Q:
Where can I get soft-shell crabs locally? I read your column in the Herald
and figured you would know.
Cliff Knuckles - CarmelA: Well Cliff, this is a tough one. I
know of no retailer that handles fresh soft-shell crabs. Keep in mind, these guys are
highly perishable and, for the restaurants, we receive them live. I remember the first
time I tasted them. It was a restaurant called "Petite Pier" 15 or 20 years ago.
Wow, what a product! When at their best it's like eating crab flavored custard. For those
that don't know, a soft-shell crab is an eastern blue crab that is in between shells.
After molting, the new shell takes a few days to harden so that, while still in its soft
state, it can be sautéed or deep-fried either as a sandwich (po-boy) or simply with a
lemon butter sauce and you eat the whole thing. Believe me, it is one of the wonders of
the summer. We are currently serving them at the Whaling Station and Paradiso on weekends.
They can be a hard sell on the West Coast where folks are less familiar with them
although, most people don't realize, the shell is a great source of calcium.
Readers: I've got a hot produce tip for you - a new product from
Monterey County called "mâche" also known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce,
according to Jackie at Del Monte Produce. Epic Roots is the grower, the flavor is gentle
and the leaves have a tender, velvety texture. Dress lightly and man, is it good. By the
way, the boys at Del Monte Produce have taken over Monte Vista Market. |
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told me they plan to add a lot more produce and Joe will still be around too. Please
support our Mom and Pop stores - grand reopening is this Friday morning, June 14 - Thank
God! Q:
Buon Giornio, We greatly enjoy your television program, particularly the trips to Italy,
which we love to visit also. Last year we visited Sicily for ten days and brought back
some very light, dry white wines. We have none left and cannot find anything light and dry
(but not acidic) in local shops. Since we do not plan a visit soon to Sicily, I wonder if
you can point us to any source for Sicilian white wines. Ciao!
Chris Keehn - via e-mail
A: Boy do I have
a great story about Sicilian wines. About 15 years ago, I was visiting relatives in Furci
Siculo, Sicily which is about 10 miles from Messina. My granddad's village has maybe 1500
residents and one hotel called "Foti" (very similar to Fawlty Towers) run by
Francisco Foti, with twenty rooms and a small dining area (typical for the area). There
are also two bakeries, one butcher, one outdoor café and three fresh fish markets.
Francisco heard that I was in town and the owner of two restaurants in California. He
called for a meeting and wine tasting. He was very excited, as he wanted to sell me a
container full of Sicilian wines. The meeting in the hotel dining room (five tables) was
very official with onlookers and relatives on hand. He proceeded to open the wine and pour
me half a glass. While I tasted, he kept talking about the virtues of this exceptional
wine and what an exceptional deal he would make just for me. |
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Everyone watched as
I expertly swished the glass to awaken the bouquet. Swishing and smelling, swishing and
smelling, I could tell this impressed everyone in the room. I could see the smile of my
proud relative. Here we have his nephew who is truly a connoisseur. I took a sip and
tasted the wine for the first time, making a lot of noise by sucking in air to bring out
the true flavors of the grape. Everyone was on the edge of their seat waiting for my
approval. The wine was bone-dry, light golden in color with a slight bouquet. It was also
acidic which is common to European wines as they are made primarily for consumption with
food. After I swallowed, I kept a very unemotional expression on my face and slowly asked,
"How much a bottle?" Francisco looked at me with an "I hope this is
going to work out" look on his face and said "$2.00 a bottle."
Extremely reasonable I thought for the wine, in fact, I was so shocked I blurted out
"$2.00 a bottle?!" Francisco, interpreting my comment to mean the price
was too high, immediately said he could make it
$1.00 a bottle. This made me think. This wine went from $2.00 to $1.00 so quickly that it
reminded me of an old Italian saying: "In Italy, they even make wine out of
grapes." I decided not to purchase the 1,000 cases offered, but instead, invited
everyone to the plaza for some gelato. Anyway, Chris, there are several excellent local wine stores where,
upon request, they can order just what you are looking for. |
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