National Oysters Rockefeller Day

The story

Oysters Rockefeller, a blend of oysters on the half-shell, buttery green sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs, originated in New Orleans in 1889.

Its story begins at Antoine’s Restaurant, founded in 1840 by French immigrant Antoine Alciatore. Decades later, his son Jules faced a culinary crisis: a shortage of escargot. Undeterred, he turned to Gulf Coast oysters, crafting a dish so rich it was named after John D. Rockefeller, the wealthiest man of the era. Jules himself declared, “I know of no other name rich enough for their richness.”

The dish captivated diners with its vibrant green sauce, a mix of puréed vegetables, herbs, and butter. Yet, Jules took the exact recipe to his grave, leaving behind a mystery. While modern versions often use spinach, Antoine’s chefs have denied this repeatedly, keeping the true ingredients under wraps. Lab tests and guesses suggest parsley, celery, chives, and olive oil, but the authentic recipe remains Antoine’s secret.

Oysters Rockefeller has become a culinary legend, with Antoine’s serving over 4 million plates since its creation, each meticulously numbered. In 2017, National Oysters Rockefeller Day was established to celebrate this masterpiece every January 10.

Fun Fact: President Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed Oysters Rockefeller in 1937, famously hearing New Orleans Mayor Robert Maestri ask, “How you like dem erstas?” in a thick accent.