oysters Rockefeller

plural noun

oysters Rocke·​fel·​ler -ˈrä-ki-ˌfe-lər 

: a dish of oysters on the half shell cooked with various savory toppings typically including chopped spinach and a seasoned sauce

Word History

Etymology

probably after John D. rockefeller †1937, from the association of his wealth with the richness of the dish

Note: Oysters Rockefeller have traditionally been associated with Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans; according to the restaurant's website the dish was invented by Jules Alciatore, son of the founder, Antoine Alciatore. It is mentioned (as "Something new at Antoine's / Huitres, a la Rockefeller") in an advertisement for the restaurant in the New Orleans Times-Democrat, October 24, 1909 (see the article on Oysters Rockefeller, May 11, 2018, at www.barrypopik.com).

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above