Can One Person Eat a Dozen Oysters: A Personal Journey

Is it possible for a single person to consume a dozen oysters in one sitting? The answer is a resounding 'yes,' as I have done so many times. My experience, however, is not quite as romantic as the aphrodisiacal claims.

My Oyster Eating Adventures

During my childhood, before I turned 10, I indulged in a feast at the Merlin Hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong, enjoying a half-dozen oysters for a Sunday brunch. At the time, those 3 dozen oysters in half shells were quite a challenge, and I am confident that I could tackle that same amount today without much difficulty.

Now, I tend to consume a couple of dozen oysters at a time, and even then, a dozen seems inadequate. There is a local seafood restaurant, The Steveston Seafood House, where fried oysters are sold at CAD 1 each, with no limit on the number you can order. One day, a waitress informed me that a couple had ordered a whopping 6 dozen oysters as an appetizer.

The Oyster Eating Challenge

The original question, 'Can one person eat a dozen oysters?' is definitively a yes, and I've done so numerous times. The key is in the quality of the oysters. With premium, fresh, and well-prepared raw oysters, the task becomes considerably easier.

For instance, two years ago, I enjoyed a dozen raw oysters paired with a half-dozen that were baked. The experience was not only satisfying but also extremely delicious. The combination of crispy edges from the baking and the delicate, briny flavor of the raw oysters was truly a sensory delight.

Impact on Intimate Binges

Interestingly, consuming a large quantity of oysters, particularly smaller varieties like Kumamotos or Olympias, can impact one's intimate life. According to folk wisdom, oysters are considered aphrodisiacs. However, based on my experiences, while a couple of dozen oysters certainly provide an intense experience, they are not the sole determinants of intimate success. In fact, after such an indulgence, a woman who shares my bed might find the experience rather overwhelming.

While oysters may not be the strongest aphrodisiac, they certainly contribute to a positive mood and an enhanced dining experience. So, if you're planning to indulge in a dozen oysters, rest assured that it's entirely possible and quite enjoyable, but perhaps not a prerequisite for a perfect evening.