soft shell crabs

I'm a former pastry chef (yeah, I wimped out!) and former city dweller who feels really out of the loop these days. I need a fix of soft shells before the season is over. Who's doing them? We're interested in a city or north suburban place that does contemporary american or fusion. Thanks!

[Pete]

Good luck finding softshells. This year seemed to be a rough, short year for them. Last year I was getting softshells well into Sept. This year I was having problems getting them by the end of July and those I did get were not of really good quality. I would write off the season until next year. I know we have. Places that are selling them now are probably using frozen so definately ask before you buy.

Hey Pete, I'm not sure where you are in this country but soft shells are still available.
Fresh, not frozen. There was some trouble during the heat wave.. but there are plenty still around. I served them last weekend. (I'm in Chicago). I don't know how long they will last. I'm willing to bet they won't last through September.

[Pete]

Carol, I too am in chicago and have gotten them recently but I find that the quality just isnt there this year and chose to serve them only at their peak

I would agree with you, Pete, as peak goes. It's late and unfortunately when you buy several dozen, several may be dead, due to heat and the lateness of the season. I have, however had good luck with quality. The downside is having to charge so much more when the yield is so low. The guest suffers. But there are always those die-hards who just have to have them and I like to accomodate those personal requests.
p.s. Linda, thanks for your note.

In the Wash DC metro area we continue to get great quality crabs and will continue for quite some time....All come in alive and kicking and if I find a dead one.....I send it back...

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