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Some things deserve near maniacal obsession and devotion in order to achieve a perfect result. Rocket science, gymnastics, and oysters all come to mind. Of these three, Casamento’s specializes in those plump bivalves which are so bountiful at the bottom of our local waters. The reward for living a good life as an oyster is to wind up at Casamento’s.
No matter what time of day you dine at Casamento’s, you are likely to encounter a line inside the door. But remain patient. Grab a few bottles of Dixie Beer and make your way to the bar, where you will soon encounter an oyster shucker with a smile wider than a Texas highway. His name is Michael Rogers, but you can call him Champ. Ask for at least a dozen raw. Make your own cocktail sauce. We like two healthy dollops of horseradish, about five splashes of hot sauce, a good squirt of ketchup and a squeeze of lemon.
The oysters this time of year explode in size and flavor. As you stare one down, you may just convince yourself that the oyster is puffing out his chest like a champion rooster in anticipation of a cockfight. Place oyster in mouth. The first sensation—cold and metallic—quickly gives way to an explosion of oyster liquor. Then comes the spiciness of your cocktail sauce. Finally, the finish lingers with briny sweetness. Look down and there is another one waiting for you. Michael is your friend.
By now your table beckons. Start with the gumbo. A rust colored, deeply pungent treasure trove of shrimp and oysters will let you know you are once again eating only in New Orleans. Then order one oyster loaf for every two people in your party. The oysters are fried in lard and piled high on the signature “pan bread,” which is your basic white bread with an atypical lengthwise cut. Dressings are limited to lettuce, tomato, and mayo, but those in the know get extra butter. Luckily, you have miles of parade route to walk. Some house cut fries will come in handy.
Sometimes you will not have the time to wait in line to enjoy Casamento’s. But you have an afternoon or night free, do yourself a favor and head over to Casamento’s. This luck of ours to enjoy fresh, raw oysters does not last forever. In a testament to only serving perfect oysters, Casamento’s closes over the summer.
