No one should miss the opportunity to sit down to a dinner of fresh shellfish. Living near a coastline would obviously be the easiest way to enjoy such a dinner. Although residents of inland communities may not have as easy access, they may step out to the local fishmonger or restaurant in the area specializing in fresh shellfish who likely have their produce shipped in fresh on a daily basis. A more convenient option is to purchase fresh shellfish from a reputable online store. As Fedex offers overnight delivery within the continental US, you can enjoy a fresh seafood meal on a regular basis without having to settle for the poor substitute of a frozen entree.



The king of seafood is of course, lobster. Whoever first decided to try and eat one must have had courage. In fact, they were not popular for a long time. Did you know that what to us is a pricey delicacy was once the food of commoners? It's true; however, that piece of trivia will probably be small comfort when you're shelling out $11.95 a pound in stores or $29.95 in a restaurant. Often times ordering online is the best way to ensure you are getting the freshest lobster possible. After all, this way you can order it directly from a coastal area and have it shipped to you, even if your in the Arizona desert.

To prepare lobster at home, you buy one per person, alive and kicking at your fishmonger or seafood counter, bringing them home in a bag. Do not put them in fresh water; people often do, but it will kill them. Just close the bag well and keep it in the refrigerator. Plan to eat them that evening; they don't really keep.

This is the hardest part. Each lobster, sadly, will have to give its life for your meal, and you are the one who has to make it happen. To do it humanely, you can drop them into water that is at a violent rolling boil, or you can put them out of their misery first by inserting the point of a knife briskly between the head and the body, which kills them instantly. If you choose the second option, you can grill them. They can also be steamed in less water.

Serve your lobster with some butter and lemon, put on a bib, and don't stand on ceremony. There are tasty morsels of meat all throughout the shell. Green tomalley or red roe which you may find in the body is edible as well, and gourmets prize it.

This type of ocean-based meal doesn't need limit itself to lobster, of course. What about trying some fresh shellfish like mussels (just scrub them well and steam them in water, wine or broth)? What about steamer clams, which you steam and then dip in clam broth to wash any remaining sand from the beach? Oysters are popular fried, baked, and even raw. And then there's shrimp, langoustines, crayfish? To enjoy the gift of the sea, these are all delicious ways.

There are so many different ways to prepare seafood. You don't have to be some kind of master chef to make a tasty and delicious seafood meal. Often times all you need to do is just cook the seafood to create a great tasting meal. The natural flavor of the seafood can stand on its own merits.

If these kinds of seafood are all still somewhat frightening, there is another choice for the light hearted. The option of going into your grocer and purchasing a bit of clam chowder is always open. Fresh fish isn't bad either, but you'll still get that briny taste of the ocean. Serve with oyster crackers, a dash of cream and lots of ground black pepper. Lastly, enjoy and pretend your on the beach.

A seafood feast is best saved for when you really want to make a good impression on either your friends or your family. One thing is for sure, this is the kind of legendary event that leave very long lasting impressions on everyone attending! The decision to have a lobster and shellfish taste adventure may end up being a historical event and will be the topic of conversation whenenver someone brings up good times and great food.