Soft shell crab-Summer’s Finest

A true gourmet delicacy, Maryland Soft shell crab is available from the end of April to Mid-September.

*Soft Shell crab is not always available during this time, please call ahead to the restaurant to check availability*

Soft shell crab is prized because of its intense flavor it develops through the process of molting. Crabs fatten up right before they begin to molt and once they have shed their skin they must be removed from the water within a few hours. Otherwise, their shells will begin to harden again.

Maryland Soft shell crab is an essential summer seafood treat. Many people enjoy battered and deep-fried or simply sautéed with a compound butter sauce made up fresh herbs and garlic.

Soft shell crab is about 4-6 inches, quite smaller than the large Alaskan king crab legs you maybe more familiar with. Soft shell crabs though smaller have a more concentrated crab flavor that makes it one summer’s finest delicacies.

Catch 35, located in the Chicago’s theater district and downtown Naperville, delivers Maryland Soft Shell crab to Chicago’s seafood lovers every summer. Rated Naperville’s Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Chicago Seafood Restaurant by OpenTable diners, Catch 35 provides the freshest seafood and prime steaks for lunch and dinner.

Catch 35’s Chef Eddie has created an appetizer and entrée portion of Maryland Soft shell Crab. We source our Maryland soft shell crabs through Boston’s Foley Fish and Fortune fish. The soft shells are both wild caught and sustainable seafood. The delicate shellfish is sautéed with brandy meuniere butter sauce. Pair it with Mer Soleil Reserve, -Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, CA, 2014

Winemaker Notes: “Golden and sun-kissed, the 2014 vintage opens up with the fresh, tropical scents of pineapple and citrus blossom, balanced by the smooth character of vanilla. White peach comes through on the palate, which has a vibrant acidity balanced by the natural character of fully ripe fruit. Medium to full-bodied, this wine has a finish that is lengthy but never heavy, its mix of oak, butter and fruit characteristics blending seamlessly and leaving a harmonious, lingering impression. “ –Mer Soleil Vineyard

Interesting Facts about Soft Shell Crabs:

1. Size-4 to 6 inches
2. Flavor-Sweet and tend with a mild, tangy flavor
3. About 83 calories each (raw)
4. Soft shell crabs are normal crabs before their shells harden
5. Soft-shells are harvested in their peeler stage then transferred to shedding area where they are monitored around the clock until they are removed to prevent the hardening process.
6. Soft shells can be eaten whole (shell and all)

Join us at Catch 35, seafood and steakhouse in Chicago & Naperville for Summer’s Finest-Maryland soft shell crabs. Pair it with on our Signature Martinis or Specialty Wines.

Don’t miss a beat this summer….Cool off at Catch 35 Chicago’s Live Jazz Venue, every Tuesday-Saturday, from 6-9pm. New Live Jazz Summer Concert Series featuring The Eric Hochberg Trio and special guest musicians. Check out weekly Live Jazz Lineup!