
Blue Water Cafe chef Frank Pabst | Photo credit Brandon Hart
Ever tried jellyfish, sturgeon liver, or smelt? What about gooseneck barnacles, sea cucumber, or whelks?
Perhaps you’re wrinkling your nose right about now and wondering,”What the heck is a whelk?”
(Hint: executive chef Frank Pabst is holding one, above.)
Blue Water Cafe is featuring these and other under-appreciated sea creatures throughout February during the restaurant’s 11th annual are Unsung Heroes festival. The month-long event promotes sustainable seafood by urging diners to try something a little (or a lot) different from what they’re accustomed to eating.
The idea is to bring awareness to local and unique seafood and to avoid species that are over-fished or harvested in ways that can damage ocean beds. It’s a goal also promoted by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise conservation program, of which Blue Water Cafe is a founding member.
Don’t worry: you don’t have to finish your plate or forgo the salmon you know you’ll love.
Continue reading:
Jellyfish and barnacles: underrated seafood you might love