National Oysters Rockefeller Day

National Oysters Rockefeller Day is observed annually on January 10. This food-focused holiday honors one of the most famous appetizers in American history, created in New Orleans. The dish consists of oysters on the half shell topped with a rich, green herb sauce and breadcrumbs before being baked or broiled to a golden finish.

History of National Oysters Rockefeller Day

The dish was invented in 1889 by Jules Alciatore at Antoine’s, a landmark restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. At the time, the restaurant faced a shortage of French snails, which were a staple for their escargot recipe. Alciatore experimented with local Gulf oysters as a substitute, developing a complex green sauce to complement the seafood. The result was so decadent that a diner reportedly remarked the dish was “as rich as Rockefeller,” referring to John D. Rockefeller, the wealthiest man of that era.

Despite its global popularity, the original recipe for Oysters Rockefeller remains a closely guarded secret of the Alciatore family. While most modern versions use spinach to achieve the signature dark green color, the restaurant has stated that the original sauce contains no spinach at all. Culinary historians and lab tests suggest the authentic blend likely utilizes a mix of watercress, green onions, celery, and various herbs pureed with plenty of butter. The holiday was formally established in 2017 to coincide with the 128th anniversary of the dish’s creation.

Why is National Oysters Rockefeller Day important?

This day recognizes a pivotal moment in American Creole cuisine and the ingenuity of 19th-century chefs. Oysters Rockefeller represents a successful transition from traditional European techniques to the utilization of local American ingredients. It helped put New Orleans on the map as a premier destination for fine dining and proved that regional seafood could be presented with the same elegance as imported delicacies.

The holiday also supports the oyster industry, which is a vital part of the economy in coastal regions like the Gulf of Mexico and the Chesapeake Bay. By celebrating this specific preparation, the day encourages consumers to explore cooked oyster dishes, which can be more approachable for those hesitant to eat raw shellfish. It serves as an annual reminder of how a single culinary invention can influence restaurant menus for over a century.

• It celebrates the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States.
• The holiday promotes the consumption of sustainable local seafood.
• It preserves the history of New Orleans’ unique Creole food culture.
• Visualization of the “rich” sauce honors the legacy of American industry.
• The day highlights the importance of keeping culinary traditions and secrets alive.

How to Celebrate National Oysters Rockefeller Day

The most authentic way to celebrate is by visiting Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans to sample the original version. For those who cannot travel, many high-end seafood houses and steakhouses feature the dish as a signature appetizer. When ordering, look for versions that use fresh, high-quality bivalves and a sauce that balances herbal brightness with buttery richness. Pairing the dish with a dry sparkling wine or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the briny flavors of the oysters.

If you are cooking at home, the process involves shucking fresh oysters and nestling them on a bed of rock salt to keep them steady during baking. Prepare a sauce using butter, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped greens like parsley, chervil, or watercress. A splash of anise-flavored liqueur, such as Herbsaint or Pernod, is often used to replicate the complexity of the original secret recipe. Once the oysters are topped and baked at high heat, they should be served immediately while the shells are still hot.

• Order a dozen at a local oyster bar or seafood restaurant.
• Attempt to recreate the secret sauce without using spinach.
• Share a photo of your meal on social media using the holiday hashtag.
• Learn the proper technique for shucking oysters safely at home.
• Host a dinner party featuring classic New Orleans appetizers.

National Oysters Rockefeller Day Dates Table