FOR PISCIVOROUS PEOPLE...
 AUGUST 2008Whole Hawaiian Opah
(It tasted as good as it looks!)
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The dog days of August are perfect for chillin' with a cool seafood salad or ceviche! Of course, we can't forget that these are prime days and nights for grillin' too!
We were thrilled to receive this recognition from the Chicago Reader!
 Best of Chicago > Food & Drink > Fishmonger
Reader's Choice
Dirk's Fish and Gourmet Shop
"The nose knows: a quality retail fish shop should have a light scent of the sea. And stepping into Dirk's is like taking a sunrise walk on a sandy beach with a firm-fleshed, red-gilled snapper in hand. Dirk Fucik has been mongering fish for 35 years, 5 under his own shingle, and in addition to an ocean's worth of pristinely fresh seafood he and his knowledgeable staff offer prepared items including sushi, house-smoked salmon, salads, spreads, and on-the-spot crab and lobster steaming. Cooking tips, seasonal suggestions, and general goodwill abound, and every summer Saturday from noon to 3 PM Fucik sets up a charcoal grill for an impromptu cooking class and free sample session." 2070 N. Clybourn, 773-404-3475, dirksfish.com. -Gary Wiviott
(But you already knew that!)
We still have a good supply of wild Alaskan salmon, (although it has been a little bit tight) both sockeye and king. Softshell crabs have another good month. Halibut is going strong and we have been getting sardines on a fairly regular basis. As always, if you are looking for something in particular, call ahead and we will do our best to accommodate you.
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The perfect treat for hot August entertaining...
The Tartare of the Week!
We make a variety of fish tartars that are cool, refreshing and very tasty.
With the heat of the summer upon us, these can make a great appetizer, first course or midnight snack! Many of our customers are hooked on these weekend treats but we know many others would like to try them. We've deciced to feature one of our delicious selections every week so that everybody can get a chance to try them.
Be sure to try them all and if you would like a certain one for a certain day or event, just call ahead and we will make a fresh batch just for you!
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Freshwater Prawns
Prawns, scampi or shrimp?
In parts of the United States and in England, the word "prawn" is used for all shrimp except the tiny salad shrimp. In other parts of the United States, only the extra large shrimp are called prawns with all others simply called shrimp. On the East Coast everything is just called shrimp except for freshwater prawns, which are just called prawns. Scampi is a dish with garlic and butter but also is a Venetian word for Dublin Bay prawns (also known as langostinos, langoustines, or lobsterettes) which are more closely related to lobsters than shrimp having two large front claws. Finally, in Johannesburg South Africa, the Parktown prawn is a large red cricket, yuck!
Technically speaking, prawns have a different gill structure than shrimp and that's about the biggest difference (In case you really wanted to know).
Now with all that being said, (TMI), what we are going to sell you is a large freshwater prawn that is farm raised, frozen, and comes from India
These are what most people are thinking when they refer to "prawns" and that's what we are going to call them! They are farm raised all over the world and are even becoming a popular crop right here in the Midwest. Ours come to us headless, shell on, split and deveined. All you have to do is pick a marinade (our Te-kill-ya chili marinade is my first choice) and toss them on the barbie. They are the next best thing to a small lobster tail and make a great surf and shore dinner.
Regular Price $28.00 per pound
Special Price: $25.00 per pound
This weeks tartare is Terry-aki Tuna.
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Soft Shell Blue Crabs
Callinectes sapidus
A tray of live fresh crabs
Soft shelled Blue Crabs are one of summers best treats. They are extremely popular in the spring when they first start to shed and into June. By the dog days of summer, people have a tendency to forget about softshells. Even in late summer and early fall softshels remain available and succulent. We had crispy soft shells, sliced avocado, and spicy mayo on a loaf of soft Greek bread and it was great! I love a fried panko crumbed softshell crab with an avocado/lemon juice puree also for appetizers. All you crab lovers still have time for a couple more crab fixes and this week is a good time to take advantage of our special price.
Regular price:$6.00 each
Special price:$4.50 each
This week's tartare is Blood Orange Basil Cobia.
August 11th thru 17th |
Pacific Halibut
Hippoglossus stenolepis
Since halibut is one of our premier grilling fish and is so popular, we decided we should feature it once again. Wild Halibut out of Alaska is a MSC certified fishery. That means that it is in good supply, caught with responsible methods and having no other environmental issues. Halibut's mild sweet flavor make it a fish for all levels of taste, and its ease of preparation makes it a winner with everyone. Try it with our Thai marinade and make a side of our Spicy Cabbage Slaw for a great Asian flavor! Regular price:$24.00 per pound
Special price:$22.00 per pound
This week's tartare is Coconut Mango Kona Kampachi.
August 18th thru 24th |
Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka
Bright red and beautiful!
This month the sockeye season starts to wind down. We are still getting great wild fish from Alaska and this Labor Day weekend is a great time to enjoy a grill full of succulent sockeye fillets. As you know, this fish is best with just a little additional flavor added. I suggest olive oil and our herbed sea salt. The fresh Terry-aki or Tequila Chili marinades work well also. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature before grilling for best results.
We will be vacuum packing some sockeye fillets for the freezer so that we will have a supply for the upcoming months. Since we don't usually freeze our fish, this will be a limited supply so be sure to stock up for the winter.
Regular Price:$22.00 per pound
Special Price:$20.00 per pound
This week's tartare is Creamy Salmon Dill.
August 25th thru 31st |
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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. If you discover an oyster that you like in your travels, near or far, we can probably source it for you.
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| OUR NEXT CLASS...
SEPTEMBER GRILLING CLASS
(A.K.A. The Underground Dinner)
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 demonstrating our grill recipes with some great sides 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 september 9th 7:30 until 9:30
$65.00 per person. Class is limited to 16 people.*
Call ahead for reservations.
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Basic Sushi Class
"Our most popular class!"
In this hands on class, Dirk will talk about sushi, answer questions and guide you thru the techniques of making five maki rolls and two nigiri.
Start with a bowl of our miso soup and fresh ginger tuna salad.
Bring a bottle of wine, a friend and your appetite.
You will have to eat what you roll and roll what you eat!
Tuesday, September 23rd 7:30 to 9:30
$75.00 per person
Class is limited to the first 20 people.
Phone ahead for reservations.
773.404.3475
*We have a 48 hour cancellation policy for all classes |
| 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 knowledgable 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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