Snakeheads on the menu? Sounds like a meal straight out of Hollywood. In reality, it's how Chad Wells, Maryland-based chef and restaurant consultant, hopes to put a dent in the population of this invasive yet edible fish - the snakehead is a tasty invasive species!
Aggressive African and Asian native species traveled to the United States in the early 2000s via the pet shop trade and now invade waterways from Maine to Florida and beyond. Chef Wells, who's been featured on the Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel, is one of a number of chefs and scientists who are advancing the concept of to beat 'em, eat 'em.
Invasive species are the number two contributor, after habitat loss, to a decline in global biodiversity, says Matthew Barnes, Ph.D., assistant professor in Texas Tech University's Department of Natural Resources Management in Lubbock. Barnes founded the invasivore.org website, a self-proclaimed one-stop guide to devouring these havoc-wreaking critters.
What makes a species invasive and a threat to indigenous fish, plants or wildlife, is its location. For example, Atlantic salmon are endangered species in the U.S. East Coast waters. In the Pacific, it's a different story. Case in point was the incident caused when underwater net pens collapsed in harsh weather off Washington State's Salish Sea, and more than 300,000 farmed Atlantic salmon swam free. So, catch an Atlantic salmon in the Pacific Ocean, and you can fire up the barbie guilt-free.
Lionfish and Asian carp are two other poster children for invasive species, says Andy Deines, Ph.D., managing scientist at multidisciplinary consulting firm Exponent, in Menlo Park, CA, who saw the harmful effects of the Atlantic salmon jailbreak firsthand.
Lionfish have invaded popular cruising areas along the East and Gulf Coasts. They are charismatic, easy to identify and fun to catch as part of community-hosted lionfish derbies. Their firm-textured, mild-tasting white flesh is delicious, but you need puncture-proof gloves and pliers to remove the poisonous spines. Asian carp, found all along the Mississippi River, are voracious. That's what makes it problematic. Asian carp flesh has a mild taste, and it has a low mercury level, because these fish don't eat other fish. Even Maryland's beloved blue crab has traveled across the Atlantic and is now considered an invasive species in Spain.
In the wild, scientists recommend a positive identification and knowledge of local fishery laws before catching and eating invasives. Some coastal fish markets and even large supermarket chains such as Whole Foods have test marketed selling these species.
For recipes, check out The Lionfish Cookbook published by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, a nonprofit marine conservation organization headquartered in Key Largo, FL. Or visit innovative restaurants such as Miya's in New Haven, CT, where chef/owner Bun Lai features invasive species sushi.
To cynics who say putting invasives on the plate doesn't put a dent in their population, Chef Philippe Parola, a Louisiana chef who created commercially available fish cakes from Asian carp, has this to say: My good friend and fellow chef Paul (Prudhomme) came up with a recipe in the 1980s for blackened redfish. It became so popular that redfish became in danger of extinction. This is the power of consumption.
By Chef Chad Wells
1 pound fresh-skinned snakehead filet cut into 1-inch pieces
Juice of 4 limes
Juice of 2 lemons
Juice of 2 oranges
In a nonmetallic dish, cover the fish with the citrus juices. Cover dish and place in the refrigerator. Let mixture stand refrigerated and undisturbed for 4 hours.
1 mango, peeled and finely diced
½ cucumber, finely diced
1 orange, peeled, trimmed of white outer membrane and chopped
12 sprigs cilantro leaves picked and rough chopped
1 red pepper, seeds removed,
finely diced
1 jalapeno, seeds removed, finely diced (optional)
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 small poblano pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 ripe plum tomato, seeds removed and finely diced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
Kosher salt to taste
In a nonmetallic mixing bowl, place all ingredients and mix to combine. Add salt as needed. Dice vegetables as small as possible for the best results. Keep in mind that the knife work is important here. Leave salsa in the mixing bowl and prepare to plate.
Remove the fish mixture from refrigerator. Pour mixture into a strainer. Strain juice from the fish and discard liquids. Add fish to the mixing bowl with the salsa and mix to combine. Salt and season accordingly. You may also add more lime juice. Serve immediately with plantain or tortilla chips.
