In the space that housed Nikkita, and briefly Press 200 before it moved to State Street as simply Press, is The Naked Oyster,
a “cocktail eatery” with its menu posted outside.
Behind The Naked Oyster is Abram Ozeck, a tall affable Cheshire native with a background in restaurant management and consulting, especially on the drinks side.
The basic contours of the restaurant haven’t changed,
but it has become more loungey,
can clear the back area for bands at the drop of a hat,
and even sports an organ
and a deejay booth.
Ozeck’s drink-side background reveals itself in an exhaustive vodka list and some creative cocktails.
Both menu
and specials
are creative, with Louisiana influences providing a culinary spark.
Let me first mention the oysters, which can come from far parts of the globe, depending on availability, hurricanes and the like. But these pictured were Connecticut Bluepoints had for a mere buck apiece during happy hour.
Soups are another strength, with Naked Oyster chowder,
French onion,
and a soup du jour, on this occasion, roasted butternut squash.
There are other intriguing starters, like flame-grilled Andouille sausage with home-style collard greens, red beans and applewood bacon,
pan-seared lump crab cakes topped with picked lobster meat and a sherry cream sauce,
and Cajun gator bites with buttermilk ranch dressing.
Entrées range from an appealing selection of sandwiches, including this beef prime rib sandwich,
to affordable plates like this blackened red snapper,
this teriyaki-glazed mahi-mahi,
and this Andouille-sausage-and-wild-rice-stuffed chicken in a Cajun cream sauce.
As for the desserts, it’s simple—get the beignets!
And when it comes to looking for a fun place to eat and drink, get Naked!
The Naked Oyster, 200 Crown Street, New Haven, 203-745-4804, www.thenakedoysternh.com