Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Soft Shell Crab Season Has Arrived
The season for fresh soft-shell crab runs through September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or deep fried with some lemon and butter. Nothing like a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. I am a big fan. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast followed by the popular catch from Chesapeake. As the season wears on more venues will be serving them. Here’s where to seek them out locally…
Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch and include Soft Shell Crab. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.com
Alex Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, White Plains. (914-358-1444) Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj offers hefty cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/Continental fare. Plump soft shell crab, too. www.alex577.com
Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve soft shells in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. (914-835-6199) Chef/proprietor Dean Vivolo will be serving soft shell crabs out of his vintage diner any style in addition to his popular regional Italian dishes. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale. (914-725-3450) A Westchester favorite for many years. Don’t forget ‘Go Fish’, next door. www.eastchesterfish.com
Brothers Fish & Chips, 172 N. Highland Ave., Ossining. (914-488-5141) A hidden treasure in a nondescript strip mall. Chef Elmer Oliveros does wonders with his seafood menu. Soft shells are a specialty in season. www.brothersfishandchips.com
La Mer Seafood, 407 Main St., Armonk (914-273-1766) Under new ownership, this market has been serving the area for over 30 years. A sign on the window says soft shell crabs have arrived. www.lamerseafood.net
Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914-479-5243) The place bustles inside and out, and ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme. Soft shells are a seasonal treat. www.breadandbrinehoh.com
Dive Oyster House, 1201 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor (914-236-3911) Owner Kenny Neziraj will offer Soft Shell Crab as a daily specialty. Fine seafood. Happy Hours. www.diveoysterhouse.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)