1324 Blanshard St.
Victoria, BC

Hours: Wed-Sat 11:30
Website: https://wanderingmollusk.com
Shuck Taylor’s (@shucktaylors) — Instagram

The Wandering Mollusk catering (food truck style operation) has a base of operations, and Shuck Taylor’s is the place to get as many oysters as you can eat, if not more! Thankfully there are various ways to enjoy these molluscs, and whether that’s raw or cooked, this place has it all! That also includes plans on how to expand. The last time I was in, I asked if sea urchin was possible. They are considering it, but there are a lot of things to consider, namely in how to keep them fresh!

I can’t wait for that to happen, since it’s rare to serve them fresh from the shell. They have a limited shelf life once removed from the sea and kept in its natural state. But if opened and put into a deep freeze, that’s a whole different ball game. I had the opportunity a long time ago to see how that’s done (article can be read here) and that experience will never be forgotten.

As for how often I can visit this diner, it depends on how much money I have saved up! An individual oyster can cost as much as $3 per, and I imagine anything not local will cost more. In my sampler of the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of unique flavours to partake in; I can’t say which bay I want my oysters from, as they’re all good.

In the kitchen front, the lobster roll is succulent to the core and the bun are toasted to perfection! Without the butter, a lobster is but a lobster; and I’m glad what’s offered doesn’t skimp! It’s well worth the price-tag. If I was working in one of the nearby offices, I could enjoy one a day, but alas …. It’s a treat I’d give to myself once every few months.

On another day, I had to try the oyster po’boy, and it’s fairly basic. There’s not too much to rave about until this sandwich is dipped in the aioli sauce, and I took the advice of Taylor to try a bit of their house made sauce on top too! It made the difference. I could’ve asked for the caviar to be put in the sandwich, but instead had it straight, before my main meal. It’s a small spoonful of light salty goodness, and although I’m not 100% sure if what they serve is sturgeon, I’d need more to verify.

All in all, Shuck Taylors is a place I’d return to. As harvests are fresh every day and the staff here are very friendly. And when the craving for oysters hits hard, I’m glad to know I can do a walk in dining experience instead of making a reservation at the other trendier places in downtown Victoria! To note, they also have a small selection of alcoholic beverages here too.

5 Stars out of 5