FOR PISCIVOROUS PEOPLE...
JULY 2008
Saturday grillin' at Dirk's. Stop by and see what's cooking! |
July is the first month of Summer and by now we should all have our grills broken in and be cooking up a bunch of fish and seafood. Think fish on the barbie this 4th of July!
We will be open July 4th from 9:00 to 3:00
The first thing I have to mention is our selection by the Chicago Reader as "Chicago's Best Fishmonger". We are very happy and honored to have received this distinction. I have to thank all our loyal and new customers for their support in our 5th year of fishmongering in Chicago. We promise to continue our efforts to meet and/or exceed all your expectations!
If you are a fan of the Discovery Channels "Deadliest Catch" show, as we are, you may notice the Captain Jonathan of the Time Bandit, is wearing his Dirk's fish t-shirt most of this season.
We thought that was pretty cool!
I'm sorry to report due to poor returns of Yukon River king salmon this year, Alaska Fish and Game has decided not to open the river to commercial fishing. This will give the fish a better chance for future generations. Unfortunate for us, for sure, but especially for the Alaskan fishermen that depend on this resource their livelihood. We hope for a better season for all next year.
The Nome king crab season (at the time of writing this) as had a cold start with ice, snow and fog. In other words, no crab yet though we are still expecting it! We will keep you posted on the website.
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Thai Marlin and Terry-aki Salmon Burgers
Burgers grillin' away
These are burgers are made every day from our fresh cut marlin and salmon. The marlin is flavored with our own Thai marinade and the salmon is flavored with our own Terry-aki marinade.
They cook just like regular burgers and are low fat and very tasty. Anoint them with our spicy mayo and a side of our mango papaya salsa for the ultimate taste treat.
Start a new tradition and try these awesome burgers for your Fourth of July celebration! Please order ahead so that we have what you need, sometimes these burgers go quick!
Regular Price $16.00 per pound
Special Price: $14.00 per pound
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Laughing Bird White Caribbean Shrimp
Litopanaeus vannamei
raw and cooked
These FRESH shrimp are farm raised on Laughing Bird Cay just off the island of Belize. They are raised in a closed pond system with no impact on the environment. The raw shrimp are harvested, shelled and shipped to us within a couple days of harvest. White Caribbean shrimp are sugar sweet, succulent and cook very quickly.
At 40 to 50 count to the pound, they are perfect in pastas, summer salads and stir frys.
Try coating the shrimp with olive oil, then dust with some cajun seasoning then flash grill them on a preheated perforated grill pan. Split a loaf of fresh bread down the center, brown it on the grill, slice some avocados, drizzle with our spicy mayo and you will have made yourself a shrimp po' boy to die for!
Regular price:$18.00 per pound Special price:$16.00 per pound
July 7th thru 13th |
Hawaiian Moonfish or Opah
Lampris guttatus
Opah are found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. Our's come from Hawaiian waters where they are a by-catch of the mahimahi and tuna fisheries. They are sustainably fished and considered to be a good fish choice. Opah feed on squid and krill which gives them their bright flesg color. The largest on record is 540 pounds though ours tend to be a little smaller! Opah is great on the grill or used as sashimi. The back loin of the fillet tends to be rich and lean while the belly fillets are much moister. Try to get a piece of each for the best flavor combo. It's best cooked just like fresh tuna.
The name "moonfish" comes from the spotted skin resembling
the full moon.
Regular price:$24.00 per pound Special price:$22.00 per pound
July 14th thru 20th |
Wahoo
Acanthocybium solandri

Another Hawaiian favorite! These fast swimming bullets are also known as ono. They are caught by longline or trolling. Wahoo only reach a maximum size of 45 pounds and a have a life span of about 9 years. Wahoo/Ono have a mild flavor with a high oil content which makes them wonderful on the grill. Try a wahoo steak in our Ginger-garlic marinade quick seared on the rare side with a side of mango papaya salsa. Slice and grill fresh pineapple slices to go with for that authentic Hawaian flavor!
Regular Price:$20.00 per pound
Special Price:$18.00 per pound
July 21st thru 27th |
Greenland Halibut
Reinhardtius hippoglossoides
Greenland Halibut is marketed under the name of "Greenland Turbot" even thought it is indeed in the halibut family. It has to be sold as "Greenland Turbot" in the United States so as not to confuse it with Pacific halibut. These flat fish are found in the northern oceans, both Pacific and Atlantic, where they are the primary winter prey of narwhals (We want to be sure to eat our "turbot" in the summer so that we don't deprive any narwhals)! Ours is wild caught coming from Quebec, Canada. This fish is considered to be a good alternative to Atlantic halibut which is been overfished in the past. Greenland turbot is very mild, sweet and comes to us filleted and boned at a very reasonable price. It makes a great substitute for any sole or flounder recipe; baked, broiled or sauteed.
Narwhal
Regular Price: $18.00 per pound
Special Price: $15.00 per pound
July 28th thru August 3rd |
The Ocean in a Half Shell...
In addition to our regulars...
Delaware, Kumamoto, and Virginica, we are working our way through the myriad selections of oysters that are available. Come tasting with us!

Oysters of the Month
Imperial Eagles
Imperial Channel is part of the Barkley Sound on west Vancouver Island. These pristine waters produce a unusual shell; thin, narrow, and deep cupped with a salty flavor and a light follow through.
Wellfleets
Out of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, these popular oysters are medium in size with a slight mild salty flavor. A good oyster choice for beginners.
Dabob Bays
In North Puget Sound, Washington has extremely deep clean water surrounded by evergreen forest forest, a great place to grow oysters. In fact, Taylor Shellfish uses it for a hatchery. The cold clear water produces a light, crisp and salty oyster.
Hillsbourghs
Growing on the southeastern shores of Prince Edward Island, these plump meated oysters have a sweet complex flavor. A good all around oyster. Crisp dry white wines are great with oysters as are most sparkling wines and, of course, a good beer or ale.
We hope you enjoy these selections for the month. If you discover a oyster that you like in your travels, near or far, we can probably source it for you. | |
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OUR NEXT CLASS...
AUGUST GRILLING CLASS
Join us for an evening of fun and good eats. Terry and I have come up with a bunch of new recipes for the grill that will be sure to impress your family and friends! We will be grilling right outside the store in a casual setting with plenty of food. Grilled Corvina Ceviche with Avocado and Pineapple Slaw
Grilled Pizza with Kona Kampachi and Arugala Salad
Marlin Kabobs and Tzatziki Sauce on Pita Bread with Tabbouleh
Squid Steaks Caprese Style
We will start with some grilled oysters, followed by our grill recipes and we will finish you off with our famous Key Lime Pie.
Bring your mate or a date, your favorite bottle of wine and your appetite. You will leave here with a full belly and some great new recipes!
"The pizza is to die for, so unique and different"
(class attendee's quote)
Tuesday August 12th 7:30 until 9:30
$65.00 per person. Class is limited to 16 people.*
Call ahead for reservations.
(One last grilling class on September 2nd)
773.404.3475
*we have a 48 hour cancelation policy |
Dirk's Fish & Gourmet Shop
2070 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago Il. 60614
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"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.
Fish makes a great gift for the "foodies" in you life.
We have gift cards available.
"LIFE'S NOT PERFECT...
BUT YOUR FISH SHOULD BE!"
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