The Seafood Mark Twain Loved To Have Prepared For Him In 'Seductive' Ways

, more popularly known as Mark Twain, is remembered for his novels, and rightly so. But he should also be remembered as having impeccable taste when it came to dining. who wrote extensively about his  as he traveled the United States and Europe. One of his favorites above all others . He enjoyed them , really any way. There are even rumors that for making oyster ice cream an early American staple out of his love for the briny beauties.

Now, keep in mind that East Coast and West Coast oysters are very different, but Twain was coming from Nevada, where all oysters . Given that, you might think he wouldn't be overly fond of them, but that wasn't the case once . During his stay at the , not far from the bay, he often ate lavishly, enjoying a type of oyster , or Olys for short. His passion for the seafood bordered on sensual; according to the book "Twain's Feast," , "If you refuse to move upon the supper works and destroy oysters done up in all kinds of seductive styles until 12 o'clock, the landlord will certainly be offended." Given that Twain got along with his landlord, it's assumed that he was at every opportunity. 

If you're curious about tasting this favorite seafood of his, you should count yourself . This is because the Olympia oyster was nearly extinct .

If you're wondering how Mark Twain managed to eat oysters all the time, keep in mind that they're an item that used to be considered poor man's food. Although they still could , they were so that people almost ate them into extinction. During the California Gold Rush, , pollution and pushed the number of Olympias down and down. It wasn't until major restoration efforts began that they began to recover.

With Olympias now well on the rebound, they have started to appear . However, most of them come into San Francisco from in Washington, because Olys are protected in the bay and still . If you go buy some raw from a seafood market, there are a few ways you can enjoy them. You can make oyster . You can or toss them with pasta. Most easily, you can . While they are slightly compared to East Coast oysters, they still offer a luxe dining experience and . That's likely one way Mark Twain supped upon them, so consider trying it yourself.

While Twain remained a foodie and celebrity diner, including frequenting an Indiana bar that also served Al Capone, he . This means that he perhaps never got to enjoy Olys again. So, if you find yourself eating one, remember to raise a toast in honor of old Mr. Clemens.