about executive chef florence lowell

A French bistro on Cape Cod! Florence Lowell, owner and executive chef of the Naked Oyster Bistro and Raw Bar on Main Street, is a native of the Atlantic Coast of France, near Bordeaux, a region directly across the ocean from the Cape with amazingly similar beaches, vegetation, and animal life. She has spent much of the past 30 years in the restaurant business. From Austin to Houston and, for the past six years, happily ensconced on Cape Cod, Florence brings her extensive knowledge of wine and food to her restaurant. Having spent many summers of her youth in Arcachon, a major center for oyster farming in France, she was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to farm oysters in Barnstable. These oysters, lovingly tended by her and her husband, are brought to the Naked Oyster, where they are opened to order and served with lemon, cocktail sauce, or French style, with the mignonette of the day.

Florence is committed to classically prepared dishes utilizing fresh and local products. She works closely with farmers on Cape Cod so that she can bring the best products, in season, from farm to plate often the same day. Similarly, seafood caught by local day fisherman, using the traditional long line methods, is brought directly from port to kitchen whenever possible.

Spring of 2011 is notable for Florence’s return to the kitchen as executive chef where she artfully melds the traditional with the trendy. Her focus is on fresh, robust bistro food that pleases the eye and the palate. No shortcuts in the kitchen! Sauces may take several days to prepare, as they’re reduced on low heat in order to concentrate the flavors. Organic meats and locally crafted cheeses bring variety to the menu.

Most of all, Florence embraces the traditional way of the bistro: Relax, eat, drink. Enjoy conversation with friends. Meet people from all walks of life. Be entertained, satisfied, and leave feeling recharged.

A votre sante!