This recipe also works well with any firm white-fleshed fish such as striped bass or grouper.
For a chance to sample Chef Chad Wells' invasive species creations, follow him on Instagram @chefchadwells for details on upcoming pop-ups and interactive demos in the Delmarva region.
As the leaves fall and turn to brown, our palette changes from strawberry and watermelon summer flavors to more autumnal pumpkin and apple-flavored treats. Spiced rum is a perfect spirit to enjoy this season, so we chose Captain Morgan as the main ingredient for two cocktail variations. Whether you wrap up in a cozy blanket or entertain friends on your boat, you can drink like a ship captain with the following fall recipes.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1.5 oz Cranberry juice
1.5 oz Hard apple cider
Instructions:
Fill a rocks glass with ice and combine all ingredients. Gently stir and garnish with a cranberry and apple slice.
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Ingredients:
2 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
6 oz Fresh apple cider
Instructions:
Combine the rum and apple cider in a small pot and microwave or heat over a stove. Carefully pour drink into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Meet newcomers to the Bay’s waterfront dock-and-dine scene
If the pandemic hampered your travels and you haven’t cruised into the Chesapeake Bay for a while, then welcome back to its sunny shores. While you were away, the oyster and striped bass populations blossomed, and blue crabs grew plump in the shallow marshlands.
During the past few years, quite a few new restaurants have opened and tapped into the cornucopia of fine local seafood. Some innovative chefs grace plates with creative flavors and ingredients, while others take a traditional path with family recipes handed down for generations by watermen’s wives. Many concoct ways to consume invasive species, such as the blue catfish and northern snakehead, but eateries that nail up a sign declaring “Steamed Maryland Crabs!” attract the most attention.
To help you rediscover the bounty of the Bay, Marinalife has handpicked 10 terrific crab shacks and seafood houses for you to explore.
Bowleys on the Bay Bar & Restaurant
Middle River, MD
For a tropical getaway without long-distance travel, Bowleys on the Bay has created a resort destination groove on Frog Mortar Creek in Baltimore County. Push your toes into the sand on 300 feet of beach surrounded by palm trees while sipping a rummy cocktail and listening to a steel drum band. You can watch boats glide into Long Beach Marina or see planes take flight at Martin State Airport as you nibble on fresh local seafood, hearty sandwiches, and meat dishes.
Where to Dock: Long Beach Marina
The Choptank
Baltimore, MD
In the heart of the historic Fells Point district, The Choptank has risen from the foundation of the 200-year-old Broadway Market. Its menu reads like a culinary voyage around the Chesapeake Bay with steamed crabs, just-shucked oysters, steamed mussels, crab soup and fried chicken. On the spacious outdoor deck, sample 20 draft beers while live bands play tunes, and the stars twinkle above the urban skyline.
Where to Dock: The Sagamore Pendry Hotel & Dock
Baltimore, MD
It’s hard to say what Baltimore loves more — seafood or sports. But if you’d like to indulge in both, head over to Watershed in the Federal Hill neighborhood, which is in easy walking distance from Orioles Park and the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. A menu laced with classic dishes harvested from the Chesapeake waters entices you to pick a dozen steamed crabs or slurp fresh local oysters while watching games on big-screen TVs. Located in the newly remodeled Cross Street Market, you can belly up to the long wooden bar on the main floor and wash down a platter of Old Bay wings with a cold Natty Boh. Or step up to the roof deck to watch the bustle below on South Charles Street with an orange crush in hand. A casual vibe and live music create an upbeat place to hang out with friends.
Where to Dock: Inner Harbor Marina
Latitude 38 Waterfront Dining
Annapolis, MD
Where the Severn River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, you can order local seafood with a view of boats cruising into Ego Alley, the showplace for vessels visiting Maryland’s state capital. With the new Upper Deck Bar and plenty of event space, this waterfront eatery accommodates groups of all sizes. Take your pick of regional favorites from crab cakes and peel-and-eat shrimp to herb-crusted rockfish and oysters Rockefeller. Chicken, beef and bourbon meat loaf ensure carnivores won’t go hungry.
