Fresh FISH!

Some of my most memorable summer nights have involved a solid helping of crisp golden beer, balanced by course after course of slowly barbecued goodness. No matter what genre of meat or produce you plan to throw on the barbie, the Bay Area offers close proximity to the freshest produce one could ask for. If fish, mussels, oysters, or crab, are on the menu for your next gathering with family and friends- I definitely suggest you take the time to trek up or down to coast to procure your goods from a local seafood purveyor on the front line.

There are a variety of spots around the Bay to pick up seafood from the source, and if you find yourself on the peninsula, I'd suggest checking out the Fish Market just off the docks of the Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Today, after enjoying a phenomenal lunch on the patio at the HMB Brewery, we walked over to the Princeton Fish Market and surveyed the extensive menu of crustaceans and fish presented on the white board. We stood open mouthed trying to decipher what quantities would satisfy 10 hungry heads, and were soon helped by the busy workers who packed 4 pounds of mussels, a few pounds of gnarly large oysters, and a 6.5 lb salmon on ice for us.

Once evening rolled around, we kicked things off by throwing the oysters on the grill. The grill master and a few accomplices tried to nonchalantly slurp more than their share, but their cover was blown and soon the whole crew gathered around in a frenzy. Overzealous tongues were burned- luckily there was enough Skinny Dip and Sam Adams Summer Ale to keep things under control.

For the next round we steamed the mussels in a large pot, while the beer soaked salmon grilled in tinfoil. When it was finally ready, the moist salmon slid easily off the bone and we had more than enough to go around. Keep it simple. Take it slow. Enjoy the long, lingering summer nights. And remember, finish with more beer for guaranteed success.