dddane wrote:i posted this yesterday but it was either removed without explanation or didn't really post and i'm crazy...(I don't see how this is political but if so...)

i went to the Fish Guy about two weeks ago for the first time (finally). I found:

-They didn't have any whole fish smaller than 8-10#
-The lady working said she didn't know how to scale or gut the fish
-The place was warm, bordering on downright hot inside.

is this abnormal for the place?

Yes, this is abnormal. I've actually never seen a woman working there. Perhaps she was new or was filling in. Did you ask if there was someone else there who could scale the fish? It's always been quite cool when I've been there. You should email Bill, the owner, at [email protected]. He is serious about his fish and the store; I'm sure he would like to know about this.

They usually have whole fish in the 2-3# range, but it is possible they were out when you arrived. That isn't so strange.

Recommendations?...Dirk's, Isaacson & Stein, other???

DMoon806 wrote:Recommendations?...Dirk's, Isaacson & Stein, other???

New England Seafood Co.--but depends on what you're looking for. I won't buy salmon anywhere else. Everything is high quality and very fresh. But not a huge selection and not cheap.

It's a little scary that no one here has mentioned sustainability as a factor in selecting your fish. Not to blanket, but I will generalize -- a lot of seafood from Asian markets aren't caught the most ethical ways. It's a growing problem. You may love the deal you're getting, but your choices aren't the best for the environment or taste buds. Just something to consider. Here's a link from the Shedd Aquarium's Right Bite program so you can learn more: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/3167.html#retailers. And here's the program it was based on in Seafood Watch: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_aboutsfw.aspx. I just came back from Seattle's Pike Place Market and it was a big deal there...Enjoy your good eating.

FYI - there are at least 733 mentions of sustainability related to fish on this website, so we are aware.

If anyone is in the near NW burbs looking for what I feel is quite a fine fish market, check out Boston Fish Market viewtopic.php?f=14&t=37017
--

When I want a big lobster in Chicago, I know to go to Chinatown market.
You have to ask before they get the big ones from some tank somewhere. Today I asked for a 5#-er and 60 seconds later, it was presented flapping and kicking.
I also left with a bundle of live razor clams(when you touch them they retract).
The good sized live shrimp looked mighty tempting but the coolers were getting full up.
The parking lot has given way to a new Chicago Public Library so street parking is probably a good idea. $6/2 hrs.
-Richard

Ever since Heinen's opened (Glenview location) we've been getting our fresh fish there, and it's been absolutely top notch. They have fresh fish flown in daily, and their staff is incredibly helpful. When certain fish is/are in season (e.g. soft shell crabs), they get them, and they'll set some aside if you call. Their everyday prices are mostly reasonable, and their specials are often outstanding; for example, their sustainable farm-raised Verlasso salmon is regularly $14.99/lb and periodically goes on sale for $11.99.

With the loss of seafood markets in the Fulton market area over the years, I found Eataly to be a good replacement. They had high quality, fresh seafood with great variety. I used to be able to drop in there and find super fresh red snapper flown in that morning from Florida or Carabineros or Langoustines or spot prawns that literally we’re still alive that one time I found them (to my surprise they were still moving even after I got them home)! They have since declined so I am now at a loss for where to find a fresh fish in this town, or decent quality shellfish.

I’m aware of The Fish Guy and Dirks but are there any others? I’m hoping there are some hidden gems I don’t know about.

Two of the bigger wholesalers in the area, Supreme Lobster and Boston Fish Market also sell retail out of their warehouses. Supreme Lobster is in Villa Park:

https://www.supremelobster.com/retail-store/

Boston Fish Market is in Des Plaines:

http://www.bostonfishmkt.com/

They're not conveniently located because the bulk of their business is wholesale and they also need to be convenient to O'Hare, but both have really high quality fish and seafood.

We have recently noted the declined you observe at Eataly, and started using Wabash Seafood Co, 2249 W Hubbard. Fantastic selection of oysters, black cod when no one else has it, 10 varietals of salmon. Call and ask about what you want; much is not displayed. Very reasonable prices.

H Mart is a good option.

Dave148 wrote:H Mart is a good option.

As is Fresh Farms, Niles.

For straight retail there is no beating Dirk's, IMHO the fish guy is not in the same league, though I realize he has his followers. Boston Seafood and Supreme are tiptop, but far from Chicago proper. With both what you see is but the tiny tip of the iceberg. I'll have to check out Wabash Seafood.

If you have access to a Restaurant Depot card they have a good selection of fresh fish, whole red snapper was practically swimming on Pulaski the other morning.

One tip, and an annoying one at that. If, in a fit of temporary insanity, I buy fish at Maranio's or Whole Foods I ask to smell prior to purchase. The nose knows if Santa's been naughty or nice 98% of the time. If they say no smile walk away, verbal assurances from a guy who was working at the Texaco two weeks before are worth zero.

