What’s in season?
While good seafood is available year-round, knowing what’s best each season can help you find high quality food at great prices. “Around here, summer is peak season,” Reese says. “Fresh salmon, halibut, cod—you name it.” The winter, though, brings some special treats. He recommends watching for king salmon, whose high fat content in winter means extra-rich flavor. White fish are another winter specialty. “Black cod is definitely a fishmonger favorite around here,” he says.
When’s it freshest?
Pike Place seafood vendors receive fish orders all week. “People are fishing every single day,” Reese says. “We’re at Alaska Airlines pretty much every day, picking up fresh fish.” (Clams and oysters from nearby Puget Sound, he adds, could be on display at Pike Place Market under 24 hours after they’re harvested.)
When it comes to supermarkets, though, Reese says that orders may be more sporadic. If you’re shopping for seafood at a grocery store, it’s a good idea to call the fish department to ask when they get orders in. Stop by the day fresh fish is delivered and you’ll get the highest quality product.