Once regarded as a highfalutin food, oysters have been making their way into the mainstream recently. Even though Calgary is a landlocked city, Calgarians seem to have endless cravings for the pearl-producing mollusc. Now, you can treat yourself to this delicacy every weekday without putting a dent in your wallet.
Monday
Big Fish Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – 2 for 1 oysters by the dozen
Big Fish, a member of the Oceanwise program, offers six kinds of fresh oysters every day of the week but on Mondays they are 2 for 1. All oysters are served with house ponzu (a Japanese soy sauce), caper chive migonette and a four-chili cocktail. (1112 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-277-3403, big-fish.ca, @rangefish)
Tuesday
National – $1 per oyster
Since it opened, National has solidifed itself as one of the best places in Calgary to go for oysters. In many offices, strings of emails are sent out every Tuesday to see who’s going to Buck a Shuck. Served with fresh horseradish, mignonette and hot sauce, oyster aficionados need to check out National’s offerings. Smoked oysters are also available. (550 17th Ave. S.W., 403-229-0226, ntnl.ca, @ntnl_17ave)
Wednesday
Catch & The Oyster Bar – Chef’s Choice, 1/2 half dozen oysters for $13
Catch’s oyster menu is simply mouthwatering. Serving both cold and hot versions, you should really try Avenue magazine’s top seafood restaurant of 2013. Located on Stephen Avenue, it makes a divine middle-of-the-week dinner. (100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-206-0000, hyatt.com/gallery/catch, @CatchCalgary)
Thursday
ParkerHouse Grill & Wine Bar – $1 oysters after 4 p.m.
Freshly shucked oysters are offered up for a buck a piece at the end of Thursday’s workday at the ParkerHouse. (131 6 Ave. S.W., 403-237-9585, parkerhouse.ca, @ParkerHouseCa)
Friday
The Embarcadero – $1.25 featured oyster all day
A lengthy list of both Atlantic and Pacific oysters makes The Embarcadero a great choice for the oyster connoisseur, promising at least six varieties every day. (208 17 Ave. S.E., 403-263-0848, edsrestaurant.com, @EmbarcOysterbar)