TIS THE SEASON

TIS THE SEASON

The season came late to the Bay Area this year. No, not Christmas, CRAB season. The boats held out for a higher price per pound and so we didn't have any of the wonderful local dungeness crab for the Thanksgiving holiday. But the boats finally headed out a couple of weeks ago and it was time to enjoy our favorite local crustacean.

On my daily walks around the Emeryville Marina I go past some fishing boats, one of which is owned by a couple that live in my building. They sell fresh crab directly from their boat for $3 a pound. I always mean to stop and buy some but I don't carry my wallet with me and I forget to go back later in the day.

Last week I knew that I had to have some of this crab. So when my friend Kay called and asked if I wanted to go to lunch I said "Yes, let's do a crab feast out by the water." I told her about the fishing boat and asked her to pick up some good sourdough bread and that I would pack a picnic basket with the rest.

We went out to the boat and bought crabs from Michelle and Shon and then had them cooked and cleaned right off the dock by a man who cooks them for you for $1 each. Such a deal! No mess or smell in your home and crab as fresh as can be at less than half the price of most fish shops/grocery stores.

It took about 20 minutes for him to cook and clean the crabs for us. When they were ready (and our appetites sufficiently whetted) we walked over by the water so we could sit by the breaker rocks and look at the City and the Golden Gate bridge while we picked our crabs clean. It takes awhile to get all of the succulent meat out of the claws and body but we were in no rush to finish this San Francisco treat.

Everyone who walked by eyed our spread and commented on how good it looked and many said they were going to have to get some at the end of their walk. You too can have a moment like this one. If you are interested in getting your hands on some of these claws call Michelle and Shon on their cell at 510-774-8881. If they don't answer just leave your name and number and they will call you when they get back into shore. They prefer to sell directly to customers so spread the info to your friends and plan your very own crab feed!