Dirk's Fish & Gourmet Shop
FOR PISCIVOROUS PEOPLE...
 King Crab Legs-bulk
The days drop like leaves and the autumn wind blows the time away. 
   
NOVEMBER 2008 
      
   Happy Thanksgiving!
(Dirk's will be closed on Thanksgiving Day)
 
With just a few candy wrappers left to remind us that Halloween has past, this is the time of year to start thinking about the upcoming Holiday season. Thanksgiving will be here before you've finished raking up all the leaves. Shoveling snow, Christmas and New Year holidays are not too far beyond that!!!
 Did you know that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated with fish, oysters, wild game, corn and squash? Nowhere was there a turkey to be seen. Get back to our traditions, think fresh fish and seafood for your upcoming Thanksgiving feast! 
Let us help put the "Sea" into your season, we came help you plan a simple dinner or seafood extravaganza. Fish and seafood are the ultimate health foods. They add taste, variety, and elegance to your upcoming events. We  cut our fish fillets fresh from whole fish daily, so you get the best and freshest product. Shrimp is cooked fresh every day. Please call us, come in and look around or check out the website, (especially the Recipe page), for some yummy ideas to impress your family and friends. Dirk's Fish has some of the best Party Trays and Poached Salmon you can image. We can design one just for you.
 
Join us at our Appetizer and Small Plates Class for some great ideas for eating and entertaining (a good meal included).   
 
AMERICAN FLAG BANNER  

 NOW IS THE SEASON...

King Crab-Norwegian-crosscut legs 

Alaskan King crab from the "Deadliest Catch" boats based in Dutch Harbor is now available through mid December. If you have not yet tried FRESH Alaskan King crab, you don't know what you've been missing! This is the Best crab of the year, better than lobster any day! We are getting shipments at least twice a week of this amazing product. Don't abuse your tastebuds with cheap frozen Russian crab. Our Alaskan King crab runs $34.00 per pound and one pound serves one person. stop in for a free taste and prepare to be spoiled for life!

AMERICAN FLAG BANNER 
  • Washington state Dungeness crab and Florida Stone crab are in full season and are readily available.
  • Nantucket Bay scallops are now available and there is no better or sweeter scallop. Due to the high price ($45.00 lb.) for these amazingly tasty and seasonal gems, we are doing pre-order only.  Check in on the weekends though, we may have brought in a few for ourselves that we would be willing to share.
  • Shucked oysters are here for the winter. Plan on making a batch of Terry's Oyster Bisque for your Thanksgiving oyster fix. Oysters are at their prime in the colder seasons. Try some on the half shell soon.
  • Now that the wild king salmon season has all but ended, we will be carrying one of the best and my favorite farmed King salmon on the market. This farm near Tofino on Vancouver Island, British Columbia is evironmentally sound and the salmon has an exceptional flavor that I know you will love.
AMERICAN FLAG BANNER
Green Egg Banner 
  Big Green Egg Chicago Festival  
Man does not live by fish alone. Come join Dirk's Fish  at Carmicheal's Chicago Steak House for the first annual Big Green Egg Festival. 
This is actually a two day event with a kickoff cocktail party and book signing on Friday, November 7th featuring BBQ star Ray Lampe.
Saturday, November 8th is the big cookoff with lots of sampling and classes. There will be NFL alumni, the Jack Daniels' girls, giveaways and more. Check the website for schedules, location, and more and be sure to mention Dirk's Fish when you buy tickets for a 2 for 1 ticket deal. We will be cooking fish on our Green Egg, of course. Chris and I are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday. It should be a lot of fun!
 
 AMERICAN FLAG BANNER
Sustainablity is Key to our Future

Shedd logo

 
Only the Shedd has fresher fish than Dirk's!  
"Dirk and Terry Fucik have been among Chicago's favorite fishmongers since they opened Dirk's Fishmarket in 2003. Known for Dirk's summer grilling on the sidewalk outside the shop and Terry's creations in the kitchen, seafood connoisseurs flock to Dirk's for their fresh fish fix. Dirk's was recently selected as Chicago's Best Fish Market by Chicago magazine and Best Fishmonger by the Reader, so Right Bite is thrilled to partner with this prominent Chicago retailer. Michelle, director of sustainable practices, hopes this means many business lunches featuring Terry's Alaska halibut "meatball" soup!"
Dirk recently made the Right Bite team's year by announcing that he would no longer sell shark, bluefin tuna, or orange roughy out of concern for the ocean. On behalf of the oceans, thank you, Dirk's Fishmarket!"
 
