Catch 35 Chicago & Naperville now featuring Nantucket Cape Scallops

Nantucket Cape Scallops – Poached leeks and asparagus, lemon beurre blanc

Nantucket Bay Scallop season began November 1st and will run through the end of March weather permitting. These bay scallops were not always considered a delicacy. The first European settlers believed they were poisonous, and in the early 1800’s they were used as bait for cod fishing. It wasn’t until later in the 19th century that they became popular. Today Nantucket Bay Scallops are considered by most to be the finest of the five eastern species of scallops. Nantucket Bay Scallops are small (average size 40-60 per pound) and tender with a velvety texture. The flavor is rich and very sweet. Scallop fishing in Nantucket is highly regulated and the fishery can open and close due to fluctuations in air temperature. The season can last a couple weeks or into the month of March depending on Mother Nature, so get them while you can.