Every now and then, seafood aficionados in the know whisper about a magical time at Whole Foods Market – the oyster happy hour. Imagine indulging in fresh, succulent oysters for just 69 cents each. This isn’t a myth; it’s a real deal that draws crowds and creates quite a buzz. Held typically between 5 PM and 7 PM, this event is a treasure for those who appreciate quality seafood without breaking the bank. However, the secret is out, and these oysters are incredibly popular. Word on the street is that the daily allocation often vanishes well before 7 PM, with eager oyster lovers starting to line up as early as 4:30 PM.
One adventurous foodie decided to put this happy hour to the test. Heeding the advice of early arrival, they sent a scout ahead to secure a prime position in the queue, arriving to find themselves fifth in line. Shortly after, the team was complete, and by 5 PM, the line snaked its way through the store, a testament to the happy hour’s legendary status. Whole Foods staff, in a thoughtful gesture, distributed small food samples to those waiting, adding a touch of hospitality to the anticipation.
The oyster order was placed – a generous four dozen, totaling a mere $33.12. Adding a bottle of wine to the mix, purchased at retail price with no corkage fee, elevated the experience from a cheap eat to a budget-friendly feast. Venturing to the cafe area with their order number, they soon received half of their impressive haul. The oysters were, in a word, enormous. While the initial plan was ambitious, even seasoned oyster eaters might find four dozen a challenge. Three dozen would likely have been a more manageable, yet still plentiful, serving. A minor drawback was the occasional shell fragment, but at 69 cents an oyster, and considering the speed of shucking to meet demand, this was easily overlooked.
An amusing observation unfolded as the first wave of oyster orders emerged. Some individuals had attempted to claim tables preemptively, believing they could order from their seats at 5 PM. Justice, in the form of happy hour rules, prevailed as these table-squatters were directed to the back of the now considerable line – a line so long they were still waiting as our diners finished their oyster and wine indulgence.
A quick eavesdrop revealed that Whole Foods had allocated 200 dozen oysters for this particular happy hour. Even with this substantial quantity, the demand was clearly high. While the ordering process itself was efficient, the potential bottlenecks were the oyster preparation time and securing a table in the bustling cafe area. However, for incredibly affordable oysters, practically across the street, the experience was undeniably worthwhile, especially with the strategic early arrival.
While the preference might have been to enjoy these fresh oysters at home, the happy hour is designed as an eat-in affair. This policy likely prevents bulk orders intended for private oyster extravaganzas, ensuring fair access for all happy hour attendees. Initially tempted to declare “I’m so there for the next one!”, a quick check revealed the next happy hour was slated for January 30th. The prospect of tackling these monster oysters weekly might be a delicious, but perhaps overly ambitious, commitment.
References
- Original blog post: https://pamperedhousewife.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/happy-hour-oysters-at-whole-foods/
