soft shell crabs

[BeaChambers]

Ok. I know soft shell crabs are not in season yet, but once they are, any thoughts on the best restaurants for them? My favorite, a dump in Long Valley, is kaput and replaced by Gulf Coast (which we hated). Thanks.

Bea

[scarlet knight]

When they are in season, Jocelyn's in Maplewood has them as a special. It's very good.

[Rachel Perlow]

Wondee's in Hackensack (Thai) does a wonderful soft shell crab dish. They are deep fried and you have your choice of sauces. I like the Penang curry or the Sweet & Sour (?) which is not like typical Chinese Sweet & Sour.

[awbrig]

Avoid McCormack and Schmicks - at least in Chicago- for soft shell crabs...they dont drain that blue gunk from inside the crab-making it oooze all over your plate after the first cut through....

[Rosie]

They are just coming into season now but are very expensive. I love them in a beer batter and deep fried. Have had them like that at Blue Sky. Had soft shell crabs this week at Basilico that were nut crusted. Yummmmmmm!

[tommy]

Wondee's in Hackensack (Thai) does a wonderful soft shell crab dish. They are deep fried and you have your choice of sauces. I like the Penang curry or the Sweet & Sour (?) which is not like typical Chinese Sweet & Sour.

they have one that i don't think is listed anywhere. it is topped with fried basil. quite delicious.

wondee's did serve these well after the season was over, so i'm assuming they are frozen, and might very well be frozen even when *in* season. but, they're good.

Edited April 2, 2003 by tommy (log)

[Rachel Perlow]

Yes, it is a special, but is often available.

[tommy]

Yes, it is a special, but is often available.

*what* is a special and is often available.

my assumption is that they're *all* special. my point was that they're available many months out of the year that they shouldn't be.

Edited April 2, 2003 by tommy (log)

[Wilfrid]

I'm not a big fan, but if Fleur de Sel pairs crusts them with almond powder and gives them a backdrop of pungent wild ramps again, I'm in.

[bethb]

Pierre's in Morristown has delicious soft shell crabs.

[ngatti]

Yes, it is a special, but is often available.

*what* is a special and is often available.

my assumption is that they're *all* special. my point was that they're available many months out of the year that they shouldn't be.

The season has been stretched. Probably due to demand. I served my first ones last week (fresh, but from Florida).

Very expensive: $55.00/dozen at the wholesale. That's pricey.

I guess the season gets a rolling start, beginning in the deep south and moving north. I've had em fresh into August but this years March offerings are by far the earliest I have seen them.

Rachel is right. The Wondee's special is quite dreamy.

Nick

[menton1]

The absolute best soft shell crabs I ever had was sitting at the counter at Runners Fish Market in Lavallette in July, they were so fresh, and were cooked right in front of you as you sat at the tiny counter. A close second was at one of the booths at the Seafood Festival in June at Belmar.

Edited April 4, 2003 by menton1 (log)