Shellfish are both delicious and healthful. They are loaded with good fats, lean protein, and beneficial micronutrients. Consuming crab, lobster, shrimp, clams, and oysters may boost your immunity and promote a healthy heart and brain. However, if you do not typically frequent seafood restaurants, you may not know the proper way to eat these dishes. Below are some tips for shellfish etiquette and consumption.

3 Tips for Consuming Shellfish at a Seafood Restaurant

1. Eating Crab

Start by removing crab legs from the body, and then break them at the joints. You may have to twist and pull vigorously, so take a firm grip. 

A couple of taps on your plate should help remove the leg flesh. You should be supplied an instrument to crack the shell—which looks like a nutcracker. Crack and open the shell and remove the meat from within. Save the tail for last. You can break it with your fingers and devour the sweet flesh inside.

2. Eating Oysters

Oysters are the costliest and most nutrient-dense shellfish. They are also widely regarded as an aphrodisiac. When served at a seafood restaurant, they often come pre-shucked—or opened. If not, place the oyster cupped side down, and insert your knife into the pointier end, right beside the hinge. 

Twist the knife until you hear the hinge pop and slide the knife between the flat shell and the oyster flesh to remove the flat shell without the meat. Use the knife to cut the flesh from the cupped side. Season oyster with lemon, pepper, and/or hot sauce. 

3. Eating Lobster

Don an apron—usually provided—to protect your shirt from juices that often squirt out when you crack the shell.  Twist off each pincer and crack with the nutcracker. 

You'll receive a tiny lobster fork which you use to remove the meat. Twist off each of the smaller legs, and suck the flesh from inside them. Lobster meat is sweet and delicious when dipped in melted butter.

If you seek a seafood restaurant known for its delicious New Orleans-style cuisine, stop by the Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Bon Secour, AL. They draw patrons from all over Baldwin County who come for live music, happy hour specials, and succulent oysters and crab. They have served the region since 2004 and they're known as the "pearl of Bon Secour." They serve the freshest local foods with the friendliest of southern charm. View menu listings on their website or call (251) 949-5086 to ask about seafood restaurant hours or directions.