Each oyster variety's shape, size, and flavor is unique to how and where it is raised, from coastal Oregon bays to France's famed Belon River, but many oyster lovers don't know the stories behind their favorite shucked shells.

Portland's resident oyster experts Tobias Hogan and Ethan Powell offer up oysters with a side of education at their oyster bar outposts The Parish in the Pearl District and EaT: An Oyster Bar on North Williams. I sat down with a glass of bubbly, a camera, and a few slices of lemon to get the briny secrets behind the dozens of oysters. Click on the slideshow above to see the delicious results.