The Oyster Guide

A Stellar Bay is a larger Kusshi. Same grower (Keith Reid), same spot (Deep Bay), same species (Pacific), same process (aggressive tumbling), but a Stellar Bay is allowed to get a little larger. Not huge, mind you, just big enough to fill the mouth. Open a Stellar Bay and what immediately strikes you is the bountiful amplitude of its white flesh, which practically spills out of the shell. It doesn’t exactly look natural, but it’s compelling all the same. It’s due to all that tumbling, which retards shell growth but doesn’t stop the oyster from growing and pushing against the inside of the shell. What you get in a Stellar Bay or a Kusshi is more meat than you expect, a terrifically deep cup, and very little liquor (no room!). A top choice for those who prefer mild oysters.

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