Cold War Oyster Weekend

Saturday, Ian and I headed up to Point Reyes/Tomales Bay and the Hog Island Oyster Farm. I have been dying to do this, but it always seemed like a boyfriend-y trip to do. Obviously, boyfriends aren't clamoring at my door and I can't wait around for one to do this stuff, so was psyched when Ian organized an excursion.

After waking up at 6am, and frantically frosting cookies for Misty's birthday, I made a mignonette, a veggie spread from some left over ratatouille and a salad, hopped in the car, got my oil changed and picked up Ian. I forgot the directions which cuts out most of Route 1, which was sad, but we got there just in time for our picnic table reservation.

Hog Island is where they grow the oysters for their oyster bar in the Ferry building and they have about 8-10 picnic tables available to have a little picnic setup. It's recommended that you reserve a table so you can have it all day etc. They also have BBQ pits, so you can see, it can be a well-rounded day. We got our snacks setup and Ian got the charcoal started for some BBQ'd bi-valves later on. There was a large group there too who had 3 tables and reminds me that I am definitely having a birthday or a "just because" party there soon!

Hez dresses the salad rockstar style

I am a relative newcomer to oysters. Not ever a big fan of them (even tho I own my own shucker!) until about a year ago when I discovered the mignonette. This is a vinegar based "sauce" seasoned with herbs and onion-y things. I think cocktail sauce was what kept me from appreciating the oyster. I like it but really only on shrimp. The mignonette is so fresh and light and really allows you to enjoy the taste and the creaminess of the oyster. This is my recipe which I first had at Hog Island in the ferry building and immediately recreated, only to find out later that they had a recipe on their website, they call it "hog wash." I don't use exact measurements because I am that kind of girl.

Some rice wine vinegar
Some seasoned rice wine vinegar
Shallots
Jalepeno
Cilantro
Lime juice

After gorging ourselves on FIFTY sweetwaters and kumamotos, two of Ian's friends showed up. He sent out an email saying 1pm and they got to us at 3pm? Or 4? I have no idea since I went off my diet and Ian and I had consumed two bottles of some fabulous Sancerre-like wine by that point. It definitely made for some interesting driving on the way home...on Route 1...

Question: Can a driver get carsick?
Answer: Yes.

Luckily my uber-fabulous German friend, Nicol, had sent me a package that I grabbed at the post office on the way to Ians and it was loaded with too numerous to count Milka bars, of which Ian and I consumed on the drive home. The sugar did me good and there REALLY goes my diet.

I got home, sang metal at the top of my lungs, ( you KNOW I was buzzed and by buzzed I mean wasted) and had a mere half hour to get ready to head out to Misty's birthday celebration. Did my hair, picked out my clothes, ate more chocolate, packed up Misty's cookies, sent some drunk emails (sorry Dawn, Nez, Nicol!) and left for the Lucky 13.

Drove around forEVER looking for parking then scored a spot right out front. Managed to not drink at all. We then headed over to Cafe du Nord for the Cold War Kids show.

Now, you know, I don't really like to go see bands that I don't really know. But usually Misty is like: you're going and then it's not so bad. I had reservations tho. There is a trend right now in Indie bands of whiny-voiced singers (Band of Horses, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) and I am not really into that. I have heard a few CWK songs on Bagel Radio and liked them enough. Then last week I asked Willo to slide me some more songs and I listened and was all, eh. Whiny. Even tho I was assured that Nathan was hunky, more specifically, his arms.

I ended up having one beer because Mario accidentally ordered two drinks, made my way to the front to find our people. And actually enjoyed the show! Nathan was not so whiny live and the music made me want to bounce up and down. I will say this: Decemberists? They push folk-rock on unassuming kids. Cold War Kids? I think they are pushing southern revival. Good show tho. Didn't even feel like kicking the ass of the kid in the ear muffs. WTF!?!

Left after the show because soooo tie-tie. Went to bed straightaway even tho I craved spaghetti/toast/potatoes and woke up with the worst hangover ever! How is that possible if I did all my drinking before 5pm? I dont' get it.

Pictures here.