They say as you get older, your taste buds change and you're able to appreciate the finer things in life (ie, you learn to love the food that previously wanted to make you vom) I'm not fussy at all when it comes to eating, but there are a few select things which have escaped me. I don't like them, and even though I try so damn hard to like them it's just not happening. Perhaps with time? Or maybe it's never meant to be! This list currently includes Olives, Avocado, and Red Wine (to name a few) Until very recently, Oysters were sitting pretty high on that list too.
A couple of weekends ago myself and Ashley headed down to Hutchesons on Ingram street for a few drinks and a catch up. Business is booming for Ashley at the moment as she's just successfully launched her new insurance business - Jack (power to the #GirlBosses out there) so it seemed quite appropriate to celebrate over cocktails and Hutchesons famous friday night Oyster Happy Hour. Whiiiich is actually 2 hours, from 5-7pm every Friday, and you can eat these delectable little goodies for just £1 a pop in the 158 Champagne & Oyster Bar.
I'll cut to the chase - they were delicious! Oysters are essentially just the bigger fancier brother of Mussels (which you already know from a couple of posts back I bloody love) so, what's not to like?! Oh... they're served cold. And em, once I got it into my head that some people slurp them to slide straight down their throat... well I couldn't ignore that image. I didn't want to do the slurping thing, just the thought of it made me feel slightly queasy. But it turns out, you don't have to.
Ashley and I were served Oysters on the rocks, with a side of vinaigrette or tabasco to drizzle on top. I'll be honest, trying my first ever oyster was like taking a shot of some deadly alcohol for the first time. Like I said, I'm not fussy at all when it comes to food, but sometimes when trying new things that have been on 'the list' for a while, I get all nervous. Absolutely nout' to worry about though, they were so tasty, surprisingly filling, and turns out chewing is totally okay. They are essentially just as I'd thought - big, giant, delicious, sassy mussels. With a special side of 'fancy', probably down to the beautiful surroundings and perfect cocktails to match. The presentation was spot on - totally pinterest worthy and the actual oyster shells are down right beautiful. A bit on the small side for a mermaid bra, but a girl can dream, eh?
I just want to take a second to appreciate Ashley's stellar photography, as always (only two of my pictures made the cut for this post!) My cocktail of choice was an Amaretto Sour, a drink I tend to chance my arm and order even if it's not on the menu. A good bar man always knows how to make an Amaretto Sour and this one was textbook perfect. Ashley went for the Parma Violet, one of Hutchesons own creations consisting of Absolut Vodka, Liquer de Violette, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white. Food, drinks and catching up with one of my best friends while celebrating her consistent hard work finally paying off... really makes for the happiest of happy hours. I'll drink to that!