Dirk's Fish has entered into a partnership with the Shedd Aquarium to focus on sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation. We are committed to bringing you great fresh fish and seafood that you can feel good about eating! Between consumer education, awareness and focusing our attention on sustainable practices in both wild and farmed fisheries, we will strive to provide you with the best choices that we can research with the help of the Shedd's Right Bite card, Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, and National Marines Fisheries Service's Fish Watch. Check out any of theses sources and if you have further questions, please feel free to call us. MBA has put out a new sustainable Sushi Guide that we are still getting our teeth around. There are some gray areas such as farmed salmon that we don't agree with and we will be happy to explain our thoughts on the issues.

We will no longer carry Bluefin tuna, Orange Roughy, or any species of Shark just to name a few of the fish we feel are being overfished or overexploited. More will make our list as fishing and fishing stocks dictate.There are many changes occurring in the world of fishing, fishing practices, and farming and we promise to try to stay on top of all the fishes' best options. If you can't have your first choice there is always another fish option for dinner!
 
AMERICAN FLAG BANNER
 And then there's the Pasta...
FANTASTIC FRESH Pasta Puttana logo ORGANIC PASTA
We have the honor and pleasure of being the first retail outlet for the "soon to be famous" Pasta Puttana's fresh organic pasta hand made by Jessica Volpe herself! She produces a variety of fresh pasta that goes so well with our fresh fish and seafood. It's a match made in culinary heaven. Stop by our free Saturday demos (Jessica's usually here around 2:00) and sample some great fish, fresh pasta, and good cheer.
 
AMERICAN FLAG BANNER
Clams-Little necks 
Save a few clams...
We are trying to do our part to help you take a bite out of the price of food these days. Don't forget to take advantage of the Dirk'$ Dollar$ coupons and save a few clams this month!
Dirk'$ Dollar$
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 15th.

 
 

(copy and paste these coupons to a blank word page and print from there)

Dirk'$ Dollar$
  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 16th thru 30th only.

(Copy and paste these coupons to a blank word page and copy from there)

Mahimahi or Dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus
 Mahi fillets
 Fresh cut mahi, just for you!
 This fish is usually sold by it's Hawaiian name of mahimahi to avoid the confusion of it's real name, dolphinfish. It is a member of the Delphinidae family and is not at all related to dolphins, (Flipper) the mammals. Mahi is one of the fastest growing fish in the oceans, as well as one of the fastest swimmers (50 mph). Now is the time of year for this very popular fish to drop in price as it is most available.
Mahi is fished worldwide but our fish come from a well managed fishery using hook and line in south and southeastern U.S. It is a Best Choice on the sustainable fish lists. We love this versatile fish, from grilling to sauteeing and even in a hearty soup, you will love it too. Take advantage of the last nice days before winter sets in and try some mahi grilled with our ginger garlic marinade with a side of our mango salsa. We have it at a great price, freshly cut, every day.
 
Regular Price $18.00 per pound
Special Price: $14.00 per pound
 
November 3rd thru 9th  
Fish and Seafood Soups
Homemade and orginal recipes
 
 Soups in the freezer
Don't forget to check the freezer! 
Now that the weather is getting colder, a nice bowl of hot, tasty Lobster Bisque, Tuna Chili, or Seafood Gumbo would certainly hit the spot! We make our soups fresh almost daily this time of year so you will have a choice of either fresh or frozen. With more than 20 varieties to choose from there is bound to be one of your favorites here. Many of our soups were created by my wife Terry whose culinary prowess is legendary, just ask her!  Her newest creation and my current favorite is Wild rice, Mushroom, and Shrimp soup. If you need a batch of soup for a party or any occasion, please call us ahead of time and we will make any soup you like. Try something new like...
  • Thai Fish soup
  • Vietnamese Bouillabaisse
  • Conch Chowder
  • Fresh Tuna Chili
  • Ciopiino
  • Smoked Fish Chowder

There are always the staples: Crab, Lobster, or Shrimp Bisques, New England and Manhattan Clam Chowders, Gumbos and more,

This would be a good time to stock up on our frozen soups. We are offering $2.00 per pound off of any of our soups in the freezer. They freeze well and will keep for a couple of months in your freezer. It's not a bad idea to have some comfort food on hand for the  cold winter nights that are sure to come sooner than we like. 
 
