It’s the first week of January, so that means you are still steadfast about those New Year’s resolutions.  Strong efforts will be made, but many of the promises we make to ourselves for change just aren’t tenable.  This year, instead of joining that way too expensive gym or navigating some extreme, lifestyle-altering diet, start being a better you by simply swapping out the proteins on your plate a few times a week and drink better water.  It’s that easy to be healthier. 

The quality of the New England Groundfish such as Cod, Monk, Skate, Hake, Pollack, and Haddock is impeccable this time of year.  It’s always great to see Whole Cod arrive with bright green color and still in rigor.  Cold weather fish can always be counted on to give a chef a few more days of shelf-life in the fridge.  Wild weather could disrupt East Coast Finfish and Shellfish, but if that happens look farther south and you will find more good options such as Mahi Mahi, Pacific Grouper and Corvina.  Winter is always a good season for these species, the quality is very reliable and so is the catch.

There are many species whose quotas reset after the new year, including Snapper and Grouper.  Expect light landings to start the year, as usually there are a few bumps in the supply chain during January, but eventually the catch will resume.  This week we have a solid inventory of some last-minute catch that will keep your coffers full.
We are now moving into the end of the prime Lobster season and supply will soon get very tight.  During this time the last few Lobsters will be harvested and the bulk of what is supplied will come from product that was wet-stored.  Prices will creep up until the spring, reaching highs around the middle and end of March.  Careful on your purchasing predictions during this span, there could be some major dollar signs behind the market. 
Pacific Rockfish is back on the menu as fisheries are back up and rolling.  Delicious fillets are being offered and pricing is very favorable.  Look for this species to be an option the next few weeks. 

John Dory from Rhode Island is expected to be in good supply over the next few weeks.  If you are looking for a versatile fish with some notoriety behind its name, check out this species.  Dory makes for a great special during this time of year. 

Seafood is the perfect protein to jump start you on a viable path toward healthier living.  Eating more Fish and Shellfish is proven to be a healthier alternative to land-based protein and you don’t have to overthink it.  Incorporating more seafood into your menu can have life-altering results for your guests while adding an enticing selection that separates your food from the crowd. 

Gourmet Grab

New Year, New You, and why not start that off with better water this year.