Hank's: Like a Day at the Cape

The rule of thumb for raw oysters is to eat them in months that end in ‘r’—the cooler months when the chance of bacterial contamination is lower. Well, you can get them year-round at Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle. Hank’s is New England beach food at its best: simple, fun, and unpretentious. This time of year they get oysters shipped/flown in from the Pacific Northwest. Recently, we had the absolute best time eating some beauties from Washington State and also tried some from British Columbia. I prefer the briny and crisp taste of east coast oysters, but some of these west coasters surprised me by their strong and salty flavor (they're usually creamier and softer on the palette). Perfect with lemon and hot sauce. Skip the cocktail or mignonette. Tobasco is the only way to go. Add a wheat beer, side of garlic steamed broccolini and Old Bay fries and it’s like you’re on the Cape...in your flip flops...and patchwork madras pedal pushers. You get the image.