Winter’s Best Catch

In the Northwest winter is cold, dark and long but that doesn’t mean we give up the quality and freshness that our guests crave. While the realities of winter weather mean the journey from ocean to plate looks a little different than it does in summer, our relationships with vendors, farmers, fishermen and woman allow us to deliver no matter the time of year. Some of our offerings even thrive in these cold winter months!

Winter Standouts

Many of the seafood favorites we enjoy thrive in cold water. Lower water temperatures make for incredible mussels, clams and oysters! In the winter months, these bivalves grow slower but with a higher fat content which means a firmer, and sweeter meat. In addition to amazing bivalves that love cold water, we are also able to serve fresh mahi mahi, ahi and swordfish from warmer weather climates, allowing us to bring diversity to our menus. From a culinary standpoint, winter seafood is often at its absolute best, rich, structured, and deeply satisfying.

However, while the ocean may be producing incredible quality, winter conditions can make harvesting unpredictable. Winter storms, high seas, and icy conditions significantly affect when and how fishing boats can safely go out. Rough weather can delay trips, shorten fishing windows, or keep boats in harbor altogether. This means fresh deliveries may be less consistent, even when demand remains high.

Rather than compromising quality or safety, many fisheries rely on a proven solution: freezing seafood at sea.

What “Frozen at Sea” Really Means

Frozen-at-sea seafood is processed and flash-frozen onboard the vessel, often within minutes of being caught. This rapid freezing locks in peak freshness, flavor, texture, and nutrients by preventing the formation of large ice crystals that can damage delicate flesh.

Unlike seafood that travels long distances on ice before being frozen later, frozen-at-sea products are preserved at the height of quality essentially pausing the seafood at its best moment. In many cases, frozen-at-sea seafood can meet all the expectations of fresh seafood that we all love.

A Reliable Choice, All Winter Long

Winter may limit how often boats can go out, but it doesn’t limit quality. Frozen-at-sea seafood allows us to offer exceptional products year-round, no matter what the forecast brings. It ensures that even when winter seas are unpredictable, the seafood on your plate remains consistently outstanding.

This season, embrace winter’s catch with confidence, knowing that frozen-at-sea seafood delivers the best of the ocean perfectly preserved.