Market Place News:

Don't forget Mother's Day is this Sunday!  And to make sure you provide a delicious and memorable experience for all of the moms out there, it is important to order early and ask about the availability of certain items.  The earlier you order, the better we can accommodate you.  And don't forget...here at The Lobster Place, we have all the lobsters you need for your Mother's Day menus.   

Wild Striped Bass remains unavailable for the time being, as the fisheries along the east coast are closed.  There is always a chance that one of the states could open and we could receive a shipment.  We will keep you posted as the situation changes.  In the meantime, Black Sea Bass, Grouper, and Farmed Striped Bass are excellent alternatives.   

Massachusetts has opened up for Black Sea Bass, so we are seeing some nice fish coming out of that area.

We are seeing Wild King Salmon from the west coast in small doses, as it is still very early in the season.

Please note that the Cod are between 4-8lb each with the head ON.  These fish are day boat caught and superior in quality, but for those of you who are looking for a bigger option, we recommend Pollock, a member of the cod family and similar in texture with its white meat and large flakes.  We don't know how long this trend of smaller fish will last, as there is a state by state quota for how much Cod can be landed, and this has a large impact on the size of the fish we are able to bring in. 

Soft Shell Crabs available in both PRIMES and JUMBOS, for Wednesday and Friday deliveries.    

*** For certain specialty items, such as California Uni, Live Uni, Razor Clams, Smelts, and Ipswich Clams, please inquire at least 1 day in advance, as we purchase product per individual order.***    

For inquiries or to learn more about what is going on in the seafood industry, please email us at mgmt@lobsterplace.com.     

Fresh Fin Fish:

Red Grouper - Harvested in the waters off of southern Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, this fish, a personal favorite of mine, is treasured for its delectable flavor and larger size.  At one time considered an overfished species, grouper populations have been able to rebuild in this area thanks to strict federal management, implementation of a quota program, and cooperation from local fishermen and fisheries.  With respect to sustainability and the environment, this is an extremely responsible choice. Your customers can enjoy their meal, knowing they are consuming a fish that is not only incredibly delicious, but ecologically friendly as well.  With wild striped bass currently unavailable, this is also an excellent alternative.

East & West Coast Halibut - We have some beautiful product hailing from both the Atlantic and the Pacific.  The fish from either coast are wild-caught using an environmentally friendly method and range from 15-30lb each.  If you prefer that your fish come from a particular coast, please specify that when you order.    

A Look Beyond Fish:

Pulpo de Playa - Check out our frozen Spanish octopus.  This product comes out of Southern Spain and Portugal, where the product is landed live in Cádiz, Spain, before undergoing a tenderizing and freezing process.  Considered a white meat, this species of octopus lives close to the coast and feeds on shrimp, clams, and other sand dwellers.  Its diet gives the octopus meat a unique and delicious flavor. Available in 4/6lb units.   

Fresh Domestic Shrimp - Fresh shrimp out of the Gulf of Mexico, 16-20/lb.

Rhode Island Squid - Brought in fresh daily, available in medium and large.

Oysters:

East Coast:

Beau Soleil (New Brunswick)

Blue Points (Connecticut)

Flying Point (Maine) 

Indian Creek (Prince Edward Island)

Katama (Massachusetts)

Montauk Pearl (New York)

Mystics (Connecticut)

Pemaquid (Maine)

Wiley Point (Maine)

Wellfleet (Maine)

Hog Neck (New York)

West Coast:

Calm Cove (Washington)

Eagle Rock (Washington)

Chef Creek (British Columbia)

Kummos (California)

Kusshi (British Columbia)

Malaspina (British Columbia)

Sisters Point (Washington)

Totten Inlet (Washington) 

We do not expect to see Wild Striped Bass available this week.  Most of the fisheries are closed so we are not seeing landings of this fish.  Suitable alternatives include Farmed Striped Bass, Black Sea Bass, and Grouper.  

Please note that the Cod are between 4-8lb each with the head ON.  These fish are day boat caught and superior in quality, but for those of you who are looking for a bigger option, we recommend Pollock, a member of the cod family and similar in texture with its white meat and large flakes. 

