OUR STORY
Two personalities
one obsession for oysters.
We’re Bougee & Brine—an Italian girl with a taste of the finer things, and a guy who lives for the greatest shuck and a good IPA. Together, we explore the best oysters, restaurants, pairings and places to eat from Ottawa and beyond.
Life on the Half Shell.
Life is better on the half shell. That’s our motto and lifestyle.
We love discovering exceptional oysters, unforgettable restaurants, perfect pairings and memorable destinations. Whether we’re road tripping. flying somewhere new or exploring our backyard, we’re always chasing great oysters and the stories that come with them.
Thanks for being part of our journey.
OYSTERS
PAIRINGS
From crisp whits to hoppy IPAs, we find the perfect match for every shell.
We review oysters from near and far so you know what’s worth shucking
SHUCK SPOTS
We dine out so you don’t have to. Honest reviews of our favourite spots that serve oysters right.
TRAVEL
We find destinations that inspire us— because the best oysters come with the best stories
IT STARTED WITH
an Oyster
Our story began over a plate of oysters at Poisson Bleu in Ottawa.
Good food, easy conversation, and a spark that was hard to ignore.
After dinner, we ended up at Drip House, where Brine casually said he didn't think this was going to work—but he'd like a second date anyway.
Bougee wasn't waiting around for the second date-she went in for the first kiss.
There was chocolate. There were cowboy boots (against her better judgment). And there was something unexpected:
two very different personalities realizing they had a lot more in common than oysters.
That night wasn't the end of the story—it was just the beginning.
Somewhere along the way, dinner became an adventure-
and Bougee & Brine was born.
MEET BOUGEE & BRINE
Two personalities. One obsession.
Bougee
THE BOUGEE HALF
Champagne lover. Discerning palate. Designer everything. Big flower pins, pearls and a touch of glamour. Always. Strong opinions and impeccable taste in oysters and in life. Never eats the whole burger. Always fashionably late. Two French bulldogs keep her on her toes.
Brine
THE BRINY HALF
Oyster enthusiast. Loves a locally brewed IPA. Clumsy shucker, but getting better. Brown apron, rolled sleeves and a bit of salt under the nails. Adventure seeker with a taste for the road less travelled. Always up for the next spot, the next oyster and the next story.
She brings the elegance,
the instincts and the sparkle.
He brings the curiosity,
the humour and the heart
DIFFERENT TASTES. DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES
One very full oyster platter. ♡
TWO TAKES. ONE OYSTER
BOUGEE’S TAKE
The refined side of the shell.
TASTE
Same oyster. Two very different takes.
TEXTURE
BRININESS
FINISH
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Elegant, delicate and perfectly balanced.
The briny side of the shell.
TASTE
THEN COMES THE FINAL SHUCK
We taste separately, compare notes and see where we land. Sometimes we agree. Sometimes we really don’t.
Two opinions. One oyster. One final shuck.
BRINE’S TAKE
TEXTURE
BRININESS
FINISH
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Bold, briny and full of coastal character.
THE STORY IS
JUST GETTING STARTED
From Ottawa to wherever the next great oyster takes us.