Oyster

A refreshing starter from Arrows in Ogunquit, Maine.

Stitt likes to use rock salt — the kind used for old-fashioned ice cream churners — as a bed for these oysters because it keeps the shells from tipping and sliding around in the pan and on the plates. Rock salt is sold at many supermarkets, but kosher salt is a good substitute. At the restaurant, Stitt makes this recipe with local Apalachicola oysters, though he also likes the flavor of East Coast varieties such as Blue Point, Pemaquid, and Malpeque, so feel free to use your favorite.

Also try the salsa with some corn bread or scrambled eggs for a spicy treat.

Oysters Rockefeller were created in 1899 by Jules Alciatore of Antoine's in New Orleans to make use of local shellfish and greens. Named for John D. Rockefeller, this classic course is likewise quite rich.

This recipe, part of our Throwback Thanksgiving feature, is from our 1970 issue. Instead of green pepper, add some heat by making this with jalapeño.

Adding oysters and bacon incorporates textural contrasts and bold flavor hits to up the intrigue.