Montauk is such a beloved part of Long Island for surfers, locals, gypsetters and now…oysters? At the Montauk Shellfish Company, Mike Martinsen and Mike Doall are busy paying respect to the earth by sustainably harvesting perfectly crisp and tender Montauk pearl oysters that are said to make you feel like you are “kissing the sea.”
The freshness and purity of the shellfish has not gone unnoticed. Restaurants like Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market, and Veritas in Union Square are some of the select seafood restaurants to feature oysters from the Montauk Pearls Oyster Farm.
Here is a dish presented by legendary chef Sam Hazen of Veritas NYC.
What sets this shellfish company apart from its competition is the innovative grow-out system that is unique to the Montauk Shellfish Company. During the growing season, Montauk pearl oysters are raised from small seed in floating bags along trawl lines. This method allows the shellfish to be constantly churned by surface waves, which in turn helps to create a nice shape, strong shell, and a crisp taste.
Montauk has long been associated with clean ocean water, far from the pollution of an urban city, making it a prime location for the Montauk Shellfish Company. Surprisingly, Montauk Pearls is the first oyster farm in this location, making it the premiere spot to harvest shellfish.
Founders Mark Martinsen and Mike Doall take great pride in their oyster farm, and they are out on the water every single day. “We have put tons of time and energy and love into creating these oysters,” said Mark.
My belief is that part of living the gypset lifestyle and being a gypsetter is day-to-day living that advocates eating locally-sourced, fresh foods here in the United States, as well as when traveling to different corners of the world (where it is typical to eat this way). The Montauk Shellfish Company does just that. The founders of the farm always make a concerted effort to bring the oysters to market within 24 hours of harvest, a quality in seafood that is hard to come by.
Additionally, their shellfish farming is completely sustainable. Harvesting shellfish using the company’s methods can actually clean the surrounding waters. Through the sales of their oysters, the company is able to make a small profit that is just enough to sustain their families. Mark said, “I love the whole sustainability thing.” He adds, “But, just to create something that can sustain my family is enough for me.” Amen!
