April 23, 2024 – A pearl of an oyster operation is preparing to shine.
Oystertown—from the same chef behind popular Poppy Hall in Pacific Grove—is taking over the former Lilify space on Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey.
Chef-partner Phillip Wojtowicz and partner-hospitality director Monica Schweiger flag late summer as an optimistic opening date.
The emphasis there is on optimistic, as the process of transforming a boutique retail space into a functioning raw bar, much like turning a grain of sand into a pearl, will involve patience.
“It hasn’t been a restaurant in a while,” Schweiger says. “We’ve got some work to do.”
Wojtowicz enjoys an enthusiastic following after his stints leading the kitchen at Poppy Hall and Big Sur Bakery.
Meanwhile, Oystertown has earned some brand recognition with pop-ups at spots like Other Brother Beer Co. in Seaside and Vin Wine Bar + Bottle Boutique in The Crossroads Carmel.
The plan is an intimate experience built around counter seating, a cold kitchen menu and personalized attention.
“We want to uphold the tradition of the oyster bar, with beautiful drinks, every seat is a good seat, direct service, myself and Monica,” Wojtowicz says. “A teeny and petite space—good things come in small packages.”
Wojtowicz’s obsession with bivalves stretches back to his earliest memories growing up in New Jersey, clamming on its shores and eating them on the half shell, which ultimately crystallized with Poppy Hall’s Oyster Nights.
“It’s a state of mind,” he says. “Beach culture. By the water. From a chef’s point of view, oysters are the perfect food, pure, simple, shuck it, eat it, gone, next! Purity and simplicity is where I’m at.”
Across the street from Oystertown, Pearl Hour owner-operator Katie Blandin is among many eager for an infusion of flavor at what was once Lighthouse Bar & Grill.
“Over the years I’ve spent many nights at both Big Sur Bakery and Poppy Hall, and [Wojtowicz’s] food and spaces are relaxed and comfortable,” she says. “They enhance conversation and community with a little bit of punk rock energy. This will be a great addition to the neighborhood.”
Oystertown’s next pop-up will be May 18 from 1-4pm at Vin Wine Bar + Bottle Boutique, 237 Crossroads Blvd. Carmel. More at Oystertown’s Instagram page.
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, Edible Monterey Bay's managing editor, appears on "Friday Found Treasures" via KRML 94.7 every week, a little after 12pm noon. Reach him via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
