day · fixed · day 10 of 365

National Oysters Rockefeller Day

With its rich and creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and herbs, this dish is a decadent treat for seafood lovers.

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Drive January traffic to seafood restaurants and specialty food retailers by positioning Oysters Rockefeller as a luxe, heritage-rich dish worth celebrating.

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'Taste 135 years of history: Celebrate Oysters Rockefeller Day with the iconic 1889 New Orleans classic'
'From escargot shortage to culinary legend: How one restaurant created an iconic dish'
'DIY Oysters Rockefeller: Impress your guests with this elegant butter-herb-spinach masterpiece'
'Where to find the best Oysters Rockefeller near you this January'

History

Oysters Rockefeller is a dish that was created in 1889 in the city of New Orleans. It was developed when Jules Alciatore, son of founder Antoine Alciatore, was looking for a solution to the shortage of escargot.

The restaurant had been specializing in dishes made with snails, but the lack of scarcity of these brought about the need to be creative with other types of seafood.

The result was this dish where oysters on the half shell are topped with a rich sauce made of butter, green herbs and breadcrumbs. Then the dish is baked or broiled and finally served with lemon wedges as a garnish. The sauce has sometimes been made with spinach, lending its color to the dish’s traditional rich green.

As most people would guess, Oysters Rockefeller was named after the New York mogul who was the richest man in America and the world’s first billionaire.

No one really knows if John D. Rockefeller ever even tried the dish, but it was named after him because of the fact that Oysters Rockefeller is also extremely rich. And perhaps the green color inspired the name in its association with dollar bills.

First celebrated in 2017 in New Orleans at the iconic Antoine’s Restaurant where the dish first got its start, Oysters Rockefeller Day was founded to pay honor and respect to this delicious and unique seafood dish.

How to celebrate

Enjoy Oysters Rockefeller

The obvious choice for celebrating Oysters Rockefeller Day is to eat a delicious serving of this dish. Those who have never tried it might want to head out to a seafood restaurant that serves Oysters Rockefeller and order it off the menu. Some other restaurants might even be serving the dish as a special part of celebrating the day. For those who aren’t sure about how to eat them, Oysters Rockefeller is eaten with a small fork because they are cooked. Raw oysters, on the other hand, are eaten without a fork, simply by sliding them into the mouth.

Try Making Oysters Rockefeller Center at Home

In the case that there are no nearby restaurants that serve this seafood dish, or simply because it might be fun to try something new in the kitchen, celebrate Oysters Rockefeller Day by trying to make them at home. Source some oysters from a local seafood shop and then find a recipe on the internet. The list of ingredients needed for making Oysters Rockefeller is fairly simple. Onion, butter, spinach, Romano cheese, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Mix melted butter with the rest of the ingredients and make into a sauce. Pour onto the top of oysters on the half shell and bake or broil, then serve with a lemon wedge. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the day!

FAQ

Did John D. Rockefeller actually like Oysters Rockefeller?

No, he reportedly didn’t care for the dish or the association. Jules Alciatore named it after Rockefeller due to the dish’s rich flavor, symbolizing the wealth associated with the Rockefeller name. Ironically, Rockefeller himself was unimpressed by the oysters and never endorsed the dish.

What unique ingredients have chefs used to recreate the Oysters Rockefeller sauce?

While the original recipe remains a secret, many chefs experiment with variations. Some use spinach, cream, or bacon, though these weren’t part of the original. Others add a Mornay sauce made with Gruyère cheese. Each twist gives a new spin, but many insist the original recipe contains no spinach.

Why is National Oysters Rockefeller Day celebrated on January 10?

Antoine’s Restaurant chose January 10 to commemorate its enduring legacy. The date doesn’t correspond to any particular event in history, but it ensures a warm welcome during New Orleans’ festival season, which peaks from winter to Mardi Gras.

Are there any myths about eating oysters, especially Oysters Rockefeller?

Yes! One common myth is that oysters are only safe to eat in months with an “R.” While historically true, modern refrigeration makes oysters safe year-round. This superstition doesn’t apply to cooked dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, making January 10 an ideal time for feasting.

What famous person’s reaction to Oysters Rockefeller became a legendary quote?

During his 1937 visit to New Orleans, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dined on Oysters Rockefeller. New Orleans Mayor Robert Maestri famously asked, “How you like dem erstas, Mr. President?” The comment, a nod to the local Yat accent, became an endearing phrase.

Do people outside the U.S. celebrate National Oysters Rockefeller Day?

Yes! Though it originated in New Orleans, seafood lovers worldwide enjoy this holiday. In Paris, some restaurants recreate the dish with local oysters, and in Sydney, food festivals sometimes include it as a tribute to American culinary creativity.

How many oysters are served annually at Antoine’s Restaurant for this holiday?

Antoine’s serves thousands of Oysters Rockefeller each January 10. Since its creation in 1889, the restaurant has served over five million Oysters Rockefeller, making it one of the most popular items on its menu year-round.

What’s a good pairing for Oysters Rockefeller?

Oysters Rockefeller pairs wonderfully with Champagne, which enhances the rich butter and herbal flavors. A crisp Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc also works well, complementing the dish’s briny taste without overpowering the herbs.

What unusual ways do people celebrate National Oysters Rockefeller Day?

Some cities hold oyster-eating contests or host oyster recipe competitions. Others promote oyster reef restoration as part of the celebration, linking environmental awareness with the love of oysters.

What’s the most surprising health benefit of oysters?

Oysters can change their gender throughout their lives! Beyond their nutritional benefits, they contribute to reef health and marine ecosystems. Their ability to filter water makes oysters both healthy to eat and essential for the environment.