In most other parts of the country, the arrival of winter may conjure culinary images of hearty stews and roasted game dishes designed to fortify the body like a roaring fireplace providing warmth from within. But in New Orleans, instead of warming up over a steamy bowl of gumbo or turtle soup, locals embrace the wintry chill by slurping down ice cold raw oysters, which are at their salty, plump peak during this time of year.

While the oyster bar is a much ...