TedE Posted April 7, 2006 Share Posted April 7, 2006 If you want to make them yourself, the oyster guy at the Dupont Market has them for sale Sunday morning. This is a bit of a Sunday morning staple for me in the spring: sauteed softshell and fried egg over a slice of Atwaters peasant bread. The oyster guy has had them live in season, but most other times they've been previously frozen (including now likely). Buyer beware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted April 7, 2006 Share Posted April 7, 2006 This is a bit of a Sunday morning staple for me in the spring: sauteed softshell and fried egg over a slice of Atwaters peasant bread. The oyster guy has had them live in season, but most other times they've been previously frozen (including now likely). Buyer beware. The best advice is to buy live or don't buy them. I seem to remember the guy having live ones most of the time. If you need instruction on how to clean them ask or look for a post by Tom Power. I recall a rather interesting post on how to clean them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyG Posted April 7, 2006 Share Posted April 7, 2006 If you need instruction on how to clean them ask or look for a post by Tom Power. I recall a rather interesting post on how to clean them. Cleaning live ones is right out of a horror flick. They keep moving after you use the kitchen shears to cut off their faces. But the ones we bought live from the truck on Rt. 4 in Maryland and brought home to kill and grill were scrumptious. I like mine treated lightly. No heavy breading or deep frying; it disguises the delicate flavor. We usually dredge in a slightly seasoned flour and pan-saute in a little EVOO and butter. Then, depending upon our mood, we eat them straight or make what my friend Tess calls "kitten sandwiches" with the feet sticking out of a soft roll. (Tess won't eat softshells, silly woman.) Yoko in Herndon used to do a sublime softshell with a ponzu sauce but their rendition last year wasn't as breath-taking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenunda Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 These are starting to show up. Anyone know the best place to get them that's not on the Bay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeMc Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 I don't know the *best* place, but Eastern Market will have them. I think that after the 27th, they'll be more of them, since that's when the full moon is. I guess water temp + the moon = molting, unless those crabbers at Tangier Island were bullshitting me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capital Icebox Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 These are starting to show up. Anyone know the best place to get them that's not on the Bay? Picked up some nice ones at the Organic Butcher in McLean last week -- $7 a pop, and worth it. I called Slavin's, Whole Foods in Old Town, and neither had them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcanuck Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Anyone aware of restaurants that are currently serving soft shell crabs? Bonus points if they're in Old Town (yes, I'm venturing across the river to fete a friend who is being deployed ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeMc Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Anyone aware of restaurants that are currently serving soft shell crabs? Bonus points if they're in Old Town (yes, I'm venturing across the river to fete a friend who is being deployed ).Hank's is. . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Hank's is. . . . ...as is Bucks (although it fails your across the river criteria) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capital Icebox Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Anyone aware of restaurants that are currently serving soft shell crabs? Bonus points if they're in Old Town (yes, I'm venturing across the river to fete a friend who is being deployed ). Le Gaulois is offering them as both an appetizer and an entree, with the added bonus of a great outdoor patio to enjoy them on. You might also check with Eve or Vermilion. I also wonder if Eamonn's will be frying them up at some point during the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Le Gaulois is offering them as both an appetizer and an entree, with the added bonus of a great outdoor patio to enjoy them on. You might also check with Eve or Vermilion. I also wonder if Eamonn's will be frying them up at some point during the season. I think they were on the menu at Majestic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edenman Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Corduroy had them last night and they were delightful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brendanc Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Circle Bistro has them at lunhc and dinner now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopherc Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Eve did have them. I had an appetizer three weeks ago and a friend had a double order of the apt as an entree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenticket Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 As mdt mentioned above, Majestic did have a very nice preparation on the menu last week. Not in Old Town - CityZen has a delicious version right now. Alas it appears only on the chef's tasting menu. It is pure whimsy in a bowl - legs and microgreens pinwheeling everywhere, a tasty licorice tuile tucked in, and a confetti of pretty pale green fennel, orange, and soft pink rhubarb beneath the crustacean. Or, as described on the menu: SAUTÉED CHESAPEAKE BAY SOFTSHELL CRAB Field Grown Rhubarb, Braised Fennel and Navel Orange Vierge with a Licorice Tuile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Horoscope Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Pesce had them as an entree a couple of weeks ago. While they were small, I think that's when the shell is most tender anyway, and they were deliciously sauteed. If you go and they have the crab, shrimp, and pork dumpling as an appertizer, try that, too! I love that place and can't wait to return for another dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eating out Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Just had a plump and delicious tempura battered one at Sushi-Ko couple of nights ago... