The original: Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s. There are better versions around town, but it’s hard to beat the dish in its home of origin. Who would have thought that a dish crafted from an old relish tray would become an enduring classic? And a much-imitated one at that. The story goes that in 1899 an appetizer was needed for a dinner and relish trays sitting in the kitchen that hadn't made it to the dining room were pureed and placed atop oysters, then baked, and named for John D. Rockefeller. These particular Oysters Rockefeller were part of a lovely meal on Tom’s birthday last February. The only thing missing was Tom. Errol and Peggy Scott Laborde and Dominic Massa and his lovely new wife Kelly and I shared a toast to Tom and had some of the great classics there: these Oysters Rockefeller and Pommes Soufflé, and Tom’s favorite fish, Pompano. Tom always said that Antoine's was not the best restaurant in town, but it was his favorite. Well said. Still, always a treat.
