Eight great ways to enjoy seasonal West Coast spiny lobster

It’s here! California Lobster Season 2009 officially began on Oct. 3 and will run through Mar. 17.

California spiny lobsters are a regional treasure. Smaller than their Maine cousins-they average 1 1/4 pounds each-West Coast spiny lobsters are prized for their sweet, succulent meat. They can be boiled, baked, grilled, sautéed, and even deep fried.

Here are eight great ways to satiate your appetite for lobster and make this lobster season your biggest catch yet.

Sport Fishing Rules:

With the dismal economy leaving less cash in many wallets, there may be more people than usual attempting to catch their own spiny lobsters. Before you rush out with a bucket full of mackerel and a big net, however, there are a few rules you need to know. To legally catch a spiny lobster you must possess the following:

1. A valid California fishing license with a blue Ocean Enhancement Stamp.

2. A spiny lobster report card (to record your catches).

3. Hoop nets, which are used to catch the lobsters. Traps, fishing poles, and spears are illegal.

4. A lobster gauge to measure the size of the lobster. Visit the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) for more details regarding spiny lobster fishing. Another useful resource is sdfish.com, which offers fishing reports, prime fishing locations and chat forums.

Dana Landing Market and Fuel Dock in Mission Bay, San Diego: If you’re relatively new to spiny lobster fishing, then it’s a good idea to visit Dana Landing. The friendly staff will answer all of your questions about licensing and fishing, provide you with tips and tricks for success and help you choose appropriate equipment and gear.

For more detailed information, visit www.danalanding.com or call them at (619) 226-2929.

Catalina Offshore Products in San Diego: For some of the finest lobster and friendliest service in San Diego, visit Catalina Offshore Products, owned and operated by Dave and Kathy Rudie, for over 25 years.

According to Tommy Gomes, the director of sales, marketing and PR, Catalina sells only locally harvested seafood from reputable, licensed, local fishermen.  Although most of their business is wholesale, they are open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Catalina receives daily shipments so you know that your live lobster is as fresh as possible. Spiny lobster prices range from $14.50 to $16.00 per pound, while fresh frozen lobster is $10.50 per pound. Since Catalina is closed on Sunday, you can often score a better price on seafood at the end of the day on Saturday.

Walk-ins are welcome, but Gomes suggests calling ahead to place a lobster order. Starting in December, they’ll be offering cooking classes, including one on lobster–how to clean, cook and eat it.

For more information or to order lobster online, visit www.catalinaop.com or call them at (619) 297-9797.

Bay Park Fish Company: At Bay Park, you have the option of either buying fresh local spiny lobsters and cooking them at home or treating yourself to a full-service meal in their dining area. According to Executive Sushi Chef, Aiki Terashima, Bay Park receives a shipment of live local lobsters every two days, and since turnover is high, that means you’re getting super fresh lobster on your plate.

“We use local, fresh ingredients and don’t believe in cutting corners here,” Terashima said.

His seasonal sushi specialty: half of a spiny lobster is placed inside a roll, then topped with Japanese hamachi (yellowtail) and cilantro and is served with a trio of sauces. If you’re craving Mexican, try the taco plate, which consists of either a half or whole spiny lobster that is grilled and served with rice, beans, and hand-made salsa.

For information on buying lobsters or for reservations, visit www.bayparkfishco.com or call (619) 276-3474.

Sea Rocket Bistro: This chic North Park bistro is committed to serving local and sustainable foods. To celebrate spiny lobster season each year, Sea Rocket Bistro offers a new dish featuring fresh, local spiny lobsters, harvested by local fisherman John Law. (Click here to learn more about lobster fishing and watch a video of John in action.)

Last season, the restaurant offered a spiny lobster risotto; this season it’s a creamy lobster dip made with spiny lobster, local artisan Gouda cheese, white wine and fresh herbs including dill and basil. It’s upscale bar food at an affordable price of just $10.

For more information or reservations, visit www.searocketbistro.com or call (619) 255-7049.

George’s at the Cove: Renown for its seafood dishes, George’s at the Cove in La Jolla offers diners a special seasonal local spiny lobster tasting menu, consisting of four lobster courses and a dessert.

Executive Chef Trey Foshee, prefers serving local spiny lobsters since “transportation is not good for lobsters of any variety and the closest ones are generally the best ones.”

Foshee is also offering a simple grilled lobster special on The Terrace, their more casual restaurant.

“What could be better? Grilled lobster overlooking the lobster buoys in the cove with a nice glass of white wine and watching the sunset,” he said.

To see the full spiny lobster tasting menu, visit www.georgesatthecove.com; for reservations, call (858) 454-4244.

Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro: If you’re looking for authentic Puerto Nuevo style lobster, then Ortega’s in Hillcrest is your place. Puerto Nuevo style lobster consists of a 1/2 spiny lobster that is steamed, buttered, then grilled to tender perfection. It is served with hand made flour tortillas, refried beans, rice, and drawn butter.

According to restaurant co-owner John Hauglend, “this recipe has been in the Ortega family since the 1950s and it’s our most famous dish.”

For prices and reservations, visit www.ortegasbistro.com or call (619) 692-4200.

Dining Details: Dining Details is a 100 percent custom boutique-style catering service. Whether it’s a wedding, a cocktail party or a special anniversary dinner, this San Diego based company is committed to providing healthy gourmet food that features local and sustainable ingredients as much as possible.

During lobster season, a Dining Details chef will work with you to customize a spiny lobster dish. A romantic dinner for two might include two lobster cakes and blood orange avocado stacks with micro greens and mango emulsion.

For more information, visit www.dining-details.com or call (619) 447-4140.

Susan Russo is an SDNN contributing writer.  She also writes the blog Food Blogga.

Follow Susan on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/foodblogga

Tags: California Lobster Season, California spiny lobsters, Catalina Offshore Products, Dana Landing Market, Dining Details, George's at the Cove, lobster, Ortega's, SDNN, Sea Rocket Bistro, sport fishing

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