It is still very early in the season for West Coast Wild King Salmon.  While we are seeing some product, but the price still remains high.  If you are interested this fish, please let us know in advance and we can try to get it for you. 

Soft Shell Crabs available in both PRIMES and JUMBOS, for Wednesday and Friday deliveries.    

*** For certain specialty items, such as California Uni, Live Uni, Razor Clams, Smelts, and Ipswich Clams, please inquire at least 1 day in advance, as we purchase product per individual order.***    

For inquiries or to learn more about what is going on in the seafood industry, please email us at mgmt@lobsterplace.com.     

Fresh Fin Fish:

East & West Coast Halibut - We have some beautiful product hailing from both the Atlantic and the Pacific.  The fish from either coast are wild-caught using an environmentally friendly method and range from 15-30lb each.    

Pollock - This Atlantic wild-caught fish is a delicious option, and as a member of the cod family, it is an excellent alternative to your 12-15lb steak cod, which is currently unavailable.  This white fish, with its bold flavor, is a larger fish and offers an incredible value.  About 10-12lb each.

Spanish Mackerel  - Wild caught in the U.S. Atlantic, this fish is characterized by its strong, distinct flavor, and flaky, moist meat.  Spanish Mackerel are a resilient species, producing high numbers of offspring, helping to lower the effects of over fishing.  Furthermore, mackerel fisheries are very well managed and the fish are caught using hook-n-line methods, rendering them a "Best Choice" by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.  

A Look Beyond Fish:

Pulpo de Playa - Check out our frozen Spanish octopus.  This product comes out of Southern Spain and Portugal, where the product is landed live in Cádiz, Spain, before undergoing a tenderizing and freezing process.  Considered a white meat, this species of octopus lives close to the coast and feeds on shrimp, clams, and other sand dwellers.  Its diet gives the octopus meat a unique and delicious flavor.  Available in 4/6lb units.   

Fresh Domestic Shrimp - Fresh shrimp out of the Gulf of Mexico, 16-20/lb.

Rhode Island Squid - Brought in fresh daily, available in medium and large.

Oysters:

East Coast:

Beau Soleil 

Blue Points

Gooseberry

Hogneck Bay

Indian Creek

Katama

Montauk Pearl

Watch Hill

Wiley Point

West Coast:

Barron Point

Calm Cove

Eagle Rock

Kummos

Kusshi

Little Skookum

Malaspina

Pebble Beach

Totten Inlet

Quilcine 

Sisters Point

First, to the extent that Whole Foods’ decision is a principled commitment to sustaining the ocean’s resources, we applaud the company for their conscientious approach to sourcing and marketing their products. However, we at The Lobster Place – while equally committed to conscientiousness and transparency in our sourcing decisions – take a somewhat different angle on this complicated problem.  It’s our feeling that effective conservation policy must engage industry in a way that encourages continuous improvement to the way we manage our resources. When significant evidence exists that a resource can be sustained without the real economic consequences that an outright “boycott” causes – as it does in this case,  we feel that continuing to market a species while following government regulations and educating the consumer is the most responsible way forward. 

In the case of the species identified by Whole Foods, information on NOAA’s website, http://www.fishwatch.gov/index.htm (an excellent resource) suggests that the Federal Government is taking a common sense approach to management of these resources – an approach that engages ALL stakeholders with the goal of preserving seafood for tomorrow while minimizing economic impact today. This approach makes tough – and often very unpopular – decisions about what needs to be done in order to avoid the mistakes of the past. (For example, new management measures for the Gulf Of Maine Atlantic Cod fishery will go into effect next month which will drastically reduce landings of that species.) At The Lobster Place, we pay close attention to those decisions and follow the rules that get laid down as a result.

There’s no doubt that we as a nation have made mistakes in the way that we manage natural resources – fish in particular – over the past century. However it’s our sincere feeling that when it comes to fisheries management, the Federal Government is largely getting it right by soliciting the research of independent scientists; engaging industry; and marshaling significant resources to enforce the law. So – as long as NOAA continues to permit the harvesting and marketing of the species singled out by Whole Foods, The Lobster Place will continue to market them – AND educate the consumer about the science and regulatory processes behind our decisions. 

