Do you take this oyster, forsaking all others?

I did not cry. I did not cry!

I believe in loyalty. "We use words like Honor, Code, Loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line." - Col. Nathan R. Jessup.

When it comes to barbecued oysters, I had for 20 years been loyal to The Ramp, down on 3rd and 18th Streets. Sunday morning brunch, barbecued oysters - the big, scrumptious ones - were a staple of the Early San Francisco years, with Kev and the boys (and just a few girls). Not only did The Ramp deserve loyalty because the oysters were terrific, but very few places even prepared oysters barbecue style.

And then came The House.

I did not cry when the plate was lowered onto the table, my strength challenged by my weakness for cilantro.  I did not worry about the betrayal to The Ramp and simply viewed it differently, as the adding of a family member instead of the discarding of another.

The result was a win-win-win! The House won because the oysters were terrific. Like the blue cheese filet mignon at Boa, however, the cilantro on the oysters was not subtle. It was a tidal wave, and if you don't really like cilantro, the dish may be overwhelming.

The Ramp won because The House's oysters were delicious but demonstrably smaller than The Ramp's. On balance, The Ramp has nothing to fear. It is still the barbecued oyster king of San Francisco.

And finally, I won, because them oysters was gooooooooooood!!!!!