practicing the refined art of no restraint

I ate well this weekend. Quite well. I ate and drank quite well.

hot & dirty martini

pomegranate-acai margarita

salmon sashimi salad with cucumber, shallot, mint, and lime-mustard dressing

rice vermicelli, sliced salmon, coconut milk, cilantro

surprise! mermaid oyster bar

During our Senior year at Loyola College (now University) in Baltimore, there was an Alumni Event called the "Bull and Oyster Roast." While I can't really explain the Bull part, the Oyster part is pretty self explanatory. A semi-formal night with a seemingly endless supply of fresh shucked oysters, lemon wedges, and cocktail sauce. I say seemingly because the majority of them were consumed by none other than our best friend, Megan, who threw back more oysters than any one human being should be able to consume in one sitting.

Love you, Megan.

So what better way to celebrate her Birthday than with a surprise celebration at Mermaid Oyster Bar? The adorably beachy and nautical raw bar and restaurant that opened up a few months ago on MacDougal.

SURPRISE!

Unoaked Chardonnay for the table.

An assortment of East and West Coast Oysters.

Steamers.

Lobster Sandwich.

Fish Tacos (a total pass, fyi).

Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich.

Chocolate Pot de Crème

How NOT to take a photo.

Every night before 7pm, Mermaid Oyster Bar offers $1 oysters of the server's choice. So more often than not, you'll be able to find Megan and I (and whoever else is tagging along) cozied up to the front bar, throwing back oysters, sipping on a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and secretly keeping track of just how many oysters the girl can take down.

Mermaid Oyster Bar

79 MacDougal St.

FOOD: 37

SERVICE: 29

LOOK: 19

VIBE: 9

FINAL GRADE: 94