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Live Lobsters. Where?

Live Lobsters. Where?
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  • Live Lobsters. Where?

    Post #1 - June 7th, 2021, 1:52 pm
    Post #1 - June 7th, 2021, 1:52 pm Post #1 - June 7th, 2021, 1:52 pm
    Need multiple for a client and while I know where I'd get them wholesale (which alas I don't have access to @ the moment) where do you all get them?
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #2 - June 7th, 2021, 4:06 pm
    Post #2 - June 7th, 2021, 4:06 pm Post #2 - June 7th, 2021, 4:06 pm
    Dirk’s
  • Post #3 - June 7th, 2021, 4:21 pm
    Post #3 - June 7th, 2021, 4:21 pm Post #3 - June 7th, 2021, 4:21 pm
    H-Mart
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #4 - June 7th, 2021, 9:02 pm
    Post #4 - June 7th, 2021, 9:02 pm Post #4 - June 7th, 2021, 9:02 pm
    Wabash Seafood
    2249 W. Hubbard Street
    Chicago, IL 60612
    (312)733-5070

    Per their website:
    Pre-order only for pick up the following day
    No Walk-Ins At This Time
    8am — 10am

    Perfect combo of high quality product, outstanding quality service, and value.
  • Post #5 - June 9th, 2021, 1:23 am
    Post #5 - June 9th, 2021, 1:23 am Post #5 - June 9th, 2021, 1:23 am
    I purchased 3 last Friday at H-Mart. Niles.
    Top quality very hard shell, some of the best I have ever had but $14.99/#.
    =Richard
  • Post #6 - June 17th, 2021, 9:07 am
    Post #6 - June 17th, 2021, 9:07 am Post #6 - June 17th, 2021, 9:07 am
    Wabash isn't doing walk in's or any retail. Dirk's are $22 lb, H Mart for the win @ $15 lb
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #7 - June 19th, 2021, 11:20 am
    Post #7 - June 19th, 2021, 11:20 am Post #7 - June 19th, 2021, 11:20 am
    Nice surprise. When I got to H-Mart the lobsters were on sale for $12.99
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #8 - June 20th, 2021, 4:07 am
    Post #8 - June 20th, 2021, 4:07 am Post #8 - June 20th, 2021, 4:07 am
    Every Friday H-Mart Posts their weekly add flyer.
    https://www.hmart.com/weekly-sales-and-events/illinois/
  • Post #9 - July 26th, 2021, 7:14 am
    Post #9 - July 26th, 2021, 7:14 am Post #9 - July 26th, 2021, 7:14 am
    Not live but a bunch of 8-oz tails for the brides birthday dinner. Tasty if I must say so myself. :)

    click to enlarge
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image


    Lobster, count me a Fan!
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #10 - July 26th, 2021, 11:01 am
    Post #10 - July 26th, 2021, 11:01 am Post #10 - July 26th, 2021, 11:01 am
    Bought eight 1.25 pound lobsters at 88 Marketplace for $8.88* per pound. They had larger lobsters for $13.99 per pound. I served 1.5 lobsters per person with one lucky person getting a second lobster. I then went on to make lobster bisque.

    H-mart had lobster for $18 per pound. Joong Boo had lobster for $11.99 per pound.

    *Last week, they had lobster for $10.99 in the 1.25 pound catagory.
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #11 - July 27th, 2021, 12:24 am
    Post #11 - July 27th, 2021, 12:24 am Post #11 - July 27th, 2021, 12:24 am
    That is a great price!
    Have not been to Chinatown or in the City very much except to Dirk's once for softshells in the last 18 months.
    The Headlines about Chicago violence and the Covid cause me to have second thoughts but maybe on an early Saturday morning?
    -Richard
  • Post #12 - July 27th, 2021, 3:52 am
    Post #12 - July 27th, 2021, 3:52 am Post #12 - July 27th, 2021, 3:52 am
    budrichard wrote:That is a great price!
    Have not been to Chinatown or in the City very much except to Dirk's once for softshells in the last 18 months.
    The Headlines about Chicago violence and the Covid cause me to have second thoughts but maybe on an early Saturday morning?
    -Richard

    They had a live king crab there last Sunday. I have no idea what the price maybe. I have seen live spiny lobster for almost $40 pp.

    There are language barriers there. I called in advance on Saturday to learn the $8.88 price. When I arrived on Sunday morning, I did not see this price initially, but the $13.99 price. I visited the service desk inquiring if they may get more at $8.88. I learned the lobsters I wanted were there. The manager was of great help to obtain them.

