What does it really mean to know an oyster?
For this week’s episode of Culinary Confidential, we’re honored to welcome Virginia Shaffer—The Oyster Sommelier—a true authority on one of the most seductive, mysterious, and surprisingly complex foods we eat.
There’s ordering oysters… and then there’s actually knowing oysters. Virginia has built a world around the shellfish: leading immersive tours and tastings through Lady Oyster, and now bringing her adventures to the page in Oyster Society: Adventures with the Shellfishly Motivated—a journey into the people, places, and obsession behind oyster culture.
But this conversation goes well beyond the raw bar. We’ll explore why two oysters harvested just miles apart can taste completely different, what merroir really means, whether you should chew an oyster, what to notice first when you taste one, whether size matters, and what you’re actually tasting when someone describes an oyster as briny, buttery, vegetal, or mineral. We’ll also discuss what the shell itself tells you before you ever take a bite—covering etiquette, flavor, farming, pairing, provenance, and more.
This is Oysters 101… with a little more sophistication.
If you’ve ever stood at a raw bar wondering what to order next, you won’t want to miss this one.
CHRISTINA CATES (HOST)
Christina Cates is the host of Culinary Confidential, bringing more than 20 years of experience in New York City’s hospitality industry. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York City’s Restaurant Management program, she has led teams across some of the city’s most respected dining rooms. Christina’s interviews blend industry insight with human storytelling, spotlighting chefs, creators, and leaders who shape the culture of food. Her warm, incisive style has made Culinary Confidential one of radio’s most engaging food and culture programs.
Tune in Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 9 PM Eastern, on AM970 radio, streaming worldwide on AM970TheAnswer.com and the AM970 mobile app, with replays available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and more.
More information: CulinaryConfidentialChristina.com
Culinary Confidential with Christina Cates:
Where food meets purpose, stories meet service, and America’s next chapter is written one conversation at a time.
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