Where to Dock: Annapolis Town Dock
Marker Five
Tilghman, MD
Every visit to the Bay’s Eastern Shore holds the promise of exceptional seafood along unforgettable waterfronts. From Marker Five’s outdoor patio, you can watch watermen chug along Knapp’s Narrows and marvel as the Tilghman Island Drawbridge rises to let boats pass through. Eagles soar overhead while you peruse the menu of classic Chesapeake fare. It’s almost impossible to resist starters such as Maryland crab soup or smoked corn and crab fritters, and your first bite of pulled pork, buttermilk fried chicken biscuit or pan-fried monkfish will delight your tastebuds.
Where to Dock: Knapp’s Narrows Marina & Inn
Portside Grill on Urbanna Creek
Urbanna, VA
Located in the heart of Virginia’s oyster-growing region, this family-owned and pet-friendly restaurant specializes in taking local seafood from the water to the table. At Urbanna’s only waterfront eatery, you can tie up along the bulkhead and kick back on the patio for casual dining with a spectacular view. Crab tots and fresh oysters will whet your appetite for a Southern style meal of crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and chicken stuffed with Smithfield ham and goat cheese.
Where to Dock: Regatta Point Yachting Center
Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar
Deltaville, VA
In a charming cove along Jackson Creek where the Piankatank River flows into the Bay, you’ll find a seafood eatery with an energetic vibe, live music and a nice sampling of craft brews and cocktails. The expansive view from the back deck matches the extensive list of dishes on the menu. Highlights include hush puppies packed with crab and corn, Jonah crab claws, shucked oysters, and Lowcountry boils with crawfish, shrimp and other local catch. Try to leave room for dessert favorites: deluxe peanut butter pie or raspberry cheesecake.
Where to Dock: Deltaville Yachting Center
The Surry Seafood Company
Surry, VA
A leisurely cruise up the James River to Gray’s Creek will deliver you to a seafood-centric destination where you can dock, dine and decompress. Surry’s chefs present delicacies from the local waters such as golden fried oysters, bacon-wrapped salmon and flounder stuffed with crab imperial. If the serene view of the grassy marshlands makes you want to linger longer, spacious hotel suites are available above the restaurant. Boater bonuses: 45 new floating docks, fuel, ship store and bathhouse.
Where to Dock: The Marina at Smithfield Station
Norfolk, VA
The green bamboo shoots on the menu’s border give a clue that this restaurant is blessed with a touch of tiki. While seafood standards remain popular — she-crab soup, cod fish and chips, and Old Bay wings — Longboards also takes you on a culinary journey to Polynesia to taste Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as Singapore shrimp with veggies and Waikiki wings. Enjoy the restaurant’s upbeat atmosphere and stellar sunsets at the marina.
Where to Dock: Morningstar Marinas at Little Creek
Stripers Waterside
Norfolk, VA
The bustle of Norfolk’s recently renovated Waterside District is attracting newcomers from along the Atlantic seaboard. Among the new eateries is Stripers, a seafood haven from the Outer Banks that features 30 beers on tap and a panoramic view of the Elizabeth River. Take a seat on the patio and savor dishes made from scratch, from clams and cod to mussels and shrimp. After a hearty meal, explore the area’s attractions and nightlife.
Where to Dock: Ocean Yacht Marina or Tidewater Yacht Marina
Remnants of a “Vote Against Prohibition” sign still linger in faded letters on a brick wall in Baltimore — a true representation of the city’s historical love for a brew.
From the clipper ships that brought beer from Germany during the Revolutionary War to the birthplace of the beloved Natty Boh, Baltimore is not only rich in maritime and war traditions — it’s also known as a beer city.
Baltimore boasts a nice selection of well-known bars and swanky restaurants, but you may not realize how many experimental breweries and eclectic taprooms are located just down the street.
From serving ice-cold pints on a hot summer day to offering taproom tastings and outdoor events, these local breweries present unique, homemade craft beers in an entertaining atmosphere. The following locations explore antique structures, historic warehouses and a barn-turned-brewhouse in Baltimore City and County.
