As the seasons change, so do the flavors that the ocean offers, presenting a diverse array of seafood and shellfish that are at their peak freshness during specific months of the year. At each turn of the calendar, a unique and delicious selection of marine delights awaits, ready to be savored in their natural glory. Join us as we dive into the various months or times of the year that offer the best opportunity to indulge in specific seafood and shellfish, ensuring a culinary experience that is both delicious and in harmony with nature’s rhythm.
1. Summer: The Season of Crustaceans
During the warm and sunny months of summer, the ocean serves up an abundance of crustaceans that are brimming with flavor. Crabs, known for their sweet and tender meat, are at their finest during this time. From succulent blue crabs to meaty Dungeness crabs, summer is the time to enjoy crab feasts by the shore.
2. Fall: Embrace Oyster Season
As the air turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, oyster enthusiasts can look forward to fall, a season that ushers in the peak of oyster harvest. Oysters, with their briny and oceanic essence, are particularly delightful during the fall months. This is the perfect time to savor these bivalve delicacies, whether enjoyed on the half shell or transformed into delectable dishes.
3. Winter: Warmth in Shellfish
When winter arrives and the chill sets in, the ocean’s offerings shift to heartier shellfish that provide warmth and comfort. Cold-water shellfish like mussels and clams are at their prime during the colder months, making them an ideal choice for hearty stews and warming soups that fend off the winter chill.
4. Spring: Celebrating the Return of Lobster
With the arrival of spring, lobster lovers have reason to rejoice. Spring marks the time when lobsters begin to shed their shells, yielding tender and succulent meat that is particularly flavorful. From classic lobster rolls to elegant lobster bisques, spring offers a fresh start to indulging in this oceanic delicacy.
5. Year-Round: Versatile Fish Varieties
While certain seafood and shellfish have distinct peak seasons, there are fish varieties that remain in abundance and at their best year-round. Fish like salmon, trout, and cod offer versatile options for culinary creativity, ensuring a continuous supply of healthful and delicious choices regardless of the time of year.
Embarking on a culinary journey that aligns with the seasons allows you to experience seafood and shellfish at their absolute best. From the succulence of crabs in summer to the briny embrace of oysters in fall, each season brings a unique offering that celebrates the ocean’s bounty in its purest form. Whether you’re enjoying a seaside feast or a cozy winter stew, savoring seafood and shellfish during their prime months is a testament to the beauty of nature’s culinary calendar. Join us in celebrating the ever-changing flavors of the sea and the joyful anticipation that comes with each new season.
Want to Try Our Fresh Fish & Drink Options!? Come into Breakwater!
BREAKWATER at Stonington Harbor is a waterfront restaurant located on the Connecticut shoreline in the Stonington Borough. BREAKWATER features seafood & more, specialty cocktails, stunning sunsets & views of Stonington Harbor & Fishers Island Sound. We offer gorgeous all season sunsets & a roomy bar to keep you warm in the winter!
OPEN! 5 Days A Week
OPEN Wednesday – Sunday
CLOSED Monday & Tuesday
11:30 – 9:00 for full service dining & our full menu available for takeout!
