Table Hopping with Morris Gut
The season for fresh soft-shell crab runs thru September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or fried with some lemon and butter. Nothing like a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. I am a big fan. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast 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…
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison (914-835-6199) It is a solid Italian restaurant housed in a vintage diner. Chef/Owner Dean Vivolo will have soft shells on the menu. www.trattoriavivolo.com
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. Sounds yummy! www.the808bistro.com
KEE Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch and will soon include Soft Shell Crab. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.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
Harbour Fish & Company, 576 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck (914-630-4790) Naldo Morales and Nelson Lopez moved their fresh fish and seafood market/restaurant last year and it offers plenty of dine- in and take-out options. https://harbourfishandcompany.com
X20 Xaviar’s on the Hudson, 71 Water Grant Street, Yonkers (914-965-1111) Chef Peter X. Kelly and company do a fine job with soft shell crab every year. Enjoy them along with expansive views of the Hudson River. www.xaviars.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
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
Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham (914-738-8686) Veteran chef/proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclectic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a daily Raw Bar. Soft shells will be on hand. www.cafferegatta.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 is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)