    This store is located in an oasis, there is not much else going on in the immediate neighborhood. There is easy and free parking. From a conversation last winter, they may eventually have free indoor parking. There are always attendants in the parking lot to collect the shopping carts, which means they are also aware of their surroundings.

    They expect mask wearing and there are scanners to walk up to for your temperature. I was 97.3 for the last two weekends.

    There is a food court and a few restaurants in the complex. I look forward to your thoughts after you visit.

    Regards,
    CAthy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #13 - July 27th, 2021, 10:40 pm
    Post #13 - July 27th, 2021, 10:40 pm Post #13 - July 27th, 2021, 10:40 pm
    Cathy2 wrote:They had a live king crab there last Sunday.
    While at HMart in Niles this evening, I spotted about 4 or 5 live king crabs in the tanks. They're quite impressively large animals and I couldn't help but pause and watch for a moment. $49.99/lb
  • Post #14 - July 28th, 2021, 3:39 am
    Post #14 - July 28th, 2021, 3:39 am Post #14 - July 28th, 2021, 3:39 am
    BrendanR wrote:
    Cathy2 wrote:They had a live king crab there last Sunday.
    While at HMart in Niles this evening, I spotted about 4 or 5 live king crabs in the tanks. They're quite impressively large animals and I couldn't help but pause and watch for a moment. $49.99/lb


    They are Golden King Crab from Norway. The season starts on July 1 in US Waters.
    Golden’s are smaller than the Red.
    These are THE BEST Crab I have ever eaten regardless of species.
    I have purchased two in the last two months, 6.5 and 8.5#’s.
    One leg is enough for one person.
    We poach, eat a couple of legs, shell and freeze.
    Crab ‘Brains’ are reserved for soup.
    Last night we had Corn/Crab soup from a Chinese recipe.
    Corn was straight out of a friends garden.
    Before he retired he had a large farm and had a vegetable stand in Kenosha for many decades.
    For the last crab, we had family over for Bento boxes of rice, crab, Salmon caviar and BlueFin Poke.
    A prepared Bento box of crab from Mitsuwa is about $30 when offered.
    I cannot go back to eating frozen King Crab, it has become a salty product that is nowhere like fresh.
    -Richard
  • Post #15 - July 28th, 2021, 9:53 am
    Post #15 - July 28th, 2021, 9:53 am Post #15 - July 28th, 2021, 9:53 am
    Bud,

    Could you please explain how you handled this (large for me) crab?

    Did you bring it home live, then do the deed at home? Severing the nervous system?

    I found this video of a King Crab in Vietnam going through the preparation paces:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4C2sB3U31o



    From this video, they appear to sever the nervous system, open the head and scoop out the brains. These brains are steamed along with the crab (and perhaps too long).

    When they lifted this crab to the serving platter, I was jealous for the liquid left on the cooking vessel. I bet it was part of the kitchen staff meal later.

    If I were the ghost of the crab, I would be embarassed by the floral decoration.

    You lead quite a food life.

    Regards,
    Cathy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #16 - July 29th, 2021, 3:15 am
    Post #16 - July 29th, 2021, 3:15 am Post #16 - July 29th, 2021, 3:15 am
    Fairly simple actually.
    I carry at least one full size cooler in my Volvo wagon.
    A red King Crab was too big for the cooler so H Mart put it in a big styrofoam box and I put the box on the passenger seat beside me as I was in a two seater at the time.
    The Goldens will fit nicely in a large cooler if the you fold the legs correctly.
    H Mart will double pack in plastic folding the legs.
    I do not dispatch before cooking.
    Some pith the brain or even partially freeze before cooking but I have never had a complaint from a crustacean.
    I have large 16 qt pots and fill about 1/4 with water, heat to boiling, reduce heat while inserting card into pot with legs folded, put on lid and increase heat until boiling is detected.
    You must then decrease heat or the pot will boil over.
    Cook a 6-8# Crab for about 25 min.
    Remove onto large container and put in sink.
    We have a Manor House Sink, so we have no problem.
    If desired spray with cold water to reduce temp slightly,
    Using heavy rubber gloves, twist legs and serve,
    With a heavy shears, cut along the leg segments, remove Crab and eat,
    The body os then further cooled, flap removed and carapace twisted off.
    Remove gills and discard mouth and other innards at the head of the crab,
    You are left with one large piece of Carb meat and cartilage.
    Segment with you hands, You can pick now or later.
    What is referred to as Crab Brains and other liquids in the shell of the crab are collected and frozen for later use.
    When separating the Crab top shell from the bottom shell, hold the Crab upside down so not to lose any liquid or Crab brains.
    Cooking liquid left in pot is not useable.
    -Richard
    BTW if you can find a smaller Jonah type crab, you can practice on that.
  • Post #17 - July 29th, 2021, 5:51 am
    Post #17 - July 29th, 2021, 5:51 am Post #17 - July 29th, 2021, 5:51 am
    budrichard wrote:I have never had a complaint from a crustacean.

