Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Kathleen's Swan Song

Kathleen, a Block Island Seafood Co. MVP for this summer, completed her final BISCo. gig of the season.  Kathleen hails from Washington (state, not D.C.) and, as such, she is west-ward bound.  We may pull the Block Island Seafood Co. jet out of retirement if the need arises but for now we say safe travels and thanks for so much.  It has been a true pleasure and a privilege to have Kathleen join the ranks of BISCo.  She has taught so many, myself included, so much.  Cheers to you, Kathleen!

Here she is at the Bayport-Blue Point Library demonstrating proper mussel slurping technique:



After our demonstration at the Bayport-Blue Point Library, I received an email and photograph from one of the attendees, Dawn.  Thank you, Dawn, for your kind words.  It is always a pleasure to spend and evening with you and the library patrons.

Hi Craig,

Thank you for the class. I had a great time. You are a funny guy;) Kathleen is pretty funny herself. You make a good team! I look forward to future classes.

Have an awesome night!!!
Dawn Banks


Cheers! 
Craig 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

A Tree Grows in Happauge


Block Island Seafood Co. was honored to be invited to provide a cooking demonstration at the Happauge Library.  Hungry--for knowledge and food--folks came out to learn about and sample two of BISCo.'s finest dishes: shrimp scampi and crab cakes.

As always, there were fine giveaways, good food, and a crowd that will hopefully get to see a bit more BISCo. in their town.


Kathleen relaxing after a long day at the library. 

Block Island Seafood Co. has had a jam packed summer filled with catering and cooking demonstrations.  We are so thankful to all of our patrons and loyal fans.

Cheers,
Craig

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

BISCo. Lobster Rolls


In case you hadn't heard, one of my favorite meals is a lobster roll.  It is also a family favorite, so, while on the Block, I prepared a batch of lobster salad to make some lobster rolls for lunch.   Since we were making such a large quantity (about 25 rolls) I didn't get to record exact proportions but I promise this is a simple recipe that you prepare to taste.  

Ingredients: 
Lobster meat
Mayonnaise
Lemon 
Celery (finely chopped and drained in a paper towel to remove excess water)
Fresh chives
Salt & Pepper
Potato rolls (top split)
Butter 

In a large bowl combine lobster meat, mayonaisse, fresh lemon juice, celery, and fresh chives.  Fold these ingredients together gently.  You will add small amounts of the mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and chives at a time because you want to make sure you are not saturating the lobster meat.   Remember, this is a lobster salad roll, you want to really taste the lobster.  Season with salt & pepper to taste.   Warm rolls in the oven and brush with melted butter.   Serve immediately. 


Cheers! 
Craig






Monday, July 25, 2011

VA-CA-TION...in the Summertime!


Please excuse the lack of posts and updates but the Block Island Seafood Co. was away at the homeland with family.  BI, RI has been the family's vacation destination for the past 18 summers and that will not be changing anytime soon.  Family members, old and young, all appreciate the island's beauty and the time spent there together as precious.   This year we had the first annual Clam Shuck Competition.  The winner had to shuck one dozen clams while keeping to a strict set of requirements (appearance,  no chipped shells, readily edible, etc.)  Included in the shuck-off were your's truly, and my (much) older brothers Drew, Mark and Matt.  For a little background on the competitors, Drew and Mark were formerly employed at Joe's Seafood which was located in Woodside, NY and Matt is a Culinary Institute of America trained chef.  I knew I was up against some of the best in the business, but, truth be told, I am the one who has the most recent experience and practice.   We shucked over 8 dozen clams in a heated competition.   Bets were placed, screams were heard 'round the island and children were scared for their lives.  I am proud to say that my brother Drew took the title as being the fastest, baddest motha' shucker on Block Island.  He shucked one dozen clams in just about two minutes.  I am so proud of him and he has always been a true mentor to me.  A new record was set (reminder: this was the first competition) and I will be practicing all year-long to beat it.  


 

All clams were used to make linguini with white clam sauce for the family.  It was one of the most memorable moments of the trip for me, and, I am sure, for Drew.    



Cheers!
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Goodbye to a Friend


BISCo. is saddened by the loss of its friend Tommy Corrigan, who passed away on July 4th. I only came to know Tommy these past few years, but it was easy to see why he was loved by so many.  When BISCo. needed a place to get things done, Tommy stepped up without question and offered his restaurant.  He was, and continues to be, a friend of BISCo.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and his family. May God bless.



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Golden Anniversary

50 years of marriage is something special; a day to be surrounded by all of the friends, family, children, grandchildren, and even pets, that have been there all along the way.  Block Island Seafood Co. was lucky to be included in such a special celebration for two very special people.

BISCo. served up lobster rolls, caesar salad, linguini with white clam sauce, shrimp scampi, surf & turf, and more at their Southampton home.  







The day was great and all guests looked sharp in a lobster bib! 






Planning on hosting a party?  Give BISCo. a call! We can customize menus to your liking.

Cheers!
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com 







Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Setting the Table

BISCo.'s specialty is creating a casual, fun atmosphere filled with family, friends, and incredible food.  We typically keep it simple in terms of table settings, but it is always nice to turn up the volume for smaller gatherings and make your guests feel extra special.  

How is this for some inspiration?  A 4th of July table setting that could handle anything from a hotdog to a lobster tail.   Red, white, and blue always go together.   Simple upgrades such as fresh flowers, cloth napkins and signature cocktails can easily transform your gathering to something your guests will be very impressed with.

Looking to have some friends over for a nice evening but don't want to spend the entire time in the kitchen?  This is where BISCo. can come in.  We can do it all from drinks to dessert for parties of 2 to 200.   Think of us next time you are considering making reservations somewhere...your table at home is always available.

Cheers!
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com 



Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Snack Time



Craving something salty that packs a hell of a crunch?   How about some Cape Cod Salt & Vinegar chips? They are just outstanding. Pair these guys with a cold brew, or as an alternative to oyster crackers in a nice bowl of New England Clam Chowda, and you've got yourself something special.

You can buy them in bulk here.  I actually have. Worth. every. penny.

Cheers!
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

Monday, June 27, 2011

Celebrating July 4th

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays.  Fireworks, BBQs, family, friends, and most of all, celebrating America.  If you are lucky to be an invited guest this coming weekend, how about a Block Island Seafood Co. apron for the host?   Aprons are something that people love to get but never buy for themselves.  Check them out at our online store


Cheers! 
Craig 

Friday, June 24, 2011

BISCo. New Addition

We have a new addition to Block Island Seafood Co. Actually, we have two new additions. No, not twins and no I am not talking about the band.

Kathleen has joined the library circuit took to it like a fish to water. Let's give a big BISCo. welcome to Kathleen (cue applause).




In digital news, Block Island Seafood Co. is now on twitter. You can follow us @BISeafoodCo.


Wishing everyone a great weekend filled with family, friends and good food.

Cheers!
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

About Me

My photo
Block Island Seafood Company (BISCO) helps fellow seafood enthusiasts enjoy the gifts of summer in their own homes all year long. BISCO will leave your family and friends with a memorable experience beyond the traditional catered gathering by providing a dynamic chef and extraordinary cuisine. Block Island, RI (41°09'N 71°33'W) is a small island that sits in the Atlantic Ocean between Rhode Island and Montauk Point, NY. For many years it has been a vacation spot for me and my family, and now I’d like to bring Block Island to your dinner table.