If you’ve been reading theoysterblog, it should come as no surprise that I really l love oysters, no matter what time of the day. Although I have yet to enjoy them first thing in the morning, there have been several occasions during which I absolutely had to have them in the late hours of the night. I like to refer to this as my dear and beloved late night oyster. Although technically the same provision no matter what time of the day, it takes on a whole new meaning, and with that experience, when eaten past a certain hour.

Two weeks ago-Friday. After several hours of drinking wine and schmoozing with friends, I started to get a little bit hungry. But unlike the usual draw towards Pizza experienced by most, mine was for oysters. Only a few blocks away from the infamous Momofuku Ssam Bar, I decided why not have some oysters with a side of pork bun. So after some soliciting, I found the foodie among my friends, and off we were to see if Momofuku was just as good at 1am as it is during regular dining hours. Indeed it was!  With a menu created by the culinary genius David Chang (Im a fan), we soon realized that oysters and a pork bun were not going to cut it. And so we proceeded to order a half dozen Mittaki, which were fresh and delightful, the uni appetizer, their special braised pork belly bun, and the spicy pork sausage and rice cakes. All were unsurprisingly delicious and satisfying. Only problem with dining late night at Momofuku Ssam Bar, is when you’ve had a few glasses of wine, eating the red chili pepper seems like a good idea.

Turns out a weekend is made up of two nights…next up: Saturday

After drinks and a few small plates at the newly opened Hurricane Club, my friend decided to host an impromptu gathering at her apartment. Where there is people and drinks, there must be food. So with that, the decision was made to order from the “healthy” pizza place in the neighborhood. We should have known better. Eating the stale crust, and what could not have possibly been real cheese, it was time to correct this dining mistake. There was only one way-Oysters! . However, at this point, it was already 3am, and the only place in NYC that has oysters and gourmet food at this hour is Blue Ribbon Brasserie, or so I had heard. What perfect opportunity to confirm what I had always thought was an urban legend. We were now on a mission, and not even the freezing cold rain outside was going to stop us.  Upon arrival, circa 345, we were told there was a wait for a table. I guess other New Yorkers had the same idea. And then the words that no one wants hear, “last call”. Luckily for us, we were seated shortly after and quickly put in our order for a dozen oysters, steak tartare, escargot, and of course their indulgent beef bone marrow with oxtail marmalade.

Needless to say, it was quite the late night foodie weekend. Craving oysters past a certain hour can lead to dangerously good dining adventures.

Momofuku Ssam Bar

207 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-7773

Blue Ribbon

97 Sullivan St
New York, NY 10012-3663
(212) 274-0404