Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market to close in Greenport

Restaurant-market-mollusk educational institution — Little Creek is one of Long Island’s most singular food establishments. But after 10 years on the Greenport waterfront, it will shuck its last oyster on Oct. 13, at the conclusion of the village’s annual OysterFest.

Co-owner Ian Wile said he and his landlord were unable to reach an agreement about a new lease but that he and his partners, wife Rosalie Wile and Travis Zurawski, were "committed to reopening within the Village of Greenport ... as fast as possible, with the weight of the many families who count on us for their livelihoods." They are shooting to "at least pop-up for Greenport Shellabration" on Dec. 7, fully opening once all necessary permits have been secured.

The Wiles already owned Little Creek Oyster Farm in Hog Neck Bay, Southold, when they opened in an old Bait & Tackle shop in a sliver of waterfront between Mitchell Park and Claudio’s. But unlike most raw bars, it was principally "U-shuck" — customers are supplied with a kit containing a few oyster knives and a knife-proof glove and offered instruction in the art of shucking oysters. Professional shuckers are also on hand, of course, for the lazy and / or uncoordinated (among whose number I count myself). Beer and wine (much of it local) and cocktails flowed and clams were soon added to the menu as well as smoked fish dips, shrimp and crab rolls.

Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market, 37 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6992, littlecreekoysters.com. Open Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday noon to 8 p.m.