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Friday, April 27, 2007

FROM THE HIGH SEAS

Want to know what fishes are ripe for eating?

The folks who track these things for the state sent over a few notes that might be of interest to those of you in search of the freshest things that swim.

Day boat sea scallops are in good supply and of excellent quality, while there's a good supply and good quality for mackerel, ling, fluke (until April 30) and butterfish. There's excellent quality tuna and tilefish out there, but supplies are limited.

If you're into Cape May Salt Oysters, the state folks report that "supplies are very good ... with excellent quality."

The fish officials will be issuing a Jersey Fresh seafood availablity report every couple of weeks. If y'all are interested in hearing what they have to say, I'll be happy to post info (such as the above) on this blog.

So where are you eating and/or what are you cooking this weekend? And, restaurant chefs, any unusual specials this weekend or coming up next week?

cheers,
Andy
4.27.07

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Excellent news - I wonder if the Blue Claw across from Blue in LBI is open yet?

As far as cooking...went to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill last night - excellent - he was there, taking photos and shaking hands, very gracious...

Food: cornmeal dusted oysters with bacon, pickled jalapeno and an apricot sauce - very good.

Entree was 2 sizable venison chops with sweet potato polenta with a toasted almond mole sauce - wow.

Ironically the prices in his NYC location are CHEAPER than those at his AC establishment, Bobby Flay Steak...

As far as other eats, the Happy Hour at Mattison Park is a steal - Tues-Sat 4-7pm 1/2 price drinks and apps - try their Jamaican Jerk chicken pizza...

I would be cooking this weekend, but it's SHADFEST in Lambertville, how could we leave that out as an in-season fish?

April 28, 2007 at 2:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where can I purchase shad other than in Lambertville?

April 28, 2007 at 2:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where can an ordinary person go to buy very fresh seafood at an affordabl price? Most of us here in Ocean County do no consider Gregory's affordable. Thank you.

April 29, 2007 at 9:57 AM  
Blogger Andrea Clurfeld said...

Greetings, all -

I haven't seen shad around yet, but I'll be off this week and therefore out and about, foraging. If I find any shad, I'll let you all know. My experience with shad is that it's found in the more upscale fish markets because it's labor-intensive to fillet - lots and lots and lots of little bones. So someone is going to spend a lot of time filleting and that someone's time costs money. But to me, since the shad season is so fleeting, it's worth the price for a once-a-year treat. (I used to live in Lambertville, years ago, so I'm an old shad fan.)
If any fishmongers are selling shad or if any chefs are serving it at their restaurants, please speak out here. I know I won't be the only shad-lover making a bee-line for your shad.
As far as fish markets in Ocean County, I heartily recommend Don Takash's Ahearn's Seafood Market on Route 532 in Waretown. (His wholesale operation is called Sally's Seafood - lots of local fishermen use Don as their main man.) Don knows his fish and what he's got is primo. Check out Ahearn's.

cheers,
Andy
4.29.07

April 29, 2007 at 3:55 PM  

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