FACT:  The President of the United States, The Senate, and some state legislatures, governors and mayors have the authority to declare a commemorative event or day by proclamation.

Petitions are introduced by constituents, trade associations or public relations firms to honor industries, events, professions, hobbies, etc. AND FOOD!  

After the observance day has been authorized, it is up to the petitioner to promote it to the public.

So that may explain National Oyster Day on Tuesday August 5th... a day eagerly awaited by mollusk lovers all over Miami and beyond.   

MYTH:  Never EAT an Oyster in the months that do not have the letter "R" in them... May, June, July, and August.

Consuming oysters date back to the early 1900's when refrigeration and food safety was an issue, so it was dangerous to your health to consume oysters when keeping fresh oysters cold was close to impossible.  

Of course, today, iced cold oysters are the perfect summer food...high in protein, low in calories, full of zinc and other beneficial minerals, good fat and certainly a better choice for salt cravings than a bag of chips! 

There are over 150 varieties of true oysters but actually only 5 species and traditionally they are named after the body of water or bay in which they are grown and are known by a myriad of names such as Wellfleets, Blue Points, Kumamoto and Kuushi.  

The flavor varies depending on the type of conditions or Terroir they are grown in; rocky soil, tidal or brackish water, etc. with the Northeast areas of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine providing some of the most delicious and accessible oysters. 

Miami is no stranger to these briny bivalve mollusks, and in celebration of National Oyster Day, here are some local options to slurp up a half shell!

Meat Market: On Tuesday, August 5th, diners can enjoy Meat Market’s Happy Hour all day long (bar only) featuring $1.50 Blue Point oysters and $6 Drunken Oyster Shooters with Hangar One Vodka, cilantro, tomato, jalapeno and a truffle salt rim. Also available are oysters (by the piece) for $3.50, including Belon, Old Salt and others, served with yuzu truffle mignonette, atomic horseradish or habanero cocktail sauce. Meat Market -915 Lincoln Road (305) 532-0088 or visit www.meatmarketmiami.com.

Lure Fishbar: Miami Beach’s seafood hotspot is offering succulent oyster-themed specials including the $15 Oyster Po’Boyfeaturing crispy Blue Point oysters, a mini onion brioche, fig & jicama slaw and whole grain mustard aioli, served two mini Po’Boys to an order. Also on deck is a Champagne & Oyster Special, where guests can enjoy a bottle of Baumard Cremantwith a dozen oysters for $100. Lure Fishbar -St. Moritz Hotel building at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel 1600 Collins Avenue. (305) 695-4550; www.lurefishbar.com.

Devon Seafood + Steak: Toast National Oyster Day in style at Miami’s ultimate dining destination serving fresh ocean fare and sizzling prime steaks. During Happy Hour, guests can enjoy Devon’s One Buck Shuck, a daily selection of oysters on the half shell for just $1 each from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hand-picked by Executive Chef Scott Barrow, an array of 16 different types of east and west coast oysters will be featured. And diners can chose from six different oysters nightly including Beau Soleil; Naked Cowboy; Katama Bay; and Malpeques. Devon Seafood + Steak  11715 Sherri Lane, inside The Palms at Town & Country Mall, in Kendall.  (305) 275-0226; www.devonseafood.com.

The Dutch: Andrew Carmellini’s critically-acclaimed South Beach restaurant features signature little oyster sandwiches – cornmeal-dusted and fried oysters served on slider-size sesame brioche buns with pickled okra sauce for $5 each. Also on offer is a vast selection of east & west coast mollusks available at the raw bar, including Blue Points (CT), Duxbury (MA),Kusshi (B.C.), and Wianno (MA). The Dutch- 2201 Collins Avenue in the W South Beach Hotel & Residences. (305) 938-3111; www.thedutchmiami.com.

Cantina La Veinte: Located at the Icon Brickell the sophisticated waterfront Mexican restaurant and bar offers a hearty menu of traditional Mexican cuisine. Guests can join in the National Oyster Day festivities by indulging in their popular oyster dish, Ostiones Rasurados ($19) – Mexican-style oysters served raw with maggi-lime caviar and chopped red onion. Cantina La Veinte- 495 Brickell Avenue at Icon Brickell (786) 623-6135  www.lano20.com.mx/.

AQ by Acqualina: Offering South Florida diners a casually elegant dining destination to celebrate National Oyster Day, AQ boasts some of the region’s most attractive waterfront dining with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Dewey LoSasso will be serving the restaurant’s signature oysters in a Guinness and Pale Ale Mignonette (half dozen $18/dozen $30). For the special oyster celebration, Chef LoSasso will be making oysters with Charred Pepper Granita and Minus 8 drizzle, topped with pink peppercorn dust (half dozen $18/dozen $30) and Oyster Shots with smokey mango and served with a shot of Schenbly Sparkling Lychee Wine. AQ by Acqualina- Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, 17875 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach. (305) 918-6816; www.acqualinaresort.com.

The River Seafood & Oyster Bar: One of Miami’s favorite downtown restaurants, serving sustainable, locally-sourced organic cuisine with a focus on seafood – River will be joining the celebration with their renowned Fire Roasted Oysters served with ancho, sofrito butter, queso manchego and chorizo ($12). Guests can also toast to National Oyster Day at the bar during Happy Hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and choose from 8-10 different types of hand-shucked oysters for half price along with drink specials. The River Seafood & Oyster Bar- 650 South Miami Avenue. (305) 530-1915; www.therivermiami.com.

Oak Tavern: Chef/Owner David Bracha’s wildly popular restaurant, located in Miami’s Design District will be celebrating National Oyster Day with their signature Iced Oysters ($2.75 each/ $15 half dozen). Guest can also indulge in hand-shucked oysters for half price during their popular Happy Hour special from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oak Tavern - 35 NE 40th Street in Miami’s Design District. (786) 391-1818; www.oaktavernmiami.com.

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