Due to the states' quarterly closings for Black Sea Bass, the product is extremely limited to unavailable through the rest of April.  Although these state closings are expected once the catch quotas have been exhausted, it doesn't make the lack of available product any less irritating for those of you in the kitchen.  The good news? Massachusetts will open again May 1, and we can expect to see Black Sea Bass become available on a more consistent basis. 

At various times throughout the year, we see periodic dry spells for certain products. This week, the Mahi Mahi market has tightened a bit, as fleets just simply aren't bringing the product in.  According to our in-house Fish Doctor, "they just aren't hittin' the Mahi..."  

It's wasn't just a FLUKE!  As I mentioned earlier this week, Jumbo Fluke is an excellent and affordable substitute for a variety of white and flat fishes.  As certain items are currently inconsistent with respect to availability and price, we highly recommend that you try this product.  And not only is it a great value, but it's local caught too, landing along the south shore of Long Island at Shinnecock and Moriches Inlets.      

We have a new Minced Clam that has just become available.  Coming in from New Bedford, Massachusetts, these minced clams, available by the gallon, offer a sweeter and more distinct flavor.  What gives these minced clams that special edge?  In addition to their flavor, they offer a 6lb to 2lb meat to juice ratio, a better yield compared to its 5lb/3lb counterparts.  The clams used in this product are harvested South South East of Martha's Vineyard off of Aquinnah Light House.    

*** For certain specialty items, such as California Uni, Razor Clams, Smelts, and Ipswich Clams, please inquire at least 1 day in advance, as we purchase product per individual order.***    

For inquiries or to learn more about what is going on in the seafood industry, please email us at mgmt@lobsterplace.com.     

Fresh Fin Fish:

Bronzini - A surefire option for your menus, these bronzini are farm raised in an eco-friendly, sustainable environment in Greece, where they are fed an all-natural diet.  Available in 1lb, 1.5lb, and 2lb sizes.  Please enjoy.

Red Fish - Farmed on the tiny island of Mauritius, which is off the cost of Madagascar, these redfish are given sustainable feed and plenty of room to grow. They have a light delicate flavor with a meaty texture.  About 3-5lb each.    

Halibut - With the West Coast Halibut season in full swing, we are seeing plenty of beautiful, fresh product.  Not to mention, the price has gone down a bit as well, which is nice to hear after a winter of fairly high halibut prices.  Our fish are between 10 and 30lb each.   

Jumbo Fluke - Wild-caught locally off the south shore of Long Island, this flatfish is an excellent option for your menus with regard to both quality and price.  

Red Florida Grouper - We are seeing excellent product coming out of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.  These grouper are wild-caught by small, family-owned fishing vessels in zones where management of grouper populations is strictly enforced, rendering this a very responsible option.  Between 5-20lb each.     

A Look Beyond Fish:

Mediterranean Head-on Prawns - Here's something new!  Available in U8 and U10 sizes, these are shrimp that really have that true shrimp flavor. 

Flying Point Oysters - These are the best East Coast option in the house right now.  Harvested from the cold Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine, these oysters have a deep cup, are full of liquor, and have that undeniable clean and pristine ocean flavor.

Local Scallops - Harvested along the northern edge of the North Heyes Canyon in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, these scallops are just in and looking absolutely pristine. Available in U10 and 10/20, these are a delicious, fresh, and local option for your menus.      

Oysters:

East Coast:

Beau Soleil 

Blue Points

Broadwater

Flying Point

Indian Creek

Katama

Montauk Pearl

Mystic

Pemaquid

Wellfleet

West Coast:

Calm Cove

Eagle Rock

Kusshi

Little Skookum

Pebble Beach

Totten Inlet

Quilcine 

Sisters Point

Market Place News:

Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs are now available for Wednesday and Friday deliveries! Please follow the order/delivery guide below so that you don't miss out! 

We ARE open Monday 4/9/12.  In light of the holiday weekend, many seafood purveyors will be closed into Monday.  We recommend that you place your weekend orders early to avoid last minute scrambling!    

