In gastronomy, it sometimes happens that after a delicious bite, a natural process combined with high-quality ingredients results in an extraordinary, out-of-the-ordinary product. We all have the image of an oyster in mind, but... a green oyster? Even more so: an emerald green oyster. This is the color that dyes the gills of the well-known “green oyster” from Huîtres Poget, distributed for Barra Alta Barcelona by Ostras Thierry, a trusted friend and supplier for over nine years, and in Madrid with the support of PRODESCO.
This bivalve mollusk is cultivated in the Marennes – Oléron bay in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, a renowned location in France as the largest oyster basin in Europe and the most prestigious protected geographical indication in the world for this food. There, in the waters of the bay, oysters spend most of their time during their growth process, but it is the “affinage” process, which takes place for a period of two to three weeks in the clearings, or “claires,” that makes them exceptional.
This variety of oyster is named “vert” because of the color that dyes its interior, as its gills are tinted in emerald green
A “claire” is a natural pool with clay soil where a mix of saltwater and freshwater occurs. These conditions, along with the sunlight incision, low temperatures, and climate, favor the presence of the microalgae known as Navicule Bleu. As a true bivalve mollusk, the oyster feeds through filtration, and by doing so in these waters, it acquires the distinctive emerald green color that makes it unique in the world, both in appearance and flavor. This natural process takes place between the months of November and April and cannot be imitated or falsified, which further emphasizes the singularity of this prized seasonal product.
This variety of oyster gets its name “vert” from the color that stains its interior
They offer the option of enjoying a journey through their menu with two delicious tasting menus
Green how I want you green
Dani Roca has decided to introduce the Barra Alta audience to the green oyster Nº2 Fine de Claire, also known as “green oyster,” cultivated for three years, and known for its balance between size and flavor. With a fleshy texture and a delicate taste profile, it has a fresh, iodized, and salty flavor, capturing more of the essence of the sea than other oysters. Being an exclusive product, the organoleptic characteristics of the green oyster and the fact that it is only available during specific months of the year make each unit of this bivalve mollusk unique and special, hence highly prized in the culinary scene.
One oyster, two oysters, three oysters...
In Barra Alta's letter, there is always a section dedicated to oysters, well-nourished and with raw materials always selected by Thierry. Like the rest of their menu, this section is designed to be tailored to individual tastes. If the choice is to enjoy the oyster in its natural state, at Barra Alta Barcelona under the guidance of their chef César Guillén, you can find the Fine du Galon D’Or No. 3 and the Súper Speciale No. 3. In Madrid, they offer the latter, the Súper Speciale No. 3.
Additionally, both restaurants offer several more elaborate options of this product: a ceviche-style version with a touch of kimchi and cilantro, a pickled version with crispy onions, and a warm one with warm teriyaki sauce, Casalba pancetta veil, and tobiko roe. The Barra Alta's location in the capital city also serves a crispy oyster, breaded with panko and accompanied by wakame, poultry juice, and oyster mayonnaise.
Barra Alta Madrid
Barra Alta opened its doors in Barcelona in 2018, at 11 Laforja street, in the Sant Gervasi Cassoles neighborhood. Three years later, in 2021, it inaugurated its Madrid location on Lagasca street, in the heart of the Salamanca district, just a few steps from Retiro Park and Colon Square. Both restaurants, spacious and modern in style, offer a seasonal menu designed for sharing. Additionally, they provide the option to explore their menu with two delicious tasting menus.
The concept of Barra Alta is designed for a broad audience, including business lunches, dinners with friends, romantic occasions, or gatherings of larger groups, given the possibilities offered by the spaciousness of both establishments. Its gastronomic proposal focuses on a product-oriented, simple cuisine made with high-quality ingredients, featuring recognizable flavors and incorporating international touches in some of its dishes. Both restaurants have been recognized as “Recommended” by the Michelin Guide, and in the case of Barra Alta Barcelona, also by the Repsol Guide.
More information
Barra Alta
- Barra Alta Madrid
19 Lagasca, 28001-Madrid
Phone: 34 910 053 532
barraalta.rest/mad
Price: €50
- Barra Alta Barcelona
11 Laforja, 08006-Barcelona
Phone: 34 936 393 143
barraalta.rest/bcn
Price: €43