Another option is one of the Asian grocery stores on Argyle, Argyle/Broadway or Chinatown. Viet Hua, Tai Nam, Park to Shop, Richwell Market etc.

Dirk’s as Posted reigns supreme! I have a yearly trip to Dirk’s for soft shells because most places have stopped carrying them and those that do, have them dead.
For live lobster, Dungeness, Blue and King crab along with a few species of fish,
H-Mart has live tanks. Quality is uniformly good but you must observe each before bagged to assure it is alive and kicking.
H-Mart also has a running water area for various shellfish, live Geoducks, Abalone and octopus at times. Clams are uniformly good but only if the containers hace recently been filled, inspect each one.
For oysters it’s again Dirk’s, just about everything I have purchased elsewhere has gone in the trash. We have a Two Bi-valve Rule, if we encounter two bad ones in a batch, they all go in the trash.
For filleted fish, my go to is The center free standing counter at Fresh Farms on Touhy.
They will also cut to order.
For sashimi grade, Mitsuwa.
For truly fresh fish of most types, you need to go to the coasts.
-Richard
The FDA supports the use of your nose also.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer- ... tamination

budrichard wrote:For truly fresh fish of most types, you need to go to the coasts.

I would strongly dispute that. Tons of fish arrive at O'Hare daily. Supreme Lobster, Boston Fish Market, Fish Guy and others have access to fish from nearly anywhere in the world, often right off the boat. Not all coastal fish is available everywhere, so fish from Mexico or Southern California is still trucked/flown up the coast. Ditto the East. What may have been true in the past is no longer the norm.

Some restaurateurs have relationships with fishermen and get direct shipments. Paul Bartolotta has been flying fish in from the Mediterranean to Milwaukee for years now. Saw a segment about it on TV quite a few years ago. He had sensors in each container of fish that tracked temperature and excessive jostling along the journey so he could ensure that it was properly handled throughout shipping

Posted about Boston Fish in Des Plaines a few days ago but alas the post seems to have disappeared

We were frequent customers of Isaacson & Stein for years... we would monthly trips there to stock up and were always happy with their products & customer service.

We've tried Supreme Lobster, Wabash Seafood Market, Whole Foods & Costco and nothing compares to I & S. Wabash was good, but still missing the vibe, quality & prices at I & S.

Just wondering if anyone has found anything close to I & S near or in the western burbs?

Thanks!

What about H Mart?

Why not Wabash Seafood Company

I think the first paragraph will impress you:

For those Near West Side residents (like us) who sorely miss Isaacson and Stein, and find driving to Villa Park or even to Dirk's to be too inconvenient, there is a fish market, formerly only wholesale, now open for retail business. This is the Wabash Seafood Company on West Hubbard at Oakley.

We've been doing Sitka Salmon Shares for 3+ years now and the product they deliver is fantastic! Not sure how pricing is (I'm pretty sure it isn't cheap compared to other sources) but the quality is top notch. I go to Standard Market and H Mart for things they don't ship from AK, but that is few and far between - our recipe focus revolves around what we get.

Cathy2 - How is the quality; how are the prices?

MME wrote:Cathy2 - How is the quality; how are the prices?

I have no idea. You may want to ask the poster at the link I highlighted.

Regards,
Cathy2

We are very close to H Mart and have never been in there... will give that a shot.

Wabash's quality & customer service is top notch, however we found that their prices are somewhat higher than I&S. We also loved the vibe of I&S... we got to know a lot of them over the years and really miss it!

Fishguy is usually my go-to. Although some of his offerings are not in the same league as Dirk's, I merely cannot afford Dirk's pricing. I can't justify red snapper for 36 dollars a pound. If you're trying to each fish as a healthy lifestyle, Dirk's is not realistic.

At Fishguy I got two dozen oysters for my wife's birthday and they were a hit. Only one oyster with a deteriorating shell that was still alive, but not servable. With better shucking skills, I'd probably been able to serve it. With my discount, it was about $2 per oyster. Bill will also occasionally have sales that make it reasonable.

AO Sushi in Wilmette has good fresh fish options as well for normal Hamachi and Salmon. If you call in advance and know exactly what you want, they can get it for you as well.

Just my two cents.

spinynorman99 wrote:Some restaurateurs have relationships with fishermen and get direct shipments.

So do some fish markets. Keith, who runs the fish department at Heinen's in Glenview, talks with a fisherman friend in Hawaii, who overnights him whatever he wants from that day's catch at a flat shipping fee of $20, and the next day it's in the store. You can grill their swordfish at home and it's as good as any you've ever had: