In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Lone Star Oyster Company owners Blake and Stephanie Branson take host Chris Shepherd and chef Lucas McKinney of Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition out to their floating oyster farm in West Bay.
There, on a 2-acre lease, the Bransons are raising thousands of Mermaid Tears oysters inside 340 floating cages. Just the sixth such farm in Texas, the Bransons are part of a new crop of oyster farms committed to raising sustainable oyster crops that not only produce superior oysters, but also improve the water they’re situated in.
In this case, Mermaid Tears — a deliberate, conservation-minded oyster farm that produces a half‑million oysters a year - uses an off‑bottom method that keeps oysters high in the water column where phytoplankton are abundant. That method makes for clean, meaty oysters with deep cups — what Blake calls a “fat and happy” oyster.
All the while, each oyster helps filter up to 50 gallons of water per day in the West Bay. The result is a healthier eco-system where Red Fish and crabs can thrive alongside the oyster crop. As the oysters are harvested, they’re delivered locally to restaurants and stores where restaurants are excited to offer a taste of our local waters.
Clark’s Oyster Bar | 3807 Montrose Blvd., Houston
Clark’s Oyster Bar is one of the several restaurants serving Mermaid Tears in the city. As he sits down to enjoy a few with Chris, chef Grant Harbart says he loves introducing guests to Texas oysters and watching skeptical diners become converts.
Chris enjoys the selection of East and Gulf Coast oysters at Clark’s and is a huge advocate for another type of seafood on the menu. Watch this episode to see which dish and drink combo Chris recommends for spending an afternoon on Clark’s patio!
“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 3 of “Eat Like a Local”
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 56: Season 3 of ‘Eat Like a Local’ launches with chefs recognized by the James Beard Awards
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 57: Beer + Bites: Discover two of the Houston-area’s best craft breweries
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 58: Hungry for a short trip? 4 flavorful restaurants to try in Baytown
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 60: From tortas to paletas: Generations of Mexican-American flavor in Houston