Oysters and Cheeky Charm at Sea Shanty!
The Great Irish Oyster Revival is well and truly underway, and let me tell you, it’s about time. I mean, I’ve seen films where people have gotten more excited over a paperclip than some would for a plate of oysters. Ridiculous, isn’t it? But fear not, good folks—Sea Shanty in Blackrock is here to save our tastebuds and possibly our social lives with an elevated oyster experience!
The amazing thing about Sea Shanty is that they’re not just serving the usual ‘one type fits all’ oyster. Oh no, they throw you into a delightful conundrum with options that make you feel like a kid in a candy shop—except the candy is a bivalve and you’re a sophisticated adult, who, let’s be honest, shouldn’t be eating candy anyway. You’ve got oysters coming straight from Cromane in Kerry all the way to Achill in Co Mayo. Seriously, they’re running the diplomatic relations of oysters through our mouths. Who knew local produce could unite us over briny goodness!
And here’s the kicker, folks: they’re not getting their oysters from the same tired source that every other restaurant uses. No, they’re like that trendy hipster who won’t stop talking about their artisanal coffee beans; Sea Shanty buys direct from the farms! On the night I visited, I could practically taste the saltwater. I imagine a crab is somewhere waving a tiny flag—in protest or support, who knows.
Now, let’s just take a moment to contemplate their audacity. They’re the sole Irish stockist of Killough Bay oysters and the only Dublin outlet for Woodstown Bay’s gems! That’s more exclusivity than a members-only club, and I’ll have you know that I have attempted to sneak into quite a few of those. My biggest takeaway? My black-tie tuxedo is slightly less versatile than I thought.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in the vicinity of Blackrock, or even if you don’t, the Sea Shanty is worth a trip. Get past the “plenty of fish in the sea” mentality; we’re talking about oysters that have traveled across the coast just for you! Plus, the local following is loyal, which means the charm is not in short supply. Grab a dozen—your taste buds deserve a vacation! Just remember to wash it down with something nice; you wouldn’t go back to your ex with a mouthful of seaweed, would you?
Ladies and gentlemen, gather around as we dive headfirst into a culinary adventure that’s exciting enough to make a seagull drop its fish! Sea Shanty in Blackrock is like the new kid on the block who doesn’t just wear the latest trainers but brings an entire new game to the schoolyard.
You see, this eatery isn’t just about your average oyster. Oh no, they’ve flipped the script! While many restaurants treat oysters like leftovers from a sad seaside picnic, Sea Shanty treats them like royalty—each arriving with a backstory that could rival that of a soap opera character. Direct from Cromane? Check. A VIP pass to Killough Bay? Double-check! You might as well be at an oyster red carpet event.
And let’s be honest, who could resist the idea of tasting something so fresh that it could still be debating whether to swim or not? This is not your mother’s oyster; this is artisanal seafood with a bit of cheeky panache that would make even your local pub jealous!
So, while you’re sitting there contemplating how you’ve yet to try a Coromandel Oyster (and why on earth did I even know that name?), just remember: Sea Shanty is here to elevate your palate, one briny bite at a time. Don’t just stand there, folks—dive in and get a taste of the ocean without needing a kayak!
Our culinary critic delights in the innovative menu at a beloved eatery in Blackrock that has cultivated a dedicated local customer base.
Sea Shanty has taken over the upstairs space at Conway’s Bar in Blackrock, elevating the dining scene with its distinct offerings. Photo: Frank McGrath
The Great Irish Oyster Revival is well and truly underway, signifying a remarkable resurgence in the appreciation of these delectable bivalves. Restaurants across the country are showcasing dressed oysters as a snack, suggesting that they are a staple menu item.
Sea Shanty in Blackrock distinguishes itself by sourcing oysters directly from farms, a practice that ensures freshness and quality. On our visit, the restaurant presented an impressive selection of oysters, hailing from various renowned locations including Cromane in Kerry, Killough Bay in Co Down, Woodstown Bay in Co Waterford, Cooley in Co Louth, Connemara in Co Galway, and Achill in Co Mayo, making it a unique destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Interview with Chef Aoife Kelly of Sea Shanty
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Aoife! Sea Shanty seems to be making quite a splash in Blackrock. What inspired you to create this unique oyster experience?
