2. Regarding Oysters is a cocktail and shucking speakeasy
Regarding Oysters is a speakeasy hidden on the top floor of a Murray Hill brownstone. Run by Georgette Moger, the speakeasy hints back to 1920s Paris but with a view of the Chrysler Building. The speakeasy is essentially an oyster salon and cocktail experience where guests can shake their own cocktails and shuck oysters. Cocktails are from Georgette’s book Regarding Cocktails, which captures many creations of her late husband Sasha Pestraske; these include Bees Knees, Penicillin, and the Gin & It, as well as some “temperance Cocktails.” Recipes are printed out on cards and ingredients are sourced by Georgette.
The space is filled with vintage photographs from Georgette and Sasha’s families, as well as a pale green 1860s perfume counter from New Orleans that also functions as the bar. In addition to cocktails, the speakeasy has a small menu of finger foods such as mini madeleines, goat cheese bon bons, and cucumber tea sandwiches. During the shucking portion of the evening, guests wear floral aprons from Fords London Dry Gin and are equipped with a shucking knife, gloves, gold oyster forks, and vintage porcelain oyster plates. Georgette harvests the oysters herself, and each is sprayed with a different aroma and verjus.