You know what I love about SeptembeR, OctobeR, NovembeR and DecembeR? It's oyster season! During these months, oysters are at their peak. For the next few weeks, I'll be sampling the most memorable and tasty oyster dishes in Houston.

No. 1, Grilled Oysters at Tommy's Restaurant & Oyster Bar

"Tommy's Grilled Oysters": A profoundly understated and delightfully misleading entrée title.

Scan the dinner menu at Tommy's Restaurant and Oyster Bar too quickly and you're apt to discount the grilled oysters (eight for $12 or 12 for $15) in favor of other, flashier bivalve dishes such as the Double Oysters Rockefeller or the Oyster and Crawfish Enchiladas. Those in the know, however, have come to learn that descriptions can be deceiving.

Tommy's Oysters are indeed grilled, but that's only one component of this delicious mosaic of tastes and textures. Each slightly smoky mollusk is ensconced in a mixture of white wine, garlic, shallots and butter and dusted with Parmesan cheese. The combination of cream, oil, herbs and alcohol leaves little to be desired.

Tommy's Grilled Oysters are so popular, in fact, that they've made their way into a cookbook. But save yourself the time and labor. You're better off relaxing at Tommy's with a dozen of these puppies and a stiff house martini.

The list so far:

No. 2: Cajun oyster stuffing at Yapa Kitchen No. 3: Oyster sliders at Lucille's No. 4: Oysters on the half shell at Liberty Kitchen No. 5: Oysters Victoria at The Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen No. 6: Pearly Whites po-boy at BB's Cafe No. 7: Fried oysters and deviled eggs at BRC Gastropub No. 8: Oyster stew at Danton's No. 9: Oysters Baton Rouge at Pappadeaux No. 10: Oyster caesar salad at Ragin' Cajun