Book review

Oyster Delight

by Jonathan Mite
with illustrations by John Joyce

The definitive guide to enjoying oysters!

74 pages. Published December 2007 by White Seahorse, Inc. (www.whiteseahorse.com). ISBN Number 9780976059073.

"My motto: Eat oysters, love longer," so said Jonathan Mite.

There has never been an oyster book like this one. Guaranteed. It covers just about everything an oyster lover would care to learn about this delectable little devil. Written by a marine biologist who started an oyster hatchery in the West of Ireland and originally used a version of the cookbook to boost sales, it eventually grew to become this entertaining first edition of a most extraordinary definitive guide to everything about oysters. And it is eminently readable, not like a cookbook at all, but informative and entertaining.

Did you ever wonder how to tell a female oyster from a male oyster? Have you been skeptical about the rule of "R" months? Have you been puzzled about the different varieties and where they come from and what they taste like? Have you been intimidated by the thought of shucking? Have you wondered if the legends about aphrodesia are true? Do you want to impress someone in a big way? Your answers are in this book.

Presented with humor and interesting facts and anecdotes, this treatise covers everything from the finding of oysters in prehistoric kitchen middens to the use of oyster shells to pave driveways in Florida. Mouthwatering recipes range from simple grilled or champagne poached oysters to elegant appetizers and stews, fritters and fry. Accompanied by delightful and instructive illustrations, this unusual cookbook is likely to delight the special "oyster lover" in your life.

Available direct from White Seahorse, Inc. for $12.95 plus $5.80 postage & Handling