For pictures of the delicious fresh oysters, please read my blog http://hungryinlondon.com/2011/11/ute-travels-la-boite-a-huitre-or-oysters-in-bordeaux-france/ When visiting France's most famous region for the production of gorgeous red wine,it is worthwhile spending some time in the city that gives this wine its name:Bordeaux. It is the capital of the department Gironde in the region Aquitaine and well over 1 million people live in this beautiful and charming city with a lot of French flair. Bordeaux was built on the banks of the river Garonne and consists of grand historical building which have been immaculately restored. Between majestic boulevards lies the old town with narrow side streets,whole-in-the-wall restaurants,pedestrian zone and excellent shopping. Little wine bars and shops specialized in wines from the region are found virtually on every corner and even if you were not too fond of Bordoulaise full-bodied red wine thus far,you will likely be turned in Bordeaux. This region of France is not only famous for its wines,but also for its oysters. The oysters grow close to the city of Bordeaux at Arcachon bay where the river Gironde meets the sea and and there are few places in France where the time between oyster harvest and having them on your plate is shorter. This was reason enough for me to indulge in an oyster feast at La Boite a Huitres in the center of Bordeaux. This small restaurant famous for its high quality oysters is rustic and no fuss with brusque but efficient service. The emphasis is clearly not on the atmosphere but on the food,and this was exactly what I was there for. A big dinner ahead,we restricted our order to 2 Plateau Degustation, shared between the four of us (EUR27 each). In addition we tried some of the foie gras (EUR14) and a portion of La Saucisse de Campagne (EUR2.5),all washed down with a bottle of lovely Pouilly Fume. What an amazing and simple meal we had! I was not aware until this day that such a variety of oysters exist (shame on me) and that you can actually taste subtle differences between them. The oysters came chilled and perfectly fresh, tasting of ocean,waves and sea-spray served with just some lemon on the side. We also enjoyed the foie gras with the freshly toasted baguette and the excellently seasoned saucisson,although they vanished a bit in comparison to the treasures of the sea. If you are in the area,do drop by there for some huitres between your wine tasting sessions,I bet you won't regret it! read more