Wild Striped Bass will be extremely limited to unavailable for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. Delaware is the only fishery currently open and there are high winds as well, making the situation particularly hard-pressed.  We will keep you posted as product becomes available again.  Appropriate alternatives include Grouper, Farmed Striped Bass, and American Red Snapper. 

While the Cod and Halibut markets are improving slightly and prices are coming down a bit, we are seeing another slight increase in Tuna prices.  We will continue to keep you aware of market changes as the occur.  

*** For certain specialty items, such as California Uni, Razor Clams, Smelts, and Ipswich Clams, please inquire at least 1 day in advance, as we purchase product per individual order.***    

For inquiries or to learn more about what is going on in the seafood industry, please email us at mgmt@lobsterplace.com.     

Fresh Fin Fish:

Local Dorade & Bronzini - Farmed locally in Hudson, New York, these fresh dorade and bronzini are not only delicious, but a responsible and healthy choice as well.  They are produced by Local Oceans, a local fish farm dedicated to upholding sustainable practices and addressing the needs of our environment as well as those of humanity. Farmed in saltwater ecosystems that replicate the ocean, these fish are actually healthier than what you may find in the ocean, because they are not exposed to coastal pollutants.  With so many positives, why not give these guys a try! About 1lb each. 

East Coast Halibut - Wild-caught in the North Atlantic, this delicious flatfish is characterized by its lean meat, and firm texture with large flakes.  The largest member of the flatfish family, these halibut run between 10 and 50lb each.  And, as mentioned above, the halibut market is improving and we are seeing a decrease in price. 

Atlantic Cod - Wild-caught in the Gulf of Maine, this whitefish is an old favorite; a dependable, sure-to-please option for your menus.  And while we had seen the prices rise slightly, it looks like the market is starting to improve. 10-15lb each.

A Look Beyond Fish:

Calico Scallops - Here's something new!  A bit smaller than their Mexican Bay counterparts, these tasty scallops have just been brought in from Florida.  Looking fresh, looking delicious...Give them a try!

Fresh Gulf Shrimp - Caught in the Gulf and landed in Florida, these 16-20 count shrimp are a must have for your menus.  

Crawfish Tail Meat - Brought in from Louisiana, sold in 1lb increments.    

Oysters:

East Coast:

Beau Soleil

Blue Points

Cooks Cocktail

Flyin Point

Indian Creek

Montauk Pearl

Mystic

Watch Hill

Welfleet

West Coast:

Chef Creek

Hammersly

Kummos

Kusshi

Little Skookum

Malaspina

Pebble Beach

Quilcine

Totten Inlet

 Soft Shell Crabs have once again arrived and are available for PRE-ORDERS.  As this is a rather early start to the Soft Shell Crab season, until further notice, we will have only the Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs available for Friday deliveries.  The sooner you order the better, and we will keep you aware of the situation as it changes and they become more available.     

Wild Striped Bass will be extremely limited to unavailable for the remainder of the week.  Delaware is the only fishery currently open and there are high winds as well, making the situation particularly hard-pressed.  We will keep you posted as product becomes available again.

The Cod Market is extremely tight, so expect prices to rise.  According to Mark, the Fish Doctor, "they just aren't hittin' the cod", as they say.  Many fisheries are closed, so we are not seeing as many landings.  Furthermore, the official ending of the Skrei season has made a large impact on the demand for domestic product.  We will be sure to keep you aware of the situation.  In the meantime, try to hang in there!  

*** For certain specialty items, such as California Uni, Razor Clams, Smelts, and Ipswich Clams, please inquire at least 1 day in advance, as we purchase product per individual order.***    

For inquiries or to learn more about what is going on in the seafood industry, please email us at mgmt@lobsterplace.com.     

Fresh Fin Fish:

Black Sea Bass - We have some nice, fresh 2-4lb wild caught black sea bass from the Mid-Atlantic available for tomorrow.  With Wild Striped Bass being unavailable, this option is an excellent alternative. 

