Last week, we went to OpenTable.com a few days before Halloween, and ordered up a table at the venerable Flying Fish Restaurant in Belltown. We specifically asked for a table at the very front of the restaurant, for what we hoped would be a ring-side seat for the ghouls and goblins out to celebrate All Hallows Eve as they scurried about First Avenue.

While the number of spirits was a bit disappointing, the creativity and work that went into many of the costumes was truly amazing. Themes this year seemed to be an overwhelming number of angels (both black- and white-winged), “super” heroes (such as the Green Hornet and Batman), and the usual vampires and vampiresses.

Inside, I enjoyed my first oysters on the half shells of the season. I swore I’d remember their names, but after sharing a bottle of Sauv Blanc with Spencer, their monikers went right out the window. But here is their photo, captured for posterity.

And here’s that bracing bottle of wine, Craggy Range 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Don’t you just love the name? So evocative, and perfect since the winery’s 100 hectares of vineyards used to be an old quarry.

Here’s a photo of the poor oysters after consumption. All that’s left is their ruffly shells.

I still hadn’t gotten my fill of the unctuous bivalves, so ordered chef/owner Christine Keff’s legendary Fried Oyster Caesar Salad. Four spanking fresh, just-shucked oysters perfectly fried in nothing but a light dusting of cornmeal, along with hearts of romaine, and not-too-garlic-y Caesar dressing. Simply the best in town.

Oyster lovers will get a thrill this Saturday evening as Elliott’s Oyster House celebrates its 17th annual Oyster New Year Bash. The Bash, which runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., features 30 varieties of local oysters, an oyster luge, fresh seafood buffet, and more than 50 WA wines. Although it’s already sold out, eating oysters at Elliott’s is a good idea any time!