Bad news for oyster lovers; prices are surging as we enter the Lenten Season and many Christians move to a less meat-heavy, more seafood packed diet.
Drago’s owner Tommy Cvitanovich told WWL’s Tommy Tucker that the prices he’s paying for oysters have risen about 25%, and look likely to increase further throughout the season.
“The price is through the roof,” said Cvitanovich. “The inflation on food costs is just crazy right now and we have to do the best we can.”
Cvitanovich said Oysters prices have surged so high he’s had to 86 the beloved oyster poboy.
“I just couldn’t… put a $30 oyster poboy on my menu,” said Cvitanovich who added that oysters are still available raw and charbroiled.
With oysters off the menu for many this Lent, they’ll have to turn to other seafood staples. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce reported that crawfish are looking affordable and abundant, along with Gulf shrimp and catfish for fries.
“One bright shining star is wild Louisiana catfish, the inshore fisheries are strong right now,” said Pearce.