    Banner quote!
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #18 - July 29th, 2021, 8:44 am
    Post #18 - July 29th, 2021, 8:44 am Post #18 - July 29th, 2021, 8:44 am
    Bud,

    That is really useful information. I especially appreciate you suggestion for a smaller crab to practice with before (if ever) going for the really big ones.

    Thanks!

    Regards,
    Cathy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #19 - September 2nd, 2021, 11:34 am
    Post #19 - September 2nd, 2021, 11:34 am Post #19 - September 2nd, 2021, 11:34 am
    Sunset has live or steamed 1.25 pound Maine lobsters this weekend, but they are $15 this year instead of the usual $10. Anyway, I am still grabbing a few on Saturday to eat on Sunday. Any thoughts on whether it's a better move to get them live and keep in fridge until Sunday to steam or just have them steamed there and keep cold until Sunday? I don't mind doing it myself just wasn't sure how long it is okay to keep a live one in the fridge. Peace
  • Post #20 - September 3rd, 2021, 12:22 am
    Post #20 - September 3rd, 2021, 12:22 am Post #20 - September 3rd, 2021, 12:22 am
    randy77 wrote:Sunset has live or steamed 1.25 pound Maine lobsters this weekend, but they are $15 this year instead of the usual $10. Anyway, I am still grabbing a few on Saturday to eat on Sunday. Any thoughts on whether it's a better move to get them live and keep in fridge until Sunday to steam or just have them steamed there and keep cold until Sunday? I don't mind doing it myself just wasn't sure how long it is okay to keep a live one in the fridge. Peace


    It’s really a question of how viable your lobsters are?
    They are shipped dry these days and perk up in the tank.
    When they come out of the tank, only choose those that have their back arched.
    Lobster just caught will flap vigorously but these have been stored in a large lobster pond for who knows how long?
    My rule is for lobsters purchased in the Mid West, cook the day of purchase.
    I don’t let anyone cook my lobsters.
    That size. steam for 12 minutes and if keeping a day, cool in ice cold water immediately and shuck.
    Lobster innards decay quite rapidly, once they die.
    One should never purchase a dead whole Maine Lobster.
    Most small cheap come out of Canada these days.
    Maine(US) have a slot limit these days.
    We have a 4-6 # coming today and will cooked this evening.
    Can’t find large lobsters in Chicago anymore.
    -Richard
  • Post #21 - September 3rd, 2021, 12:02 pm
    Post #21 - September 3rd, 2021, 12:02 pm Post #21 - September 3rd, 2021, 12:02 pm
    Thank you Bud, appreciate the wisdom.
  • Post #22 - July 24th, 2022, 11:28 pm
    Post #22 - July 24th, 2022, 11:28 pm Post #22 - July 24th, 2022, 11:28 pm
    Lobster prices today at:
    - Boston Fish Market-Wheeling: Won't advise over the phone. "I could care less."
    - H-Mart: $16.99 per pound
    - Joong Boo in Glenview: $13.99 per pound
    - Park to Shop Market on : $10.99 per pound up to 1.2, $11.99 per pound up to 1.5 pound
    - 88 Marketplace: $12.99 per pound up to 1.3 pound

    If anyone has a better price for live lobster, please advise.

    Regards,
    CAthy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #23 - July 29th, 2022, 3:48 pm
    Post #23 - July 29th, 2022, 3:48 pm Post #23 - July 29th, 2022, 3:48 pm
    H Mart dropped to $14.99 today.
    But we are in the midst of a Scallop frenzy as 36 arrived in the shell yesterday.
    Harvested Thursday at 7am, arrived 8am at my home, pristine.
    So no lobster this weekend.
    Got to go to lunch in Willmette Wednesday, so will probably stop at H Mart before hand.
  • Post #24 - September 2nd, 2022, 3:37 pm
    Post #24 - September 2nd, 2022, 3:37 pm Post #24 - September 2nd, 2022, 3:37 pm
    H-Mart's ad touts lobster for $8.99 per pound presently.
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #25 - September 3rd, 2022, 11:49 am
    Post #25 - September 3rd, 2022, 11:49 am Post #25 - September 3rd, 2022, 11:49 am
    The $8.99/# lobsters at H-Mart have been small(<1#) and relatively soft shell, aka Molt.
    Ok for a quick bite or lobster fix but not as satisfying as a >1.5# hard shell!
  • Post #26 - September 3rd, 2022, 12:38 pm
    Post #26 - September 3rd, 2022, 12:38 pm Post #26 - September 3rd, 2022, 12:38 pm
    Sunset has lobsters this weekend for $15 each. Described as 1 1/4 pound average.

