Row 34 – Number 41

We decided to just rock up to Row 34 in Boston, a beer bar and (seafood orientated) restaurant.  This is one huge restaurant and, on a Wednesday evening it was full.  The bar area is on a first come first serve basis and fortunately, we only had to wait 15 minutes.  It also states that it’s ‘professionals only’, but we’re not sure what that means exactly…is it a subtle way of saying no children?  or professional drinkers only?

I’m normally a big fan of a glass of wine with a meal, but Bar 34 is definitely all about the beer.  Over 20 beers on draft as well as bottles and cans.  It would be rude not to partake when there is such a great selection.

Food – Boston is a great place to have oysters, in fact probably the best place we’ve ever been to.  There’s a great selection, they are local, fresh and have a really amazing flavour; sweet with a taste of the sea.
Two decisions?  Toppings or no?  To swallow or to chew.  Regarding the first, I personally prefer my oyster ‘au naturel’ as I love that the taste is exactly like that seaside smell when you just take a deep sniff and go ‘aah…I can smell the sea’.  The options if you do want to top; vinegars, horseradish, tabasco, and champagne (recommended by Clark’s Mum and a very pleasant addition).  It’s a case of trying and seeing what you like.  Regarding the chew or no chew, I have tried both.  The first time I encountered oysters I was told that you should just slide them back.  No chewing, just swallow, which I did and was OK.  But Clark and I both agree that there really is only one option.  Chew.  I mean, what’s the point if you just swallow it?  You don’t really get the taste, certainly not the differences between the varieties of oysters, and just imagine what your stomach has to deal with when it comes to digestion…there’s a reason you’re supposed to chew your food.  The texture is not for everyone and I guess that’s why some people don’t chew.  But if you don’t like it when you chew, maybe it’s not for you or you just don’t like them, so move on and order something else.  No biggie.