Direct from the KBC Kitchen

Oysters Update This Eastern Seaboard Classic

According to legend, the recipe for clams casino was originally developed during the 19th century at Little Casino, an upscale resort for the social elite in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It remains a very popular dish to this day, appearing on almost every menu in Rhode Island. It is also very popular with Italian-Americans, holding a permanent spot on just about every trattoria menu in Little Italy, Manhattan.

In New Orleans, however–home of the infamous Oysters Rockefeller–“oysters” are substituted for clams.

If you love raw oysters, you’ll also love this rich and flavorful “Grilled Oysters Casino” recipe; and if oysters have never been your thing, then “Grilled Oysters Casino” is a gateway recipe that will turn you into a fan.

Direct From the KBC Kitchen

History of Oysters Rockefeller

There is a bit of controversy over the original recipe for Oysters Rockefeller. What we do know is that it was invented by Jules Alciatore. He was the second-generation proprietor of Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans. What we don’t know, however, is what exactly went into the original dish—just that there was a wealth of bright green herbs. We know also that it got its name from the fact that it was “green” (like money) and “rich” with flavor, which suggested wealth—like John D. Rockefeller himself.

In today’s recipes, we find a host of impostors that received their inspiration from the original Oysters Rockefeller recipe. These recipes may have ingredients that mask oysters in Parmesan cheese, parading around with pale artichoke hearts, or cavorting with anchovy paste.

Here is our favorite recipe for Oysters Rockefeller from one of KBC’s founders, Jeff Myers.