There are as many definitions of what a raw bar can be as there are raw bars around. Technically, a raw bar is a small restaurant or bar that serves shellfish, and some even offer alcoholic beverages or wine as well as additional food items. Pawley’s Raw Bar fits the definition but our menu is much more than our raw bar offerings. However, the purpose of this blog is to discuss the Raw Bar Selections that we offer at Pawley’s Raw Bar.
The first option on the Raw Bar Selections portion of our menu is Mussels. Mussel is the common name used for a member of several families of bivalve mollusks, from saltwater to freshwater habitats. These groups have in common a shell whose outline is elongated and asymmetrical compared with other edible clams, which are often more or less rounded or oval. Mussels have a very mild ocean flavor with a faintly sweet, mushroom-like undertone. The subtle taste makes them an excellent addition to many dishes, and they take on the character of the other ingredients combined. Mussels are a clean and nutritious source of protein and a great source of omega-three fatty acids, zinc, and folate. Often Mussels are served steamed with a white wine broth. At Pawley’s Raw Bar, you order them by the pound.
Next up on the Raw Bar Selections portion of our menu is Shrimp. Shrimp is a type of seafood consumed worldwide. Often called prawns, even though they belong to different suborders of Decapods, they are often used interchangeably in commercial farming and wild fisheries. In the USA, we rarely use the name prawns. Shrimp offer several health benefits but also contain a high amount of cholesterol. Shrimp are eaten in many different ways. Steamed, chilled, and spiced is a great way to go!
You will also find Crab Legs on the Raw Bar Selections portion of our menu. Crab meat is low in calories and packed with protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle. Crab also contains high omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients play vital roles in improving general health while helping prevent various chronic conditions. Most commonly, you see crab legs served with melted butter and lemon wedges on the side, and they come with a crab cracker to help you get to all the best parts of the meat. At Pawley’s Raw Bar, you can order Crab Legs in ½ or 1-pound offerings.
Little Neck Clams are a widespread mollusk harvested commercially and by sport fishers. They are found along the Aleutian Islands, in parts of the Alaskan coastline, near Cape San Lucas and Baja California. Sometimes referred to as the oyster’s poorer cousin, Little Neck Clams are enjoyed both raw and cooked. They also make great additions to chowders or other cooked preparations. These clams are the smallest and most expensive hard-shell clams. They are typically on the pricey side because the demand far outpaces the supply. Depending on the location the clams are harvested, they can be sweet and juicy or salty, meaty and plump with a slight briny aftertaste. You can order Little Neck Clams by the dozen at Pawley’s Raw Bar.
Next up is Apalachicola Oysters! Unlike traditional oysters, Apalachicola Oysters are warm-water oysters found in the nutrient-rich freshwater flowing from the Apalachicola River. Those nutrients help these oysters grow fat and sweet in the shallow, sandy-bottomed waters aided by an ideal brackishness allowing for plump, salty oysters. These oysters are known for their hearty size and flavorful, salty punch. Enjoy these delicious treats by the dozen or ½ dozen with some hot sauce on the side.
The last item on our list is one of the more common items people think of being served at a “Raw Bar.” Cold Water Selects come from the cold-water temperatures of New England. The cold water slows down the metabolism of the oyster, which helps to produce a slightly crisp yet sweeter oyster than a warmer water oyster. (If you want to know more about oysters, check out our blog from August 2020 here: https://pawleysrawbar.com/2020/08/25/oysters/ ) Order by the dozen or the ½ dozen. These Cold Water Selects are a true Raw bar treat!
The menu at Pawley’s Raw Bar is loaded with many items that don’t fit into the “Raw Bar” category, and we are proud of those items, but we love our Raw Bar offerings just as much, and we think you will too! They taste great, have incredible health benefits, are great to share with friends, and are always worth enjoying! Join us at Pawley’s Raw Bar and find out for yourself!