National Oysters Rockefeller Day celebrates the iconic New Orleans dish consisting of oysters on the half-shell topped with a rich sauce of butter, herbs, and bread crumbs, then baked or broiled.
Quick Facts
- When is it: January 10th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalOystersRockefellerDay
- When was it founded: August 2nd, 2016
- Who founded it: Antoine’s Restaurant
History of National Oysters Rockefeller Day
Jules Alciatore created Oysters Rockefeller in 1889 at Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans due to a shortage of escargot. He named the dish after John D. Rockefeller, America’s wealthiest man at the time, because of its rich buttery sauce. The original recipe remains a closely guarded family secret to this day.
Timeline
- 1840: Antoine Alciatore establishes Antoine’s Restaurant
- 1889: Jules Alciatore invents Oysters Rockefeller
- 1980: Antoine’s serves its 3.5 millionth order
- 2017: First official National Oysters Rockefeller Day celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jan 10 | Friday |
| 2026 | Jan 10 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Jan 10 | Sunday |
Observed
The day is celebrated annually with special promotions at Antoine’s Restaurant, where diners can enjoy the original recipe at discounted prices.
Fun Facts About Oysters Rockefeller
- The original recipe does not contain spinach
- Antoine’s numbers each order they serve
- The dish was created as a substitute for escargot
- Over 4 million orders have been served at Antoine’s
Quiz
- Who created Oysters Rockefeller?
- In what year was the dish invented?
- What ingredient is commonly believed to be in the dish but isn’t?
(Answers: 1. Jules Alciatore 2. 1889 3. Spinach)
FAQs
Q: Is the original recipe public?
A: No, it remains a family secret.
Q: Why was it named after Rockefeller?
A: Due to the richness of the dish.
Importance of National Oysters Rockefeller Day
This day preserves the legacy of one of America’s most iconic dishes and celebrates New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage.
Related
- National Oyster Day
- New Orleans Food Festival
- National Seafood Month