Step 1: Pick up the oyster, keeping it level, careful not to lose any of that delicious, briny juice.
Step 2: Using the cocktail fork, move the oyster around, making sure it disconnects from the shell.
Step 3: Add your condiments. (Oyster purists recommend skipping the condiments and eating it naked as to best savor the flavor but for those of us who like a little lemon, mignonette or cocktail sauce, do so sparingly.)
Step 4: Slurp away! Oysters are a hand food. Put down that cocktail fork and tip the edge into your mouth and let it slide right in.
Step 5: Chew! If you just swallow the oyster, you miss all of the flavor!
Step 6: When finished, return the shell to the ice and, to be helpful, flip it over, so your server knows it’s done.