Unbreaded

Soft-Shell Crab Club: A Precautionary Tale

Of the many delights of growing up in New Jersey, I must say, fresh seafood tops the list. And seafood sandwiches? Even better. Having gotten the opportunity to spend Memorial Day weekend down the shore, I will offer a precautionary tale. This is for your benefit of maximum seafood sandwich enjoyment this summer, so please listen closely.

When the fish, or in this case- crab, was likely swimming on the morning you’re enjoying it, you do NOT need much else between the slices to make it perfect. Case in point- the Soft-Shell Crab Club from Buckalew’s Tavern in Beach Haven, NJ. (As a disclaimer, I should note that Buckalew’s is one of my favorite shore restaurants and I was largely under the impression that they can do no wrong when it comes to seafood, so this is for their ears too.)

When you have a fried soft-shell crab THAT delicious- perfect even- crispy, but not greasy, juicy, warm, meaty claws and core, and flavored to a T, there is no need for the “club stuff.” Contrary to the opinion that bacon, does in fact enhance everything, I would plead with any true seafood lover reading this to nix the club, slap on some tartar sauce, squeeze yourself a lemon, pick up that can-only-get-it-on-the-east-coast-cause-of-something-that-has-to-do-with-the-water kaiser roll, close your eyes and enjoy the pure, indulgently fried taste of summer in the mid-Atlantic.

Go ahead, be a purist, you won’t regret it.

*Note: Shortly after this photo was snapped, the “club stuff” was indeed removed and intense enjoyment ensued.

Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern
101 N Bay Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008 (Google Map)

You might like these related posts:

1. - Burger Club Philly Meeting Next Week
2. - Lunch At Alison Two: What I Did On My Summer Staycation