1215 E. Fort Avenue
Locust Point
A garage-style window opens above high-top seating in this south Baltimore brewery — a perfect summertime hangout. The experimental production brewery serves unfiltered lagers, hop forward ales and pizza in a lively urban atmosphere. Try the Maple Thief oatmeal stout, the Green Machine IPA or the American Locust Point Lager alongside a signature seasonal scratch-made house pizza such as the Howard, made with pulled duck confit, smoked provolone, onion, parsley and “Pee-Paw’s Secret BBQ Sauce.”
1900 E. Lombard Street
Upper Fells Point/Highlandtown
The stunning structure of the former St. Michaels Church in East Baltimore has high ceilings lined by archways with golden trim, colorful murals and a gorgeous organ on the second floor balcony overlooking an open space where pews used to sit. Originally opened in 1857, this church that once provided refuge to German Catholics was abandoned in 2011 and is now one of the city’s hottest brewery hangouts. Long beer hall-style tables and high-tops now fill the spacious renovated church. Biblical scriptures are written above where the taproom’s bar serves a selection of rotating beers such as the Old Maude brown ale, The Point pilsner and 9.9 Problems imperial stout.
1106 N. Charles Street
Mount Vernon
This hip and artsy brewery matches the vibe of the quirky neighborhood and local community. Built as a private residence in the early 1900s, the vintage townhouse remains in the same classical style as it looked centuries ago with a slight transformation into a cozy taproom. Each room provides a different feel from the upscale dining room to the gritty Downbar and the cozy upstairs lounge. While most breweries only offer beer, this location pours everything from house brews to red, white, rosé and sparkling wines, and craft cocktails.
5604 York Road
Govans
This neighborhood brewery is all about live music, tasty drinks and providing a fun social atmosphere. Hosting everything from yoga classes to live acts and comedy shows, the brewery offers a full event calendar throughout the year. They often cater parties and sponsor fundraisers such as partnerships with Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) and Art with a Heart. The taproom is known for two famous brews: Hops the Cat American IPA and Dan’s Jams, a Swedish Fish sour ale. Complement your brew with spicy wings, honey sriracha-glazed Brussels sprouts or a juicy Full Tilt burger.
8901 Yellow Brick Road, Suite B
Rosedale
As Baltimore icon Edgar Allan Poe was known for frequenting local city bars, this brewery pays homage to the writer with its own spin on classic American and German-style beer. Founder Stephen Demczuk began brewing when he was in Europe. Inspired by Poe’s writings, Demczuk named his concoctions after the famous literature. Variations include Annabel Lee White, a Belgian-style white beer with citrus, The Raven Special Lager, The Tell Tale Heart IPA and The Cask, a Bavarian double style IPA.
4615 Hollins Ferry Road
Halethorpe
Maryland breweries wouldn’t exist today if it weren’t for Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson. He pioneered the state’s first brewpub and helped pass laws allowing them to operate. This southwest Baltimore County location began as Clipper City Brewing in 1995, then later rebranded as Heavy Seas. Hang out at the bar, grab a burger from Koopers food truck or play cornhole in the game room. On Saturdays, listen for the bell ringing in the taproom for free tours. They also hold charity fundraisers and work with local artists who design the unique beer can graphics. The brewery has big plans this season to redesign the outdoor space with new landscaping and a patio area.
5101 Washington Boulevard
Halethorpe
As the first-ever Guinness brewery in the United States, this historic site was home to a distillery before the Dublin-based brewer arrived in 2017. Experience traditional and seasonal flavors made with hops from all over the world, as well as locally sourced ingredients. Most brews are made with Legacy Ale Yeast, used by Guinness for 100 years. Be sure to try the signature Baltimore Blonde, brewed here exclusively. Enjoy the three-acre outdoor beer garden, outdoor kitchen, taproom, restaurant, events such as summer movie nights, 30-minute tastings of four different beers, and free tours.
3100 Black Rock Road
Reisterstown
Deep within Baltimore County’s horse country, this working farm raises horses and cattle, and grows hay, fruits, vegetables and row crops. This family-run brewery resides at the gorgeous Willowdale Farm, where a 3.5-barrel brewhouse is open for tours. Surrounded by horse pastures, barns and acres of farmland, a nine-stall horse stable was converted into a tasting room. Guests can picnic and enjoy the day strolling through a beautiful orchard.
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