You love to go out. We love to go out. You love to eat. We love to eat. You love to drink. Well, you get the idea. So when you're itching for the lastest Chicago nightlife has to offer, check out The Extrovert for up-to-the minute details on the scene.
We've got crabs!
While you're waiting for cicada season to begin so you can finally crunch some of those crazy critters, here's an alternative to tide you over: soft-shell crabs. The season's underway, and will probably reach its apex in June on the East Coast (click here for the soft-shell basics, including how to tell a hotel from a prime). Whether you like 'em battered and fried or simply sauteed, here are some spots to get 'em.
Nacional 27
Masa-crusted soft-shell crab with a watermelon and jicama salad, served with chipotle-tartar salsa. ($10.95)
Atwood Cafe / South Water Kitchen
Tempura-battered soft-shell crabs with arugula, roasted corn, tomatoes and warm pancetta vinaigrette. ($24)
HB: Home Bistro
Crisp-fried soft-shell crabs served over a salad of frisee, proscuitto, and roasted asparagus, topped with a dill-tartar sauce ($28). Also: Every Thursday is Blue Crab Feast get 10 crabs per person as well as an iceberg lettuce wedge with green goddess dressing and marinated cherry tomatoes, roasted potatoes and corn on the cob. ($37.50 per person/two-person min.)
Shaw's Crab House
Sauteed North Carolina soft-shell crabs served with rice, lemon, garlic and amandine sauce. (2 for $32.95/3 for 48.98)
SHELL OF A DEAL>>>: Half Shell Restaurant
Four lightly-tempura battered hotel-sized crabs, served with lettuce tomato, pickle and French fries ($24) -- plus a sucker for dessert.
The Fish Guy
Want to make 'em yourself? Stop by Bill Dugan's (a.k.a The Fish Guy) Elson Avenue shop. Bill says he likes 'em lightly dusted with flour, seasoned, then sauteed with grape-seed oil on one side, and butter on the other. ($5 hotel / $6 prime). Too much work? If you ask real nice, maybe Bill will make a po'boy for you at the shop.
How do you like your soft-shell crabs? Pan-fried or battered and deep-fried?
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