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capital Icebox Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 2 Amy's has them as a panini right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy M Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 On the Tasting Menu at 2941: Polenta Crusted Softshell Crab cantelope, green papaya, long squash, and tamarind vinagrette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hersch Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Kinkead's had softshell tempura yesterday, which unfortunately I somehow missed on the menu, and didn't realize they had them till this other fellow ordered (my seared scallops with manila clams, favas, and some other stuff were very good, though). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Eve had then in the Bistro a couple of weeks ago. Not in OT: Husband and I shared an appetizer yesterday at Bangkok 54 of a deep-fried softshell crab and papaya salad--excellent! They also had the softshells as an entree. Both are on their special menu for this month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLB Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Am I the only one that thinks softshell crabs are overrated? They always seem to be more shell than meat. I just don't get the hype. I would rather have a crab cake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayrae Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 There are very few things which I find too repulsive to eat. Sea urchin is one of them. Softshell crab is another. I know, I know, but I just can't get the image of biting into a hardshell crab and munching away out of my mind. Ugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lackadaisi Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 I thought I saw this mentioned here recently, but I don't see it now: Anyway, the Citronelle Lounge has an amazing preparation: stuffed with crabmeat, tempura fried, and served over corn risotto. Between that one and Corduroy, most of my softshell needs have been fulfilled (and will continue to be repeatedly). I tried the Sushi Ko one the other day, and it was good, but nothing particularly steller; I think I might be spoiled though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baczkowski Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Am I the only one that thinks softshell crabs are overrated? They always seem to be more shell than meat. I just don't get the hype. I would rather have a crab cake. Fine, more for us Sushi Ko had a great preparation Friday. The sushi chef strongly urged another diner to get the softshell crab appetizer over the soft shell crab roll b/c the appetizer was the only preparation made with fresh, not frozen softshell crabs. Pax, Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eating out Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Fine, more for us Sushi Ko had a great preparation Friday. The sushi chef strongly urged another diner to get the softshell crab appetizer over the soft shell crab roll b/c the appetizer was the only preparation made with fresh, not frozen softshell crabs. Pax, Brian I was going to suggest the same thing - if you want to give them another try, the one I had at Sushi-Ko was the fattest softy I've ever had - really plump, lots of meat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 There are very few things which I find too repulsive to eat. Sea urchin is one of them. Softshell crab is another. I know, I know, but I just can't get the image of biting into a hardshell crab and munching away out of my mind. Ugh.OK, then. YOU won't be the person to get that last crab of the day BEFORE I show up at Corduroy. Thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted May 15, 2007 Share Posted May 15, 2007 Am I the only one that thinks softshell crabs are overrated? They always seem to be more shell than meat. I just don't get the hype. I would rather have a crab cake. Then you certainly have not had a good one. The shell should be non-existent although some places do serve them when they are a bit too hard. The best preparations are the ones that minimize the ingredients to let the crab shine through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pidgey Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 (Upon eating my first softshell of the season last night at Corduroy) Ode to a softshell crab Oh, softshell, you who sacrificed your short little life for me so that you could be deep-fried and crunchy. Wonderful crab, prepared in a multitude of ways, making DC worth inhabiting in the summertime. The most yummy of all the crabs-- yes, even over stuffed crab-- I thank you for being so delicious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichelleW Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 Anyone good in Virginia (Old Town is ok) doing soft shells aside from the usual Viet and Thai suspects? I'm dying to drag the husband out for crabs this weekend and I have a hankering for the first softshells of the season. My in laws are partial to the Warehouse in Old Town, but if it's just husband and I going, I think we'll try someplace a little more interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopherc Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Anyone good in Virginia (Old Town is ok) doing soft shells aside from the usual Viet and Thai suspects? I'm dying to drag the husband out for crabs this weekend and I have a hankering for the first softshells of the season.My in laws are partial to the Warehouse in Old Town, but if it's just husband and I going, I think we'll try someplace a little more interesting. We had them at Majestic two weeks ago over salad greens with a sauce I can't recall now. They were delicious. They are extremely good at Eve as I mentioned many posts above. Not as good as Eve or Majestic, but good, are Landini Brother's version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsdc Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 I had a delicious softshell last week (lightly battered and fried) at my first visit to Colorado Kitchen...what an introduction! