National Oysters Rockefeller Day

National Rockefeller Oysters Day is celerated on January 10 anually. At least, that's the story in the words of the chef, who expertly created famous recipes in the French Quarter.

In 1889 in Antoine's famous kitchen, Jules Alciatore developed a recipe for Oysters Rockefeller grilled oysters on a half shell with sauce and breadcrumbs.  A dish so rich that Alciatore admitted that there was no name that is rich enough for their riches.

Besides similar dishes of other restaurants, only Antoine's restaurant founded by Antoine Alciatore, Jules Alciatore's father in 1840 can serve authentic Rockefeller Oysters.  Food Network's Alton Brown even told us on Good Eats that Alciatore buried his recipe.  Others have tried to identify better components without success.  Only Antoine's and his family have the authentic recipe.

Having served more than 3.5 million Oysters Rockefeller orders and counting, Antoine's recipe has stood the test of time and earned rave reviews from food critics.  Since 1889, the restaurant has numbered each dish.  Even today's customers receive a privileged number that identifies their place in the history of Oysters Rockefeller.

History of Oysters Rockefeller Day

In 2017, Antoine founded National Oyster Rockefeller Day to observe the history and longevity.

The National Day Calendar Register approved the date for 2016 and announced the first celebration would be held in 2017.

Why Oysters Rockefeller Day?

Rockefeller oysters are a culinary wonder.  With half a peel, some greens and butter, this is a historic dish baked and a recipe known only to the Alciatore family!

Oysters have been included in our diet during the past.  Often cracked open and slurped whole, many of the recipes have been enjoyed around the world.  Adding to this much-loved recipe is the 1889 Oysters Rockefeller!

This deliciously unique dish was created by then-chef Jules Alciatore!  The half-shell oysters are grilled with sauce and breadcrumbs.  This dish is so rich that they cannot deny the name “Rockefeller” to describe it!

There are over thousands of the Oysters Rockefeller recipe.  The authentic recipe only had at Antoine’s Restaurant in Louisiana, France!  Chopped greens and avocado are common ingredients in the recipe.

Antoine offers not only this classic but also other classics like Pommes De Terre Soufflées and Eggs Sardou.  Many attempts to recreate the Oysters Rockefeller always end up in a new version of it but never the original.  It is believed that Alciatore succeeded in taking his recipe to the grave.  This centuries-old recipe remains one of the top ordered recipes at Antoine's with nearly 4 million orders on the rise.

Interesting Facts About National Oysters Rockefeller Day

Here are some fun facts surrounding Oyster Rockefeller Day!

• Oysters Rockefeller was established by Jules Alciatore in 1899
• Rockefeller oysters can contain eighteen ingredients, mainly breadcrumbs, garlic, butter, parsley, watercress, green onions, and dill.
• Antoine's in New Orleans is the only restaurant keeping the Oyster Rockefeller recipe as a secret over a hundred years.
• Antoine's Restaurant is named after Antoine Alciatore, father of Jules Alciatore
• Although many Oyster Rockefeller recipes use spinach, Antoine's states that they do not include Spinach in their recipes.
• The Rockefeller Oyster got its name because of its wealth from one of the wealthiest families of its time, the Rockefellers!
• Oysters are a great supply of zinc and omega-3s!  A bowl of raw oysters gives you 17 grams of protein and only 2 grams of fat.  This is what you call a full protein diet!

How to celebrate National Oysters Rockefeller Day

Have you tried the taste of authentic Rockefeller Oysters?  Tell us, I know what you come up with.  If you stay near Antoine's, let come for a try and share using #NationalOystersRockefellerDay on social media.