Love, love, love the idea of a “welcome to fall” Oyster Party at Hog Island.  Days don’t get much better than this… great friends, great food, great atmosphere, great location – I could go on.    Being the control freak organized person I am, heading out into the fray without a fully fleshed-out party agenda for this event was a little daunting.  To plan or not to plan, that is the question.  However, there is something to be said for throwing caution to the wind and heading out on the open road, agenda be damned.  And that euphoric feeling  when everything comes together so perfectly…

What constitutes a party?  For some unknown reason, in my minds eye balloons and cake always make an appearance.  But when you distill the day down to the memories that stay with you, it’s all in the  company you keep.  Sharing and caring is what matters most… and good food.

When our best girl Jen advised that she had reserved our place at the coveted Hog Island Oyster Farm on Tomales Bay, September couldn’t arrive soon enough.  But, good things come to those who wait, and everyone has to wait for a spot at Hog Island – their picnic tables book about 3 months out during  peak summer season.

So we waited, all the while partaking in many fair weather activities.  Hiking in the Redwoods.  Driving down the coast.  Sunning ourselves poolside.  And myriad of other summer pastimes.  Then the fateful day was upon us.  Had I neglected to gather the troops so together we could divide and conquer?  Forging ahead solo in the few days leading up to oysterfest, I was determined to make good on the party atmosphere.

Well, it wasn’t a party for anyone in particular, but a celebration of the humble oyster.  So we gathered in honor of our briny friend….

A bit of trivia about his humble beginnings…

In fact, the party came together as if we were planning a spa-day for our good oyster friend; let’s call him Rocky.  Thus we devised some complimentary accessories and fun activities for him to partake in…

Showing up to your party well-dressed is essential; you are the center of attention after all.  Look at all the hand-crafted sauces ensembles to choose from –

Clockwise from top – Alex’s Homemade Salsa, Soy Ginger Chili Sauce (adapted from Matsuhisa Salsa), Cucumber Mignonette, Hogwash, Garlic  Butter

Now that you look your best, Rocky – SURPRISE!!! We invited 250 of your closest friends.

Let’s get this party started!  The picnicking and revelry calls for light refreshments to compliment your sweet briny goodness, and found some info on great wine pairings here…   Also on hand is a selection of crisp lagers and ales.  Belgian ales and moules (& oysters in this case) go hand in hand; one of life’s great pairings.

To show the love and ensure guests of honor and attendees alike could easily navigate their way through the “activities”, we set up a raw (spa) station, a cooked station and a beverage station.  This ensured great flow and no bottlenecks throughout the day.

Now who can go to the spa without doing some time in the sauna?  A little garlic butter will keep those hinges nice and loose…  also a great arena for your Oysters Rockefeller or similar baked & BBQed goodness.

On to a little light workout before lunch.  Try to keep up to this flash in the pan as the temperature rises to the tune of Panko Crusted Oysters courtesy of Alex.

My spidey senses tell me these would be  rather tasty in on Oyster Po’ Boy…  but also delish on their very own.

Look who else showed up to your party!?!  Making a grand entrance are your mollusks in arms, dressed in their own fancy accoutrements;  Mussels in White Wine and Tomato Sauce.

Now that the gang is all here, time to get a little lunch.  Throughout the day, having tasty “flavor profiles” each different from one another creates a perfect menu collage.  Along with the many shellfish flavor profiles, through some sort of divine party god intervention our crew managed to deliver some amazing side dishes to the main attraction.

From Left – Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pine Nuts, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil and Bocconcini, Bulgar Wheat Salad with Fresh Dill, Asian Fusion Coleslaw with Toasted Sesame Oil and Cilantro

What’s surf without the turf?  Much to my delight this lovely flank steak arrived on the scene.  Simply spiced with a pantry staple, Montreal Steak Spice.  Grilled to perfection and topped with a gorgeous Chimichurri sauce that pops with both flavor and color.

**Warning** the below tapenade is deadly.  I can’t say for sure, but it might be laced with crack.  I can’t stop eating the stuff (thanks Diane for sending me home with leftovers  – insert big smiley face here!!)

You may have noticed I sustained a game day injury – an amateur mistake.  Luckily I had Momma A on hand not only to bandage the wound (brand new veggie peeler be damned), but do double time in the kitchen.  Not many emerge from the lair of the kitchen Nazi unscathed – well done Momma A.  Thanks for all of your patience, wisdom and TLC too!

A good day was had by all… well except for Rocky and his buds.  After much merriment and spa-ing, the revelers eventually met their ultimate demise…

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