Aoife Kelly: Thanks for having me! The inspiration really came from my love for the ocean and the incredible produce Ireland has to offer. I noticed that many restaurants were serving oysters that felt generic, so I wanted to change that. At Sea Shanty, each oyster has its own story, and we focus on sourcing directly from local farms, from Cromane in Kerry to Achill in Mayo. It’s a celebration of what’s available right on our doorstep!
Interviewer: That approach certainly seems to resonate! I hear you’re the sole Irish stockist of Killough Bay oysters—what makes them special?
Aoife: Absolutely! Killough Bay oysters are known for their unique flavor, which comes from the rich waters of the bay. Each oyster is carefully nurtured, and you can really taste the difference. By offering oysters that are less commercial and more handcrafted, we elevate the whole dining experience. It’s about quality over quantity!
Interviewer: You mentioned the stories behind each oyster. Can you share a memorable one?
Aoife: Oh, definitely! I remember tasting an Achill oyster on the farm, and the farmer shared how they make sure each oyster is raised in the perfect conditions. After hearing how much passion goes into what they do, it felt like more than just food; it was a slice of coastal life. Our guests often comment on how fresh and lively the oysters taste, and that’s because they come with a backstory.
Interviewer: With such exclusive offerings, do you think Sea Shanty can change people’s perceptions of oysters?
Aoife: I believe so! Many people have preconceived notions about oysters being an acquired taste or just for special occasions. We aim to make them approachable and exciting. Oysters can be fun, and enjoying them with friends—paired with the right drink—can be a wonderful social experience. We want people to realize that there’s a whole world of flavor waiting to be explored in a humble bivalve!
Interviewer: What’s next for Sea Shanty? Any new plans?
Aoife: We’re always looking for ways to innovate. We plan to introduce themed tasting nights, focusing on different regions or styles of oysters. Plus, we want to involve our customers in the sourcing process, maybe even organizing farm visits. It’s all about creating that connection between the food on their plates and the waters off our coast.
Interviewer: That sounds fantastic! Thank you for your time, Aoife. We can’t wait to see how Sea Shanty continues to evolve and delight our taste buds!
Aoife: Thank you! We’re excited to share our love of oysters with everyone. Hope to see you at Sea Shanty soon!
Y that truly enhances the experience.
Interviewer: That’s such a powerful connection to the sea and local farming! How do you select the oysters that end up on your menu?
Aoife: Each selection is a labor of love. We regularly collaborate with local farmers to ensure we have the freshest oysters available. I personally visit the farms to taste and choose the best oysters, making sure they meet our standards of quality and flavor. The goal is to create a diverse menu that highlights the unique profiles of each region’s oysters.
Interviewer: It sounds like your passion and dedication really shine through at Sea Shanty. For someone who may be new to oysters, what would you recommend they try?
Aoife: I would suggest starting with our sampler platter. It includes a selection from each of our sourced regions, allowing you to experience the subtle differences in flavor and texture. We also serve them with a variety of accompaniments that enhance the natural brininess, making it a perfect introduction to the world of oysters.
Interviewer: With such a strong focus on oysters, does your menu feature any other seafood delicacies?
Aoife: Absolutely! While oysters are our star, we also love incorporating other local seafood into our dishes. We offer everything from creatively prepared fish to delicious shellfish, all showcasing the freshest ingredients and flavors of the Irish coastline. Our goal is to provide a true taste of the sea in every dish.
Interviewer: It sounds delightful! Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Aoife. We’re excited to see how Sea Shanty continues to make waves in the culinary scene!
Aoife: Thank you! We’re thrilled to be a part of the Blackrock dining experience and can’t wait to welcome more food lovers to enjoy our offerings!
