Oyster lovers should take the drive to downtown LA this weekend to celebrate the festival that features the delicious mollusk. The gala is known as the DTLA Oyster Festival and it is currently taking place through Sunday at Grand Central Market.
The DTLA Oyster Festival began in 2015 by Christophe Happillon, Los Angeles’ only Maitre Écailler (Shellfish Master) and owner of The Oyster Gourmet. It is held every October near the Oyster Gourmet bar in Grand Central Market. Because of the successful run of the first two festivals, The DTLA Oyster Festival is now held every year.
I attended the event on Saturday. By 11 a.m., every oyster farmer had their wares on ice. I liked the fact that the playing field was level set. Each vendor had a similar sign with the name of their company and their geographic location. Further, pricing was standardized at $3 for one, $15 for six and $25 for a dozen oysters.
I had an opportunity to talk to some of their farmers. It was interesting to hear about each of their distinctive “merroir” or taste that distinguishes oysters grown in different waters.
Sanctuary Oysters from Baja California 
Chincoteague Oysters from the Chesapeake Bay
This year’s six participating farms include:
- Sanctuary (Baja California)
- Chincoteague (Chesapeake Bay, Virginia)
- Paradise Cove (British Columbia, Canada)
- Stormy Bay (Delaware Bay, New Jersey)
- Clausen Oysters (Coos Bay, Oregon)
- Chelsea Farms (Olympia, Washington)
I actually enjoyed all of the oysters I tried. There were definite differences in taste and density. The Chelsea Gem oysters were delicate, sweet and had a medium cucumber taste. On the other hand, the Clausen “Moon Rock” oysters were mild with a slight brine. The most unusual was the Sanctuary; the brine was so pronounced, I felt like I could smell the ocean breeze.
Wine pairing with the oysters is available at only $10 a glass. I was quite pleased with my French sparkling wine.
Metro: take the red or purple line to Pershing Square. Exit at 4th Street.
Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
grandcentralmarket.com