Mrs J can’t take credit for the cooking today, it’s all courtesy of Mrs J’s Belle Mère.

She can, however take some credit for the finding of these lovely beasts. And she would say that finding them fresh is key to a true seafood experience.

Mrs J went on the hunt this morning. And she didn’t have to go far.

The panorama is stunning, but the point of the picture is the structure in the water. That’s where the beasts live. You may squint now. It’s there. You may just have to trust Mrs J on this, but it’s there.

Here’s where you go to actually get your hands on some. Looks like your ordinary shop-cum-restaurant from the front.

However, when you peek around the corner you realize that the shops back up onto the dock where they bring in their daily haul.

It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Once home, with the mussels it’s all about cleaning.

Then steaming with butter and oil, onion, garlic, parsley and local dry white wine.

Then eating, with fresh baguette bread. Heavenly.

With the oysters, of course you can have them raw with lemon.

Mrs J would love a raw oyster. She wouldn’t like hepatitis as much though. And since she’s too much of a wimp to get the shot you need to be able to safely enjoy raw oysters, she eats hers au gratin.

Add some leek and a dollop of Dijon mayonnaise to the oyster. Top with a bit of grated cheese.

Cook at 225°C until the cheese is golden and slightly crisped.

This is such simple, divine food. And because it’s local produce, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

So if you’re ever in oysterland, do go hunting, you won’t regret it!