FOR PISCIVOROUS PEOPLE...
NOVEMBER 2007         HAPPY THANKSGIVING
 
 
 
 
 
Dirk's Fish & Gourmet Shop

 
Time Bandit heading out-2007
"It's not the end of the world, but you can see it from here"
Dutch Harbor, Alaska.  Crab Connoisseur Tour 2007
 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
 Ready or not, the holidays are upon us (I wasn't ready as you can see by my delayed newsletter)! Now is the time to be planning your parties and celebrations. Whether you are having an intimate party of two or the social gathering of the year, fish and seafood can play a major role. From party trays to appetizers, to the main course, fish and seafood can be a healthy and tasty addition for any occasion!
 Did you know that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated with fish and oysters, wild game, corn and squash. There wasn't a turkey in sight!  Go back to the basics! Complement your Thankgiving with traditional oysters, mussels, cod or sole. How about something more contemporary: an oyster stuffed striped bass or fresh king crab legs from Alaska.  Now 'tis the season!
 Fall is prime time for soups; from a quick lunch to a full dinner, we have 20 different varieties to choose from. My wife Terry created a new soup that was the hit of the Chicago Food Depository's charity event that we were involved in. It's a White Bean, Escarole and Kale Soup with Halibut Meatballs! Even the noted chefs at the event were impressed. We now have it in the shop fresh made; ready and waiting for you to try it. By the way, we helped raise over $264,000.00 that night; all for Chicago's hungry and needy! Many thanks to all that attended!
 Our trip to Dutch Harbor Alaska was both successful and educational. We were able to go out on three of the "Deadlist Catch" boats for a first hand look at the process and the crab fishery. We did a little rocking and rolling on the Bering Sea, pulled crab pots, sorted crab and followed it back to the Unisea plant where it was processed and cooked for you. The whole process involved was totally amazing. We made some new friends on the boats and it looks like we will see crab at Christmas! If you ever get a chance to go to Dutch, take it, the fresh king crab there will blow you away!
Chris and live crab 1.5
 
 Call ahead for the week of Thanksgiving so that we can assure that you get your party trays or seafoods that you need.
 
We will be open until 7:00 on Thanksgiving eve.
 
Dirk's will be closed Thanksgiving Day.
 
 
 
 
 
Chris is sorting live king crab on the Arctic Sea prior to the crabs' trip to Chicago and your plate! It doesn't get any fresher than this!
SUSTAINABILITY AND OUR FISH
With fish and seafoods in the spotlight for health these days, the demand on current stocks of fish is growing. Presently almost fifty percent of fish and seafood consumed in the world today is farm raised, which is a good thing because otherwise the pressure on wild stocks would be far too heavy. There are many opinions about many issues and these issues can get very cloudy sometimes(or all the time). The media doesn't always help with their sensationalist reporting, after all bad news gets more play than good.
I try to balance all that I read, hear and research to decide what fish and seafood we will offer here at Dirks. I reference the seafood watch lists, which I can agree with mostly though I do have some differing opinions there. I read all the current fish information that is available on a daily basis and try to buy responsibly. I believe that the fish we sell is fresh, pure and sustainable.
 We have stopped offering fish like Bluefin tuna, Orange Roughy and Shark, and imported wild sturgeon caviar, just to name a few that are under too much pressure.There are fish on the Avoid lists that have certain seasons, quotas, and have stocks that are well managed and are from sustainable sources. We try to keep track of these and only offer these fish that are in season and sustainability harvested.
 If a fish is offered on our counters, it's a good fish. These issues are constantly changing and we promise to stay abreast and keep you informed as best we can. We want to offer you fish and seafood that you can eat without any guilt or worries and just enjoy for its taste and healthful properties.
Dirk
.
 
Here are a few of the seasonal and well managed products to look for at this time of the year...
 
Nantucket Bay Scallops-the sweetest scallop in the sea!- call ahead for a preorder to be sure you get some. They are pricey at $40.00 per pound but you will never taste a sweeter scallop!
Alaska Spot Prawns- These shrimp have a distinct flavor and succulent taste that only cold water shrimp can provide. They are not always available so please call ahead for these babies.  
Alaskan King Crab Legs- Both fresh cooked and  live. Simply said, until you have tasted these, you haven't really tasted king crab. With any luck, these will be available through the holidays.
Vancouver Island Farmed King Salmon- This is the time of year to try this winter staple. The farm is noted as one of the best in ecological practices and is trying to gain organic status. Definitly a fish of choice in any season. 

