Incredible Edible Book Challenge - Riverhead Library

Got what it takes to enter the 2012 Incredible Edible Book Challenge? Look out Randy, J. Lo and Steven Tyler---Block Island Seafood Co. is proud to be a part of this event as a judge! Can't wait to see all of the awesome entries!


 Incredible Edible Book Challenge Small Poster


Cheers,
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

Back to basics

Over the weekend I watched the documentary Ingredients.  It is a documentary about, you guessed it, the ingredients in the foods we eat, and as a direct result, the foods we are in essence creating a demand for.   Think about it, stores aren't going to stock foods that people do not want to buy, so if we keep buying foods that are bad for us, they have no reason to change their inventory.   

Ingredients does a great job of informing viewers, in a positive way, of their message---some documentaries can be a bit too alarmist for me and it takes the pleasure out of an evening of movie going/watching.   Interviews with real farmers who are harvesting crops when they are in season, breaking bread with their workers,  having a respect for the land, etc. pepper this film and just make you want to run out and stick your hands in the dirt.


As a small business owner, I prefer to support small businesses with any purchase that I can.  It makes the transaction so much more personal, while enhancing the community at large.   I have become close with my fish mongers, my produce folks, etc. and as a result I can trust the foods that I am preparing for BISCo. customers and my family.   I am not just a scan across the checkout counter, I am a face and a person.  

One way that we can all support our farmers is to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).   You pre-pay for your allotment of produce and then pick it up at a designated location each week.   I was really pleased to learn that Queens, NY has an abundance of offerings for CSAs.   You can find a CSA near you here.    CSAs are a great way to support farmers and develop a relationship with the people growing your food. There is something old-school about it--making your meals out of what is in season, using fresh ingredients that flavor your meal in a much more impactful way, and it also forces you to experiment with new foods that you may never have picked up on your own.    It can seem expensive upfront but typically turns out to be about $20 per week.   You know what they say, you are what you eat! 

I have joined the Stoneledge Farm CSA that starts in June and I will do my best to give weekly updates on what is included and how I use it.  I am eagerly anticipating this experience and the new faces that I will get to know.   


Do you belong to a CSA or shop at farmer's markets?  If so, how has your experience been? 


Cheers,
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

BISCo. Baby

Check out this cutie in his BISCo. gear! Baby O does a great job representing BISCo. on the west coast.   

Looking for baby gear from BISCo.? Check out our shop. 

Cheers! 

Craig 

www.blockislandseafood.com

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Block Island Seafood Co. is offering cooking demonstration prix fix packages for Valentine's Day.  Treat your loved one, or a group of friends, to dinner at home.   

Guys, gather some of your friends (who you know haven't shopped yet, either) and make plans for a double, triple, quadrupole date.  Your special someone will love it! 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.  All menus are customizable.   


Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com 


P.S.  You know what they say about oysters, right?

Newport, RI - The Mooring

This past weekend BISCo. took a trip to Rhode Island and it was just what the doctor ordered.   One of the many delights of the weekend included a visit to The Mooring in Newport.   After a nice scenic drive looking at some rather large homes, we treated ourselves to drinks and nibbles at The Mooring.  The design was clean, nautical, and classic and the bartenders were honest, helpful, and friendly.   I knew it would be a good spot once I walked through the door. 

Our group shared a delicious local cheese plate (with real honeycomb--a first for me),  calamari with banana peppers and olives, and a bag of doughnuts which were lobster, crab, and shrimp fritters with chipotle-maple aïoli.   There wasn't a morsel left.   The clam chowder was perfectly creamy and hearty.   Drinks were great and my company couldn't have been beat.  The view of the water wasn't bad either.  


If you are ever in Newport I recommend a stop here.  

Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com 

Wordless Wednesday

Oh, Julia.

Now I just need to practice her accent (and grow 6 inches)...

Cheers,
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

Tuesday Tips

Image source

When you have been working all day making dinner is not always easy.   I like to have meals in my freezer that I can just heat and eat.  One of my favorites is New England Clam Chowder.   Specialty fish stores often sell soups by the bag which you can toss in the freezer and then heat up when you are short on time or you can enjoy them as soon as you get home.  Let's be honest, good soup doesn't last very long around me. 


At the Net Result in Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard they sell bags of chowder for around $25 that will easily feed 6-8 people.    A good, hearty bowl of New England Clam Chowder (add a pat of butter) with a nice piece of crusty bread can hit the spot on a chilly winter evening. 

What are some of your go-to heat & eat meals? Email me, craig@blockislandseafood.com.


Cheers,
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com 

Wordless Wednesday

Here is BISCo.'s newest addition, RJBG, sporting his Block Island Seafood Co. bib.  It's great for adults too when eating lobster...plastic bibs are so over. 

Need a gift for a little one?  We have great items starting at under $12!  Check them out here!

Be sure to send in your photos of you in your BISCo. gear!

Cheers!

Craig

craig@blockislandseafood.com

www.blockislandseafood.com

MV Round Up

The week between Christmas and New Years was blissfully spent on Martha's Vineyard visiting Cousin Judy.  She is technically my mother's cousin but we have formed a very close bond and a relationship that is very close to my heart (and stomach).  You see, Judy can kick some a$$ in the kitchen.   She will never say that something she made tastes great.  Maybe that is her secret? She is always looking to perfect what she has done.   I love getting into the kitchen with Judy and asking her questions,  picking up her techniques and just basically getting under her feet---I am sure she loves this.

Judy cooked up a storm for us: Chicken Cordon Blue, Linguini with White Clam Sauce, Stuffed Pork Chops, Filet of Cod, Roast Chicken...every night was something better than the night before.   Even her salads are savory with these tasty croutons she cooks up (recipe to come in a future post).  I came home feeling like a stuffed pork chop and think my jeans might have been secretly 'taken in' while I was away because they no longer button.  Who cares? It was worth every bite and every minute spent sitting at the table laughing, telling stories and goofing off.

Spending time away from the city was just what the doctor ordered to tie up the holiday season. Reading, running,  napping, playing games with family, movie watching...Oh, did I mention, eating?

Here is a little montage of what my phone captured while we were there.  

Menemsha Beach 

Ferry Chowder  

Chicken Cordon Bleu 

Roadside Chickens 

(none of these chickens were harmed in the making of any meals)

Clambelly Road - I need to live here...

and eat this Linguine with White Clam Sauce 

Row Boat Christmas Tree 

Exercise for the day - stacking firewood 

How was your holiday season?  Cook up anything you'd like to share?  Email me, craig@blockislandseafood.com.

Cheers!
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

PS-One of my resolutions is to become a better blogger.  Please be sure to hold me to it.