"Lawrence Leichtman" > wrote in message
...
> In article <lc30j.609$oL5.602@trnddc05>,
> "James Silverton" > wrote:
>
>> Lawrence wrote on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:04:33 -0500:
>>
>> ??>> Really? Because you recommend them, I will seek them out
>> ??>> and try them. To date, I've not been convinved of the
>> ??>> qualities of East Coast oysters -- not enough flavor for
>> ??>> me, and too 'sandy' tasting (not texture). But then, have
>> ??>> not had Virginia Beach oysters - only Long Island and
>> ??>> Maryland.
>> ??>>
>> ??>> I prefer the cold, clear water oysters of New Zealand,
>> ??>> Tomales Bay and, expecially, Washington State.
>> ??>>
>> ??>> As for Gulf oysters .... yuk ....
>> ??>>
>> ??>> On 2007-11-18 12:01:50 -0800, Lawrence Leichtman
>> ??>> > said:
>> ??>>>
>> ??>>> The once finest oysters in the world are again being
>> ??>>> harvested in the Lynnhaven River here in Virginia Beach.
>> ??>>> They don't know how long they will allow the harvest to
>> ??>>> continue but I have only heard tales of these oysters as
>> ??>>> harvesting them has been banned for 25-30 years due
>> ??>>> to pollution.
>>
>> I'd dispute the title of "best"! I liked Chincoteague oysters,
>> also from the Chesapeake, but I haven't seen them in years.
>>
>> James Silverton
>> Potomac, Maryland
>>
>> E-mail, with obvious alterations:
>> not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not
>
> As with everything best is relative to one's taste. I have never had
> these so best is strictly based on previous reputation. I don't mean to
> get anyone's panties in a wad over this but this is an exciting
> development as this river and estuary has been too polluted to use for
> anything eating wise in a lot of years. This cleanup is a fluke of a low
> rain season and the concerted effort of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
> and they should be congratulated. I have an order in for them and will
> give them the taste test. My favorites normally come from Portland and I
> have never seen New Zealand oysters on a menu at any place I have been
> so I can't say one way or the other I like them.

The New Zealand oysters I tasted were the very best I've ever had, and the
most expensive. I suppose the 12,000 mile journey might have had something
to do with the cost. They were a bit like Kumamoto oysters but with bigger
flavors, a fireworks display for the mouth.