Mahi Mahi - Landed in Guatemala by small, family-owned and operated fisheries, these pristine, wild caught Mahi Mahi are considered a Good Alternative by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.   

Red Snapper - Wild-caught in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, our red snapper run between 2-3lb and 3-4lb. These are also an excellent alternative for Wild Striped Bass, so keep these guys in mind if you find yourself in a jam!

Halibut - Wild-caught in the North Atlantic, this delicious flatfish is characterized by its lean meat, and firm texture with large flakes.  The largest member of the flatfish family, these halibut run between 10 and 50lb each. 

A Look Beyond Fish:

Calico Scallops - Here's something new!  A bit smaller than their Mexican Bay counterparts, these tasty scallops have just been brought in from Florida.  Looking fresh, looking delicious...Give them a try!

P.E.I. and Hollander & DeKoning Dutch-farmed Mussels - Don't forget about your mussel options! Whether you're looking for a traditional Prince Edward Island, or would like to try something a little different, no need to look further.  While our PEI's offer that consistent taste you know and love, our Dutch farmed Hollander & DeKoning continue to prove a meaty and tasty option time and time again. Whatever your preference, we've got you covered.      

Oysters:

East Coast:

 Blue Points

Indian Creek

Montauk Pearl

Mystic

Wellfleet

West Coast:

Chef Creek 

Dabob's

Hammersly

Kummos

Kusshi

Malaspina

Quilcine

Totten Inlet

The final days of March are winding down, and I think it's safe to assume that with the arrival of April, will come longer days and consistently warmer weather; an April that perhaps, in light of the mild winter we had, will mimic the month of May...at least that's what I'm hoping for!  And as we witness these beautiful, climatic transformations take place, certain changes under the sea are undeniable as well; in particular, season openings and closings of various fish species and specialty items, as well as varying availability and market fluctuations of certain items. So while the long run of the well-liked Skrei (Norwegian Cod) has come to an end, we certainly have the arrival of those seasonal favorites, such as West Coast Halibut and Soft Shell Crabs to look forward to.  Be sure to stay tuned as we will continue to keep you updated with the latest and greatest in the industry.    

We are happy to report that Soft Shell Crabs have once again arrived. Available for Friday, 3/30/12, delivery, we will have Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs only, as it is still quite early in the season.  Beginning next week, we will be taking pre-orders for orders to arrive later in the week.      

Expect Mahi Mahi prices to go down a bit as we are seeing a nice little production hit out of Ecuador and Peru.  

The Domestic Cod market remains a little tight as wind in the Gulf of Maine is keeping the smaller boats in, limiting the amount of product being brought in. 

Due to increased landings in Boston, we can expect to see Swordfish become more available, and hopefully begin to see a slight relief in price.  Check out our fresh sword, sourced directly from Boston, landed by the Fishing Vessel Iron Maiden.

*** For certain specialty items, such as California Uni, Razor Clams, Smelts, and Ipswich Clams, please inquire at least 1 day in advance, as we purchase product per individual order.***    

For inquiries or to learn more about what is going on in the seafood industry, please email us at mgmt@lobsterplace.com.     

Fresh Fin Fish:

Skrei - This is your last chance for this special run of Norwegian Cod, so get it while you can.  And with the domestic cod market a little tight, this is a delicious and affordable alternative.  About 10lb each.    

Wild Striped Bass - Wild-caught in the mid-Atlantic, specifically off the coasts of Delaware and Maryland, these 15-20lb fish are just in, and looking pristine!  Caught using methods that are minimally invasive and damaging to the ocean and marine habitats, wild striped bass earn a Best Choice rating from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.       

Skate Wings & Monkfish Tails - Caught in the Northeast Atlantic, and landed this morning in Chatham, Massachusetts by the F/V Dawn T, these fresh skate wings and monkfish tails will be available for tomorrow's delivery.  Skate about 1½-3lb each and monkfish about 3-5lb.

Halibut - Wild-caught in the North Atlantic, this delicious flatfish is characterized by its lean meat, and firm texture with large flakes.  The largest member of the flatfish family, these halibut run between 10 and 50lb each.     

