Table Hopping with Morris Gut
The season for fresh soft-shell crab runs through September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or deep fried with some lemon and butter. Nothing like a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast at area markets followed by the popular bounty from the Chesapeake. As the season wears on more venues will be serving them. Here’s where to seek them out locally:
The 808 Bistro, 808 Scarsdale Ave., Scarsdale (914-722-0808) Chef Salvatore Cucullo Jr. will be serving soft shells with creamy polenta and cheese & spinach stuffed tomatoes on the side. They will also be on hand at their other space: El Barrio. www.the808bistro.com
Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House, 55 Abendroth Ave., Port Chester (914-939-2425) Happy Hours have returned to the handsome barroom. Soft Shells will be available. www.saltaireoysterbar.com
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx (718-885-9885) The blackboard lists the weekly specialties served with all the trimmings. Jumbo soft shells simply sautéed. Wash it all down with one of the house specialty cocktails or craft beers. Indoors and al fresco. www.artiescityisland.com
Sammy’s Fish Box, 41 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0920) Traditional seafood. Indoor & outdoor dining, or to go. www.sammysfishbox.com
Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777) This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. www.dubrovnikny.com
Magno’s Grill, 108 Centre Ave., New Rochelle (914-235-0008) Chef Angel Magno offers soft shell crabs piccata with caper berries over sautéed corn, tomatoes, spinach, with a lemon wine sauce. Take-out & delivery. www.magnosgrill.com
(Morris Gut has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. Call 914-235-6591, gutreactions@optonline.net)