    -Will
  • Post #27 - May 13th, 2023, 10:31 pm
    Post #27 - May 13th, 2023, 10:31 pm Post #27 - May 13th, 2023, 10:31 pm
    The tanks were just about bursting at HMart today. $9.99/lb.
  • Post #28 - May 15th, 2023, 6:54 am
    Post #28 - May 15th, 2023, 6:54 am Post #28 - May 15th, 2023, 6:54 am
    BrendanR wrote:The tanks were just about bursting at HMart today. $9.99/lb.

    Still $9.99 at H-Mart Niles on 5.14.23. Lively, heavy for size, tasty. 6 nice live lobster for $88.

    click to enlargee
    Image
    Image

    Lobster, count me a Fan!
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #29 - May 16th, 2023, 12:47 am
    Post #29 - May 16th, 2023, 12:47 am Post #29 - May 16th, 2023, 12:47 am
    Stopped by H-Mart Monday for a-few Lobsters, one tank still full.
    The one I ate was hard shell, meaty and as tasty as ANY North Atlantic Lobster I have ever eaten!
    I poach one for about 90 secs, chill and then extract the claws and tail meat for Sashimi presentation ala Ama Ebi!
    If you watch Japanese chefs do the prep, they do not lightly poach and spend a lot of effort removing the meat from the tail shell and inevitably end up with a mess of raw lobster.
    A short poach allows the claw and tail meat to easily be removed from the shells and still work as a raw preparation.
    Lately I have been curing my sashimi preps with Konbu.
    Adds Umami and a very subtle taste.
    -Richard
  • Post #30 - May 16th, 2023, 12:40 pm
    Post #30 - May 16th, 2023, 12:40 pm Post #30 - May 16th, 2023, 12:40 pm
    A word about maximum Lobster utilization.
    In the 1950’s Maine Lobster was usually 69 cents/# at a Lobster Pound. When we moved to the Midwest in the sixties, when you could find them, the price was about $10/#.
    Relatively speaking $10/# is a bargain for the quality of Lobster H-Mart is presently selling.
    There is some speculation that the slot limit and marking and throwing back breeding females has created a sort of aquaculture for the Maine Lobster as the lobsters that are not harvestable are caught time and time again as they learn to associate the trap with food.
    My mother taught me how to pick Lobster.
    She used to purchase culls(Lobsters with one claw) at reduced prices.
    Depending on the size there can be a-great deal of meat in the body of a Lobster.
    You need really big Lobster of 4#’s or more to make picking the legs worthwhile and the rolling pin technique is the best.
    After removing the claws and knuckles, break the tail section off.
    Remove the small flippers at the rear and push the tail out of the shell from back to front. You don’t need to cut the tail shell.
    Separate the top section of the body from the thorax by just pulling the two sections apart. Have a liquid container on hand and using a small spoon, scoop out the liquid, tomalley, roe and other edibles for soup stock from the bottom section.
    Discard the bottom section.
    Remove the legs, gills(feathery things attached on the side) and break off the mandible section at the front of the body and discard.

    You are left with a-body section that can be used to make a stock or sauce. If over about 2.5# lobster, it does pay to pick the meat out. A 15# Lobster body cavity can yield a # of meat. Largest Lobster I have had. When making your stock/sauce, I do press the body section a few times to get more of the Lobster essence.
    Depending on the size and number of lobster bodies you may need to add to the stock. I use Japanese powdered soup stock I purchase at Mitsuwa. There a few kinds ranging from shell fish to mushroom and they are top quality and not cheap.
    Tonight we will have Lobster Pho.
    Soybean sprouts, Chinese Broccoli, King Mushrooms, Ginger and shallots along with a shelled claw for each person , Pollack Roe and Rice Noodles.
    I always have French Fries with my Lobster. Comes from ordering at Lobster Shacks where a Lobster or Fried Clam roll came with fries. My parent would drive down to the warfs and pick up Rolls or Fried Calms and with a quart of beer, have a very nice meal.
    -Richard

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