A Look Beyond Fish:

Calico Scallops - Here's something new!  A bit smaller than their Mexican Bay counterparts, these tasty scallops have just been brought in from Florida.  Looking fresh, looking delicious...Give them a try!

P.E.I. and Hollander & DeKoning Dutch-farmed Mussels - Don't forget about your mussel options!  Whether you're looking for a traditional Prince Edward Island, or would like to try something a little different, no need to look further.  While our PEI's offer that consistent taste you know and love, our Dutch farmed Hollander & DeKoning continue to prove a meaty and tasty option time and time again. Whatever your preference, we've got you covered.      

Fresh Head-Off Shrimp - Try our fresh shrimp out of the Gulf of Mexico

Oysters:

East Coast:

Beau Soleil

Blue Points

Broad Water

Indian Creek

Montauk Pearl

Mystic

Watch Hill

West Coast:

Barron Point

Big Cove

Calm Cove

Chef Creek 

Fanny Bay

Kummos

Kusshi

Malaspina

Quilcine

Sisters Point

Skookum

Totten Inlet

Being that The Lobster Place will be hosting "The Oyster Bash at The Standard Hotel" (http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/2011/index.php) as part of the New York City Wine and Food festival this weekend, I figured this entry to Tides should focus a bit on our oyster program. Our oyster and shellfish buyer, Michael Vernon, has gone spanning the globe to pick out what we feel are the best oysters that can be had here in Gotham. He just returned from the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Festival where he met with Oyster farmers from Maine up to New Brunswick to sample their wares and help us stay at the cutting edge of the bi-valve craze. Here's what he's picked out - trust me, he knows his oysters:

East Coast:
Small Malpeque (Cooke's Cove, Prince Edward Island Canada): Moderate shell strength, exceptional meat yield, moderate liquor volume, strong salinity.
Watch Hill (Watch Hill, Rhode Island): Moderate Shell strength, moderate meat yield, exceptional liquor volume, moderate salinity.
Beau Soleil (Miramichi Bay, New Brunswick, Canada): Hand packed in wooden boxes, very strong shell, exceptional meat yield, moderate liquor volume, moderate salinity.
Blue Point (Nowalk, CT): Very strong shell, excellent meat yield, moderate liquor volume, strong salinity.
Wellfleet (Wellfleet, MA): Moderate shell strength and meat yield, exceptional liquor volume, mild salinty.
Pine Island (Mt Sinai, NY): Very strong shell, excellent meat yield, moderate liquour volume, strong salinity.

West Coast:
Hammersly (Hammersly Inlet, WA): Full flavored and fat - strong cucumber finish.
Eagle Rock: (Totten Inlet, WA): Creamy and saltier than their brethren from Little Skookum Inlet directly to the north.
Baron Point (Little Skookum Inlet, WA): Soft texture, sweet, and smoky with mild salinity.
Eld Inlet: (Eld Inlet Washington, WA): Creamy, buttery, and sweet with a delicate shell.
Quilcene: (Quilcene Bay, WA): Clean, mild flavor with little salinity - very refreshing.
Kumamoto: (Humboldt Bay, CA): The classic west coast oyster - sweet, cucumber-y, and approachable..great for beginners.

In general we try to stock around 12-16 varieties of oysters year round. Cold weather and different harvesting procedures interrupt stock of certain types from time to time - but Michael's always quick to find a great substitute for any oyster you may have grown fond of. Give us a call if you want to say what's going to be available this winter and fall....

BRONZINI/DORADE: This story is getting pretty stale but sourcing these menu staples continues to be a challenge. I just got off the phone with our importer who is now saying that he can't confirm that Greek economic instability is the culprit here, but rather he's blaming slower than expected grow-outs on the current crop (meaning the fish aren't as big as they'd hoped they'd be by this time) for the supply disruption. The good news is that we're seeing prices start to fall on the smaller fish (400-600g) and I'm now being told there will be plenty available by the end of the first week of October. In the meantime, our buyer is working overtime to source product where can - filling in the gaps for our orders that are being cut.

TUNA: The good news is that we're finally getting our hands on ruby red #1 loins from Big Eye's and Yellowfin with some consistency. The bad news is that prices remain elevated and are promising to stay as such through the next 6 weeks or so.

