by Steven Doyle
The glorious seafood tower is a dish of raw and cooked shellfish served cold on a platter, usually on a bed of ice. The serving platter is generally held above table level with a stand and sometimes can contain multiple, elaborate tiers. This is both for visual effect, and because the shellfish are often served in the shell, or on the half shell, which causes them to take up a large area while containing only a bite or two of meat.
We found some very nice versions in Dallas. Although they are not particularly inexpensive, as would be expected when you start adding King Crab and elusive oysters, but typically you may order several levels to feed a varying amount of people you are dining with. However, one might make an entire meal of such platter along with a special bottle of wine.
Enjoy this bit of extravagance which is appropriate for any occasion. See our list, in no particular order. Prices listed, otherwise the tower is market-priced. Continue reading