 Lobster Bisque with Lobster
(whole lobster not included)
 
Special Price: $2.00 per pound off
the soups of your choice, no limits.
 

November 10th thru 16th
Farmed King Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Salmon, king, planked on the grill 
This is by far one of the best choices for farm raised King salmon that we have been able to source. These fish are raised in the cold pristine waters of British Columbia on Vancouver Island. We think that Creative Salmon Company does a better job raising and managing king salmon than other West Coast farms which mostly raise the non native Atlantic salmon. There is no perfect solution for raising salmon yet but these farms have a pretty good track record and are constantly trying to improve their operations. They are currently under review by the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia.  Check out the website for more information Creative Salmon .
On the sustainability cards all farmed salmon is listed to be avoided. We feel that certain smaller/artisan farms in Canada and Scotland are making a difference in the way salmon is raised and handled. We will only buy from farms we deem responsible to the fish, the environment and to public health. This is the time of year that the wild stocks of fresh salmon become available only as frozen product. We want to offer good fresh alternatives of salmon during the winter season.
 
 Salmon farm, BC
 Salmon farms
 
King Salmon fillets 
Regular price:$20.00 per pound
Special price:$18.00 per pound
 
 November 17th thru 23rd
Shucked Oysters
 Crassostrea virginica
Terry's Oyster Bisque
Bisqus teresitis
 
Oyster Bisque 
Continue the Thanksgiving tradition with fresh oysters. These farm raised oysters off the East Coast are plump and flavorful due to the extremly cold water this time of year. We buy them already shucked for your convenience and savings. Oysters in the shell are best eaten on the half shell but the shucked ones are best cooked. Use them in bisques, fritters, scalloped, in stew and for stuffing your bird.
Terry's hearty bisque is rich and creamy with an intense oyster flavor. It makes a great first course for your Thanksgiving feast or just a great lunch anytime. Stop by for a taste anytime this week.
 
Oysters
Regular Price:$18.00 per pound
Special Price:$16.00 per pound
 
Bisque
Regular Price: $14.00 per pound
Special Price: $12.00 per pound 
  

 
November 24th thru 30th 

The Ocean in a Half Shell and a Bisque in your Bowl! 

 Oyster on the Halfshell
In addition to our regular selections...
Shucked oysters are now in stock for the winter months. Perfect for bisque, frying, and stews. 
Delaware, Kumamoto, Malpaque and Virginicas: We are working our way through the myriad selections of oysters that are available. You will see a bigger selection in the colder months of the year. Now is the time for a taste of the sea. If you discover an oyster that you like in your travels, near or far, we can probably source it  for you.
 
 UPCOMING CLASSES...
 
(Think gift certificates for classes and those hard to buy for "foodies".)
 
APPETIZERS and SMALL PLATES

 Now that the Holiday season is upon us and we find ourselves doing more entertaining or being invited to parties ourselves, why not try a few new recipes? Bring along one of these treats to the party and you will surely be invited back, or create a fantastic buffet for your own party. We like a dinner of our small plates combined with a cheese plate and a good bottle of wine any day of the week!
Our offerings are all easy to prepare ahead of time and taste great. Here is a list of the dishes...

  • Crispy Clams Casino
  • Feta Cheese Custard Cups with Smoked Trout
  • Festive Salmon Tartar
  • Fresh King Crab Mousse on Endive Spears
  • Smoked Salmon Sea Scallop with Date Orange Chutney
  • Spicy Longbranch Oyster Shooters
  • Wild Shrimp and Spanish Chorizo Brochettes with Saffron Aioli

 Class is limited to 16 people so...
Bring your friends,  your favorite beverage and of course your appetite to yet another underground dinner.

Tuesday, November 18th   7:30 til 9:00  

$65.00 per person

 *************************************
Last class of the year 
Basic Sushi Class
"Our most popular class!"

This is a great class for people to learn how easy sushi is to prepare at home and save money at the same time.
In this hands on class, Dirk will talk about fish, rice, sushi 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, December 2nd   7:30 to 9:00 
 
$75.00 per person
 This class is limited to 20 people
Phone ahead for reservations
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*We have a 48 hour cancellation policy for all classes
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 knowledgeable 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 your life.
We have gift cards available. 
 
"LIFE'S NOT PERFECT...
 BUT YOUR FISH SHOULD BE!"