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Craving Claws: A Guide to Stone Crab in the Windy City
So, you're in Chicago, the city of deep dish pizza, towering skyscrapers, and... stone crabs? Yep, you read that right. While we're not exactly known for our tropical waters here in the Midwest, there are a few places where you can get your hands on this decadent delicacy. Let’s dive in!
Where the Crabs Are
Now, let's be clear: Chicago isn't exactly Florida. We don't have stone crab traps lining our beaches. But fear not, seafood lovers! There are a few spots in the city that have managed to bring this ocean treasure inland.
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: This place is like the Buckingham Fountain of stone crab in Chicago. It’s grand, it’s fancy, and it's got claws for days. Be prepared to shell out some serious dough, but hey, you're treating yourself, right?
- The Fishguy Market & Wellfleet: If you're more of a casual crab connoisseur, this place might be your jam. They've got a good selection of seafood, including stone crab, and the prices are a bit more down-to-earth. Just don't expect the same level of pomp and circumstance as Joe's.
- King Crab House Chicago: While this place primarily focuses on king crab, they do offer stone crab on their menu. It's a solid option if you're craving a crab feast but don't want to break the bank.
Tips for Cracking the Code
- Timing is everything: Stone crab season is typically from October to May. So, if you're craving those claws outside of those months, you might be out of luck.
- Size matters: Stone crab claws come in different sizes, and the price varies accordingly. The bigger the claw, the more expensive it will be.
- Don't be shy: Ask your server about the best way to crack and eat your stone crab. They're experts, after all.
How to...
- How to order stone crab? Ask for it by the pound or by the number of claws.
- How to eat stone crab? Crack the claw with a crab cracker, extract the meat with a crab pick, and enjoy!
- How to store leftover stone crab? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- How to reheat stone crab? Gently reheat it in the oven or microwave.
- How to make stone crab taste better? Try dipping it in melted butter, mustard sauce, or a spicy remoulade.
So, there you have it, a crab-tastic guide to enjoying stone crabs in the Windy City. Now go forth and savor those sweet, succulent claws!