Seafood is something that is amazing when you have it fresh. Whether it’s the briny flavor of a fresh oyster or the succulent sweetness of a freshly caught crab, seafood is one of those things that will always taste better when fresh. However, it is unfortunate when people avoid ordering it at Lakeland restaurants because of the fear that they might experience some unfortunate circumstances when eating it a restaurant and not at home.
This is a shame because restaurants have access to some really good supplies of seafood that are just amazing when prepared right. In order to help alleviate some of those fears, here are a few simple tips to ordering seafood at Lakeland restaurants.
Don’t order seafood at a steakhouse
If you’re on the hunt for some really good seafood, never, ever order the seafood at a steakhouse or any restaurant that specializes in anything other than seafood. If you want seafood, then you go to a seafood restaurant. Ordering the fish or the crab at a restaurant that is well known for its steak or its barbeque is definitely a bad move.
The reason behind this is that restaurants like these usually don’t get orders for seafood that often, so there is a very high chance that your seafood dish isn’t made with fresh ingredients. Also, since seafood isn’t something they specialize in, there’s a good chance that it won’t be as good as what they’re known for.
Clear up any allergies beforehand
Seafood allergies like a shellfish allergy are unfortunately very common. If you plan to go to a seafood restaurant, make sure that you’re aware of any allergies that you might have to certain seafood.
The worst time to find out that you’re allergic to lobster is when you’ve eaten half of it and your face is swelling up. Also, remember that there are some dishes that serve mixed seafood, so if you do have any allergies, make sure that you inform your server ahead of time so that they can alert the kitchen.
Know what’s in season
The key to getting fresh seafood at Lakeland restaurants is ordering whatever is in season at the moment. A quick online search should tell you what seafood is in season in the area. Once you have your information, you’re free to order the freshest catch at your favorite seafood restaurant.
Choose a dish that is prepared in a simple manner
Seafood is always best eaten fresh, so if you have the chance to eat fresh seafood, have it prepared in as simple a manner as possible.
Avoid having it simmered in a heavy soup or covered in a sauce, as this tends to overwhelm the flavor of the fresh seafood. Having it baked or steamed is more than enough to taste the real flavor of fresh seafood.