FOR PISCIVOROUS PEOPLE...
    
MARCH 2008
 
shamrocks 1 inch Spring is in the air!
(I think we are ready!)
The days are getting longer, the clocks are ready to set ahead, it says the first day of spring on the calendar, Easter's coming, and the halibut is finally back in season. I think we are finally out of this looong cold snowy winter and we really deserve a warm, sunny, flower-filled spring! (Of course, since this is Chicago, I wouldn't put my mittens and snow shovel away yet!).

The Alaskan halibut season opens March 8th. We should see our first fish by the 12th. The quota has been cut a little this year which is good for the halibut but not for the early season prices. Take advantage of the my St. Pat's birthday coupon and get a break on the halibut price on me!

We have some great fish on special this month! Try a new recipe, we have many on our website. Try something new for your Lenten Fridays. Sushi has been big on Fridays lately, call ahead and we will have your order ready when you get here! We will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday so get the fish you need on Good Friday or Saturday.
 
Sign up for a cooking Class. Our classes are usually filled with hungry people looking for new ideas and a good meal. These classes are a great way to come away with some new recipes and a full stomach.(our version of an "underground dinner"). Bring a bottle of wine and some friends and make a night casual fun and eating!.
Indian/Moroccan Style Fish and Seafood on March 11th
Easy Rolling Sushi on March 25th
Check Dirksfish.com for details
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Red Drum
This fish goes by many names, such as redfish, red bass, puppy drum, and channel bass. It's probably best know as the popular "blackened redfish" of New Orleans fame. Our wild caught red drum is coming to us from Virginia and the Carolinas this time of year. I've caught them surf casting in Cape Hatteras.They can grow to almost 100 pounds (mine wasn't that big)! We buy the smaller 3 to 5 pound fish (my fish) as the meat is more tender. Red drum has a firm, mild flesh, that lends itself well to baking, grilling or sauting. It's a good substitute for grouper, snapper or striped sea bass.Try our Blackened Fish Recipe or use one of our marinades and toss some on the grill.
John Texas Red Drum
My friend John's Texas red drum
 
Regular price: $18.00 per pound
Special price: $15.00 per pound 
 
March 3rd thru 9th
Pacific Bay Scallops
Argopectan ventricosus
Scallops-Bay-Baja California
These fresh bay scallops come to us from Baja California's Sea of Cortez and tend to be a little larger and sweeter than East coast and Florida bay scallops. In some places the over fishing of sharks has lead to a reduction in scallop harvest, primarily due to the fact that sharks eat a lot of rays which in turn eat a lot of scallops. This is not as much of an issue in Baja. While not quite as sweet as Nantucket bay scallops (nothing is), we think these are the next best bay scallop in taste and texture. Available year round, these scallops are great in soups, salads, and ceviches.
 
Regular price: $16.00 per pound
Special price: $14.00 per pound
 
March 10th thru 16th

Halibut, like the crocus is a true harbinger of spring!

Alaskan Halibut
Hippoglossus stenolepis
Halibut-whole
Finally, everyone's favorite fish is back in season! Alaskan halibut is one of the most sought after and versatile fish that swim. It is largest of the righteyed flounder family with the commercial record weighing in at 500 pounds. Almost all halibut over 100 pounds tend to be females. In 1995 the halibut fishery switched from a derby style fishery into an individual quota fishery which now, thru good management, provides fish from March to November. These halibut are usually caught on deep water long lines with very limited bycatch. A very good choice for sustainability and taste! There is not much you can't do with halibut and everyone has a favorite recipe. Try this simple one of mine: Halibut Roast.
Halibut Roast
Halibut would be a great choice for Good Friday's dinner!
 
 Regular price: $26.00 per pound
Special price: $24.00 per pound
 
March 17th thru 22nd
ST PATRICK'S DAY/DIRK'S BIRTHDAY
COUPON
2 Poached salmon fillets HALF INCH
The halibut is here!  I want you to take advantage of this coupon to reduce the high cost of the early season fish!
With this coupon only recieve an extra $2.00 per pound off the sale price of our fresh Alaskan halibut.
Coupon valid March 17 thru 20 only!
(copy and paste this coupon to save paper)
ALASKAN BLACK COD
Anoplopoma fimbri
Black Cod
This fish is wild caught in one of the most sustainable fisheries in Alaska. The season runs from  March through November, though some is caught as a by-catch when fishing for other species in the winter months. Because of the higher price during that time of year, we don't stock it.  
Black cod has many names but isn't really a cod at all. It's sometimes called "sable", especially when it's smoked. Cold smoked sable is a real delicacy and we have it in stock regularly. You may find it in some restaurants called "butterfish" due to its smooth and creamy texture. (Use it as a less expensive substitute for Chilean sea bass).
The most popular (and tastiest) recipe for this fish is simply soaked for a couple of hours in miso marinade then grilled or broiled.
 
Regular price: $25.00 per pound
Special price: $22.00 per pound
 
March 24 thru 31
OUR NEXT CLASSES...
 
Fish and Seafood
Indian/Morrocan Style
We were eating at a good Indian restaruant the other day and were inspired to recreate some of the dishes using fish and seafood. Terry did a great job and you will love these recipes and tasty results. Authentic flavors and very easy to prepare.
Tagine of fish, clams, and mussels with eggplant and sun-dried tomatoes
Marlin tikka masala with basmati rice
Tandoor shrimp with herb couscous
Grilled curried kampachi with grilled naan and melted kasseri cheese served with a spicy arugula salad
Bring a friend, your favorite berverage, and of course your appetite.  Our classes are being called "underground dinners" by those in the know! You will leave here well satiated and with recipes in hand.
Tuesday, March 11th
7:30 until 9:00
$65.00 per person. Call ahead for reservations
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THE ART OF MAKING SUSHI
Sushi Boat Tray 1.5
This is a great class for the person eager to learn about making their own sushi at home. We will be demonstrating five maki and two nigiri, while you are sampling our homemade miso soup and fresh tuna/avocado salad. After that it's hands on and you will be rolling on your own.
Bring a friend or two, and your appetite because it's all you can eat!
Bring a bottle of your favorite beverage (sake maybe) and be prepared for an evening of fun and food!
 
Tuesday, March 25th
7:30 until 9:30
$75.00 per person. Call ahead for reservations
 
Call ahead for reservations and information

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 impress 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, our friendly and knowledgeble staff can provide 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!"
 
Dirk'$ Dollar$
MARCH 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 March 1st thru 15th.

 
 
Dirk'$ Dollar$
MARCH 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 February 16th thru 31st only.