Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

Seine or gill net caught, Resurrection Bay, Alaska

The wild Alaskan salmon catch thus far this season has been somewhat of a mixed bag. In an earlier email we mentioned that the Copper River salmon catch has been among the lowest in over 50 years and still remains closed to commercial fishing. But in other areas of Alaska, while numbers are lower than last year, last week saw record catches! Our reluctance to offer salmon was somewhat overcome by these dcatches.

To review, there are 5 different types of Pacific salmon (king—also known as chinook—sockeye, coho, pink, and chum). Of all the types, king is the largest, and some consider it the most flavorful. 

Sockeye (also known as red) is not as large as king salmon but like king salmon, it is high in omega-3's and has an excellent flavor. We love Alaskan salmon grilled on a cedar plank. Seafood Watch rates it a "Best Choice," and it is MSC Certified. Lower mercury. Kosher.
1 lb. for $18.00

-- Grilled Salmon Skewers with Basil Vinaigrette (What's Gabby Cooking)
-- Simple Seared Salmon Salad (Nigella Lawson / Saveur)

Monkfish

Gill-net or trawl, Rhode Island

Monkfish is one of the ugliest fish in the ocean, but we love its flavor and texture! Think poor man's lobster. 

Monkfish looks positively prehistoric. Its huge, gaping mouth and hideous teeth are complemented by an odd-looking, dangling apparatus on its head that some say looks like a fishing pole and bait. Its tail though is "seafood gold," with a texture and density similar to that of lobster, as mentioned above.

We've seen it used in a number of ways—in "lobster" rolls, risotto, and soup, and also braised and bacon-wrapped. Seafood Watch rates it a "Good Alternative." Low mercury level.
1 lb. for $15.00

-- Bacon-Wrapped Monkfish (from BBC Good Food)
-- Monkfish "Lobster" Rolls (adapted from The New York Times)

Baby Octopus

Tenderized. Spain

These tasty baby octopuses (octopi) have already been tenderized (no beating required!) and come curled up in the shape of a flower. 
1 lb. (2-3) for $16.00

Key West Pink Shrimp

Wild caught, Florida

We are happy to offer uncooked, frozen, wild caught Key West Pink Shrimp. These plump shrimp get their color from the coral waters off the southwest coast of Florida. Individually Quick Frozen, Shell-On. 21 to 25 per pound.
$15.50 

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-- Garlic Shrimp And White Beans (Bon Appétit)

-- HOF Simple Roasted Shrimp

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Tinned Sardines in Tomato Sauce

Jose Gourmet, Portugal

Entertaining? Here is a special treat. These succulent sardines packed in a light tomato sauce are surprisingly rich and satisfying. 

Studies have shown that canned sardines are healthier for you than fresh. They are full of omega-3 fatty acids and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Save this truly delicious treat for your best friends. You won't regret it. MSC certified. 125 grams: $9.00/tin

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Tomato Farrotto with Sardines (Bon Appétit)

Pasta with Sardines and Lemon (Bon Appétit)

Hooked on Fish Convertible Cooler Bag

Use this bag for lots of things!

Summer is here!

And that means it is going to be HOT. Make sure you have the right cooler bag for your trip home. Not only does it keep your fish cold longer, but it is an excellent all-purpose tote. Use if for your summer picnics at Millennium Park or Ravinia! Removable insulated pouch.

$18.00

Gibsons Steakhouse Seasoning Salt

Ingredients: Salt, spices, dehydrated onion and garlic.

This is the secret ingredient that some say makes Gibsons steaks so good. It is excellent on fish too! Contains only salt, spices, and dehydrated onion and garlic.

Net weight: 6 ounces for $6.50

Cuttlefish Ink Spaccatelli

Sfoglini Pasta Shop, Brooklyn NY

We were recently introduced to Sfoglini pasta and now we can't get enough of it! Their pastas use grains grown by local farmers and ground in local mills. They are part of a movement to revive specialty and ancient grains such as emmer. At last a pasta that is both good and good for you.

Company description: "Cuttlefish or sepia ink is milked from the squid-like creatures found predominately in the warmer waters of the Mediterranean. Originally used for early manuscript writing the beautiful slate coloring started to show up in signature dishes from Sicily to Venice in sauces and pastas. Cuttlefish Ink brings warm velvety notes and a mellow briny flavor to our delicious scroll-shaped pasta that pairs well with buttery seafood."Come on, be adventurous! 
16 ounce box for $9.50

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-- Cuttlefish Spaccatelli with Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Green Onion (Food 52)