Freshest shellfish around in Westcott Bay!

The other day, during our travels to San Juan Island, we had the pleasure of experiencing the newly resurrected Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

After many years of visiting the farm but always having to prioritize their respective career obligations, Erik and Andrea Anderson were dismayed to see the farm decline due to years of neglect.

Just this past year, the stars aligned and they were given the opportunity to purchase and renovate the farm, offering fresh oysters, mussels and clams right out of the waters of Westcott Bay. They are one of the few small, family-run aquaculture farms in the San Juan Islands, emphasizing a hands-on approach to responsible and sustainable farming.

We set anchor in Westcott Bay and dinghyed over to the long wooden dock that extends into Westcott Bay from the farm property. After securing our dinghy at their floating dock we walked the dock to visit the farm. It is a small operation, comprised of an office/retail building, the shellfish holding structure, and a pleasant area with seating and picnic tables. The shellfish beds were spread along the beach shore and further into the waters of Westcott Bay.

We were greeted by Sam, who was very knowledgeable and informative, helping us collect an assortment of oysters and clams. We shucked our fresh oysters at the tables, helping ourselves to complementary lemon and tabasco. After the first oyster however, we realized no additional flavoring was required! There is nothing quite like enjoying oysters in their natural state pulled fresh from cold, local waters on a beautiful summer day!

Back aboard the boat for dinner, we sautéed the clams with white wine, butter, garlic and capers served over linguini pasta. Fabulous!

Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. is located at 904 Westcott Drive, Friday Harbor, WA and is open daily from 11:00am – 5:00pm from now through Labor Day. They can be reached by car or boat.

http://www.westcottbayshellfish.com/home.html

Their phone number is 360.378.2489. If you enjoy fresh shellfish, this is about as fresh as it gets!