West Kirby Today’s monthly columnist, Guy Lawrenson, is the proprietor of the hugely popular Seafood Shack on Dee Lane. Guy previously owned the What’s Cooking restaurant chain and earned his seafood stripes during lockdown by working at the renowned Bricklands Fish & Game in Chester and for national wholesaler Big Fish Little Fish, who own Bricklands amongst other fishmongers.
The secret of great seafood cooking is to try and buy the best fish in season, seasonal fish means quantity & quality are in abundance.
March has a few standout stars on our counter…
Exotic choices such as Swordfish & Red Snapper
Swordfish is a very firm textured game fish; we sell loin steaks and advise a thicker slice rather than a thin sliver – try not to overcook swordfish: they have low fat content so will become chewy or dry if left too long. Towel-dry the fish so that all excess water/moisture is removed.
Swordfish are great in marinades such as harissa or simply oven roast with lemon & garlic butter. Red Snapper are lean, low-fat fish with a mild flavor and edible skin.
Again, simple is best – a little smoked paprika, a good ex virgin olive oil and squeeze of lemon – Oriental herbs & spices also bring out the best
Wild fish – Hake
Hake, a firm white fish similar to cod, can be matched with flavours as diverse as chorizo, curry, tomatoes & horseradish, this versatility, along with its subtle, sweet flavour also makes for a great alternative to Cod for fish n chips – try it!
Farmed fish – Sea Bass
Farmed in Turkey, an economical alternative wild local sea bass. Typically, 50% larger than you will find in the supermarket, a perfect portion for one per person.
The skin is delicious: make it crisp by patting good and dry then rubbing in a pinch of salt.
Shellfish – Oysters
We sell 2 varieties at present:
Carlingford Irish Oysters
It is the flow of Carlingford Lough’s grade-A waters that helps shape each oyster into a perfect tear-drop shape with a very strong shell and a smooth pearly white enamel.
Rich and distinctive flavour, sweet slightly nutty followed by a slight tannic and lingering aftertaste.
Now also available to enjoy on our NEW terrace by the half dozen.
Colchester Native Oysters
Harvested throughout the year in the shallow creeks of Mersea Island in Essex.
Rock oysters have a long, deep and flared shell and the oyster inside is meaty, firm and creamy with a fresh sweet taste.
Whatever you choose, we are here to help you feel good with sea food.
The Fish GUY
The Seafood Shack can be found on Dee Lane and is open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 4pm and Sunday from 10am – 2pm. Call 0151 625 0795, email fish@seafood-shack.com or visit www.seafood-shack.com. Guy is now serving breakfast and lunch on the terrace from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 3pm.
If you are a West Kirby Today newsletter subscriber at www.westkirbytoday.substack.com/ you’ll get a discount code in our newsletter each Friday giving you 10% off your bill at the Seafood Shack in West Kirby during March 2023.