FRESH SQUID: We've been sourcing this product in the New Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point for the past week or so after a 2 week hiatus. When the fresh supply dries up, we substitue a Frozen At Sea Dirty Squid that we refresh. Look for an RF on your invoice and you'll know the product is defrosted or "re-freshed."

OYSTERS: Now is as good a time as any to talk a little bit about our Oyster program here at The Lobster Place. We feature as many as 16 varieties of oysters from the mid atlantic up to New Brusnwick and PEI (Canada) as well as California up to Puget Sound. Right now we're featuring the following:

East Coast:
Beau Soleil (New Brunswick, CA)
Small and Large Malpeque (PEI, Canada)
Flying Point (Bagaduce River, ME)
Wiley Point (Demariscotta River, ME)
Pemmaquid Point (Demariscotta River, ME)
Indian Creek (PEI, Canada)
Blue Point (Norwalk, CT)
Pine Island (Long Island, NY)

West Coast:
Hammersly (Hammersly Inlet, WA)
Kumamoto (Humboldt Bay, CA)
Baron Point (Baron Pt, WA)
Eld Inlet (Eld Inlet, WA)
Little Skookum (Little Skookum Inlet, WA)

Give us a call for prices.

LOBSTER: Here's some background info on how the lobster industry works. The Canadians fish off shore in the colder waters off nova scotia and PEI and as a result they land harder shell lobsters. They're not fishing right now so anything coming from canada is "tubed" or "pounded" - meaning it's been held in a man made facility for som extended period of time waiting for the market to peak. Meanwhile, the domestic fishermen fish near shore in the warmer waters from New Jersey up to Maine. 85% of their catch is new-shell and goes directly to processors who cook and shell the meat and sell it to Red Lobster (and other similar outlets.) The remainder is deemed "road-worthy" and will survive the trip to New York and the subsequent scrutiny of our customers (who may be a little more picky than the good folks at Red Lobster.) That remainder is preciously scarce right now - and hence - the price of lobster is high. We hope that Maine fresh caughts are going to "firm up" their shells in the coming weeks. With that the supply of good lobster will rise - and, you guessed it, prices will fall.

That's it for now folks. Stay tuned - because as sure as the sun is going to rise tomorrow, so too will the Tides come in....

TUNA: The Tuna market continues to be a real challenge - moreso than i've seen in recent years. I just got off the phone with one of our major suppliers and I'm told that the weak dollar combined with below average production means that #1 fish is scarce and prices are shaping up to be high for the fall season. Evidently, much of the fish that typically makes landfall here in the U.S. is being bought by Europeans and Japanese whose Euro's and Yen are going further than the greenback. In addition, i'm hearing that large shipments that come from Panama and Southeast asia are about half their usual size in quantity. All this adds up to difficulty sourcing premium product at good prices...I will keep you posted.

BRONZINI/DORADE: There is some good news regarding these staple menu items - prices fell slightly on 400-600g Bronzini for delivery today and we don't project so much difficulty sourcing the product for the rest of the week. If you weren't aware, Greece is the largest producer of Bronzini and Dorade (it's one of their largest cash "crops") and the majoriy of the product we sell comes from there. I've been hearing that last week's supply shortage is related to the economic and labor crisis that country is facing. Granted I haven't been able to speak directly to producers (we buy from importers) but this "fish rumor" seems logical enough.

WILD STRIPED BASS: This treasure of the East Coast returned to the market this week with New York State (Long Island) re-opening the species to commerical landings. Prices are high (but falling) and these local fish are looking great!

SOUTHERN FISH: Expect some shortage of Grouper and TRUE American Red Snappers in this early part of the week. Our major producer of Gulf of Mexico Seafood didn't unload many boats over the past few days so we're seeing a temporary squeeze on some of the Gulf favorites.

WILD SALMON: The season's coming to a close but we've got a "line" on some beautiful Wild King and Coho Salmon from Washington and British Columbia...get it while you can....and remember - if it's november and you think you're buying wild salmon....think again.