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackers Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Annapolis Seafood Market (three branches - Annapolis, Edgewater and Severna Park) has live jumbos for $4.99-$5.99 each, depending on the day. Perfection on a plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lackadaisi Posted June 29, 2007 Share Posted June 29, 2007 Any suggestions of Vietnamese restaurants currently doing softshells well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apples & Bananas Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Going on a date with the girl this Saturday and need to know of a good, relatively inexpensive place where we can score some soft shells within Metro range. I'm not sure if this is possible, but it's worth a shot asking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demetrius Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 I saw some at the new Wegman's in Woodbridge this past weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SrtaJRosa Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Going on a date with the girl this Saturday and need to know of a good, relatively inexpensive place where we can score some soft shells within Metro range. I'm not sure if this is possible, but it's worth a shot asking.Are you looking for a restaurant that offers them or a place to purchase and prepare at home? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Horoscope Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Accessible to the Silver Spring metro are Sergio's and Vicino's. You may want to call them to check on availability. They should be in the Dining Guide for Maryland under downtown Silver Spring. At Sergio's I have had them sauteed. At Vicino's I've had them done Francese style. I guess Crisfield's down there would also be metro accessible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 The best I have had this year were at New Heights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apples & Bananas Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 I saw some at the new Wegman's in Woodbridge this past weekend. I'm looking for a restaurant in the area where I can get them. Sorry for the confusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mktye Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 FWIW, past years' softshell discussion is here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 I got a softshell crab appetizer at Bis a couple of weeks ago. It's not terribly cheap (though cheaper than a main) but is on Metro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 The soft shells at New Heights are super, and it's right around the corner from the Woodley Park station. Not sure how "relatively inexpensive" they are, though. Full order: $28. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mame11 Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 Not sure if it would satisfy your need but Bar Pilar had a fried softshell crab sandwich on its menu two weeks ago. My friend who had it gave it a big thumbs up, but I thought it looked small. IIRC, it was about 10 or 11 dollars. Also at New Heights you can get a half order of the softshell crab dish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohstate Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 My husband loved his soft shells at Al La Lucia (Alexandria) about 2 weeks ago. Metro to King street, trolley down King Street, a few blocks north (on Royal Street, IIRC). I'd call to make certain they still have them of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMango Posted May 15, 2010 Share Posted May 15, 2010 Alas, alack, and nearly-gak, softshell crabs at Thailand on Royal Street in Alexandria were a miss this week. Too much time in the fryer, too little intrigue in the garlic-chili sauce, a bizarre amount of shredded iceberg lettuce, choose elsewhere for these most exquisite of crustaceans. (mistake) (missable) (misspent) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kibbee Nayee Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 About a week ago, at Rice and Noodles in Franconia, I had a lovely dish of deep fried softshell crabs in garlic basil sauce. It was quite enjoyable. In fact, delectable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodeats Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 The softshell crab salad is very much worth a visit to Tallula for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baczkowski Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Only this morning did we decide to go out for dinner for our anniversary tonight and the one thing I'm craving is a soft shell crab dish (not a sandwich). So, if you know of a place with a decent atmosphere, please post here and I'll see if a last minute reservation can be made. Thanks. Pax, Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Only this morning did we decide to go out for dinner for our anniversary tonight and the one thing I'm craving is a soft shell crab dish (not a sandwich). So, if you know of a place with a decent atmosphere, please post here and I'll see if a last minute reservation can be made. Thanks. Pax, Brian Corduroy and Palena have both had soft shells on as dinner specials in the last couple of weeks; it's worth calling both to check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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