Top 10 Sea Bites That Changed My Life: 2023
I was fortunate enough to try a ton of great seafood this year. But these are the Top 10 Sea Bites that Changed my Life in 2023. Each of the raw bars + restaurants listed below does an incredible job, and absolutely deserves a spot on your list of spots to visit.
1
The Blue Crab Tagliatelle from Chubby Fish
The Blue Crab Tagliatelle from Chubby Fish in Charleston, SC. I'm still dreaming of this one. Heaps of sweet blue crab swirled in homemade tagliatelle and topped with a subtle blend of crème fraiche, Calabrian chili, lemon zest, and pasta water, and garnished with salmon roe. Just a stunner.
2
The Arroz con Negro at Bar 167
The 167 family of seafood spots is just crushing it. Set against the background of a Mediterranean-inspired oasis, this tuna tartare is set atop crispy black rice dolloped with saffron aioli.
3
The South West Rocks Bonito at Saint Peter
Let's journey down under to the seafood mecca that is Josh Niland's Saint Peter for some south west rocks bonito garnished with some mirin sake jelly. This was a perfectly smoked piece of bonito set on a lattice of nashi pear, radish, and cucumber. The mirin sake jelly cubes breathed some delicious umami into the dish. Yes, Saint Peter absolutely lives up to its hype.
4
The Roasted Abrolhos Island Scallop at Cirrus
I'm still dreaming about the Roasted Abrolhos Island Scallop with Ginger, Preserved Lemon, and Pickled Wakame at Cirrus in Australia. I recommend sitting on Cirrus' porch overlooking the harbor, and savoring these umami-rich scallops.
5
The house-cured Ikura at Kamonegi
The house-cured Ikura at Seattle's Kamonegi deserves all of its accolades. The award-winning team infuses local salmon roe with a blend of sake, mirin, and soy. Guests can order ikura by the spoon or keep it tableside to spoon onto other menu items.
6
Black Cod Kasuzuke at Local Tide
I was stunned by the black cod kasuzuke from Seattle's Local Tide. Everything about this Fremont elevated casual seafood joint slaps, and I would eat this kasuzuke every day of my life if I could. The team cures and then marinades this local black cod cures for over 48 hours so when it is seared, it gets a beautifully crisp and sweet exterior, with a juicy interior.
7
Clam Chowder at Chelsea Farms
As many know, I take my chowders very seriously. The clam chowder from Olympia's Chelsea Farms is simply the best. Local manila clams are served in a creamy shellfish fumet with a hearty amount of herbs and lardons.
8
Whole Dungeness Crab at Taylor Shellfish
I would cross a continent for the whole Dungeness crab from Taylor Shellfish. Guests can order an entire crab that is steamed in a Mirepoix and chilled. The crab's fat is then mixed with a blend of sweet chili sauce, lime, and mayo for the best dipping sauce you will ever have. Taylor serves between 300-400 lbs of crab a week, and it is completely understandable because this dish is phenomenal.
9
Crudo Spoons at SoPo Seafood
The crudo spoons from SoPo Seafood in South Portland, Maine. SoPo Seafood's entire mission is to make fresh, local seafood accessible and inviting to everyone. Their crudo spoons are an inviting way to sample the bounty of the Atlantic from tuna to salmon to scallops, and are especially great for guests who are getting a feel for what they like.
10
Kelp and Uni Spaghetti alla Chitarra from The Honey Paw
A dish that is just dripping in umami—the Kelp and Uni Spaghetti alla Chitarra from The Honey Paw in Portland, Maine. Honey Paw is hands-down one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in Portland. Yes, they specialize in Asian-inspired noodle dishes, but if they're running a seafood special—get it, because it is always inventive and delicious.