Wild Edibles - 535 Third Avenue, NYC

As I entered the small Murray Hill seafood market and restaurant that is Wild Edibles, I took in the fish monger decor, complete with white tile walls and old school oyster posters. Sierra, who is an oyster shucker extrordinare, expertly ordered us a selection from the raw bar. Being it the early evening and the clear abundance of staff, I was sorely disappointed when it took a good 30 minutes for our oysters to arrive. Sierra and I could have had those shucked, cleaned, packed up, and sent to grandma in half that time. When it did arrive, we still were in for a roller coaster of happy surprises and offensive oversights. Along with the standard cherrystones, which we always enjoy, we also got the house oysters of the day, and a sampling of sweet and creamy west coasters, kumamoto, and skookum. They both stood up well to their Washington state heritage, sweet and creamy, a definite new favorite. But the unfortunate part of our experience was the bits of shell I found in my oyster. Not only that, but they were shoddily shucked, leaving the bottom muscle still attached to the shell. So that, compiled with the painstakingly lethargic service, I would have to say this place needs a serious makeover in the staff department.

FOR WHAT IT IS: three out of five forks
OVER ALL: two out of five forks

PS: this is not to say I would not return. Their great choice of oysters remains unchallenged in my sister's neighborhood. If your a deep sea lover with a budget, check in early because house oysters are only a dollar until 6 pm.