November Special 5th thru 11th

King Salmon Fillets (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) 

Special: $18.00 per pound

These salmon are farm raised in the cold clean waters of British Columbia on Vancouver Island. This farm is one of most responsible and ecologically sound in operation today. These fish are a great winter substitute during a time when wild fish are very limited or unavailable. King salmon are high in omega 3s and have a fuller flavor than Atlantic salmon. We bring them in whole every day and cut to your specifications for maximum freshness!

November Special 12th thru 18th

Domestic Gulf of Mexico Shrimp in the shell
(Panaeus setiferus)
Your choice - 21/25 or 10/15 count
 
Special: $2.00 per pound off
 
These wild shrimp have the best and sweetest taste. Great on the grill with a little of our Tequila Chili marinade. Try them boiled in beer for a great game time peel and eat snack. Or even peeled and fried with panko crumbs and a spicy mayo dip for a tasty treat. There is no end to the uses for these most flavorful shrimp!
November Special 19th thru 25th
 
Oysters ,Oysters and more Oysters
(Crassostrea species)
 Delawares, Kumamotos, Malpaques, and Virginicas...
 
All oysters in the shell are $2.00 per dozen off regular price.
Shucked oysters are $18.00 per pound
 
Serve up some steaming oysters Rockefeller brimming with melted cheese and spinach along with cocktails. A rich flavorful oyster bisque is a perfect beginning to a feast. Or try a moist and flavorful oyster stuffing to fill void in that bird. There are so many ways to enjoy these briney tidbits from the sea, each one as good as the last!
November Special 26th thru 12/2
 
Mahimahi or Dolphinfish
(Coryphaena hippurus)
 
Special price: $12.00 lb.
 
Back by popular demand! We have had many requests for this versatile fish in the last couple of weeks. Mahi is a great grilling or broiling fish that also lends itself well to braising or pan searing. One of our regulars swears by sweet onions cooked in butter until carmelized, pour this over the top of the fish and bake it at 425 for 10 to 12 minutes. Its quick, easy and extremely tasty. Try it with any of our marinades for an even easier dinner. Stop by Saturday, December 1st for a taste of Neil's specialty!
UPCOMING CLASSES...
 
PARTY CELEBRATIONS:
 
APPETIZERS AND HOR'DOEUVES CLASS
With the party season upon us, this class will give you an opportunity to try out some of our old favorites and new ideas for an fantastic start to any gathering. You will find that our classes are a little differnt from most cooking classes; people are starting to call them underground dinners, sign up and see why.
 
Oysters Florentine
Feta cheese and smoked trout cups
Smoked salmon wrapped Sea scallops
and many more.
 
 Bring a mate, a date or your spouse and your favorite beverage for a night of tasty fun!
Tuesday, November 27th
 7:30 til 9:00
$65.00 per person
 
Call ahead for reservations we tend to fill up fast.
773.404.3475
Dirk's Fish & Gourmet Shop
2070 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago Il. 60614
773.404.3475     www.dirksfish.com
"WHEN ONLY THE VERY BEST WILL DO"
 
If you want to try something new or inpress that special person, we can get you almost anything you wish from the water, fish or seafood, If you need some special attention or a great recipe, we can do that too.
If you are looking for something in particular, give us a call and we will do our best to get what you need.
 
"LIFE'S NOT PERFECT...
 BUT YOUR FISH SHOULD BE!"
 

NOVEMBER COUPON #1

Bring in this coupon for $5.00 off on your purchase of $25.00 or more during the first half of the month.

Limit one coupon per customer.

Coupon good November 1st thru 14th.

 
 
 
NOVEMBER COUPON #2
 
Bring in this coupon for $5.00 off on your purchase of $25.00 or more during the second half of the month.
 
Limit one coupon per customer.
 
Coupon good November 15th thru 30th only.