Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Soft Shell Crab Season Has Arrived
The season for fresh soft-shell crab runs through September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or deep fried with some lemon and butter. Nothing like a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast at area markets followed by the popular bounty from Chesapeake. As the season wears on more venues will be serving them. Here’s where to seek them out locally…
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-9885) Jumbo soft shell crabs are on the blackboard as a special. Great with one of their craft beers. www.artiescityisland.com
Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve soft shells in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777) This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. www.dubrovnikny.com
Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale. (914-725-3450) A Westchester favorite for many years. Don’t forget Go Fish, next door. www.eastchesterfish.com
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up as an Oyster Bar & Clam Bar. Take your pick.
Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-367-4139) Started 3 generations ago by a Sicilian family of fisherman, this market has soft shells in stock all season. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com
Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch and will soon include Soft Shell Crab. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.com
ANS Seafood Market, 2 William St., Elmsford (914-592-9250) & Restaurant, 545 US-6, Mahopac. (845-621-2489). Soft shells are available right now. You can also enjoy them on the spot at their Mahopac restaurant. www.ansseafood.com
Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House, 55 Abendroth Ave., Port Chester (914-939-2425) Happy Hours have returned to the handsome barroom. Soft Shells will be available. www.saltaireoysterbar.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)