the ocean to the Port of San Francisco Pier, founded in 1915, where you will find the ferry building with lines of people who are waiting to be seated in Hog Island Oyster Co., located at 1 Ferry Bldg. Shop 11. Their busy patio offers a view of the ferries taking ocean lovers to Alcatraz, Sausalito and other short trip points of interest. People don’t seem to mind the wait to sit inside Hog Island Oyster Co. or outside overlooking the water (65 seats inside and an additional 65 outside) to sample the renowned fresh seafood menu items, especially the Hog Island Oysters on the half-shell.

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High on the Hog Cocktail

 

The oyster bar mix changes daily and offers a selection of Hog Island Sweetwater (Pacific)Tomales Bay, CA, Hog Island Atlantic (Atlantic) Tomales Bay, CA, Peale Passage (Pacific), Peale Passage, WA, Cold Creek (Pacific), Hood Canal #7, WA, Glacier Point (Pacific) Kachemak Bay, AK, Rappahannock (Atlantic) Topping, VA and more at varying prices. The oyster bar mix offers a choice of 6 oysters for $20.00, 12 oysters for $36.00 or 24 for $64.00 and an outstanding cocktail sauce is available upon request. I found it interesting to know that oysters are comprised of 57 calories, and contain 5.9g protein, 3.3g carbohydrate, 2.1g total fat, 1g zinc and 16.3mcg of vitamin B.

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Oyster Combo Plate

Another must try at this seafood lovers nirvana is a plate of boquerones piquillo aioli, chopped egg, with green herb sauce on a baguette with a Market Greens farmers market salad topped with sherry-dijon vinaigrette. It’s all wonderful with a fresh lemonade, one of their creative crafted cocktails or a magnificent bloody mary, served with pickled vegetables. Bacon lovers might enjoy the special cocktail High on the Hog made with bacon fat washed bourbon, apple cider, molasses, lemon, egg white, angostura and old fashioned bitters. If you are a wine or beer lover, not to worry, they also have a full line of fine wine and beer by the glass or bottle.

Hog Island Bloody Mary

Hog Island Bloody Mary

 

Chef Christopher Laramie heads up the kitchen, where the star of their menu is their own oyster plate, along with grilled squid, sustainable halibut, geoduck clam dishes and more. For hours and menu information visit: www.hogislandoysters.com.

By Bonnie Carroll

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