delivered!

From the sea to your door

The line was long and stretched out the door on the afternoon of New Year’s eve at the tiny-but-mighty Santa Barbara fish market. (This is more often the exception, than the rule, most days.)

We were there to get hope Ranch oysters; my favorite smoked black cod; as well as fresh local, buttery sablefish/black cod for our New Year’s eve dinner.

We watched patiently as people wavered on decisions, asked that their lobster tails be cut a different fashion, and selected live crabs from the tank, like jewels from a Tiffany & Co. showcase. The staff, as usual, was patient, gracious and good-humored.

If I known that we could have ordered ahead and had our fish order shipped to my front door for $10, I might have considered this option.

for twelve years now, the entrepreneurial 32-year-old owner of Santa Barbara fish market, Brian Colgate, has remained closely connected with the fishing community to provide the freshest fish around for both his wholesale and retail customers. In fact, his father, John is a commercial fisherman, so Brian not only grewup around the harbor, but one summer when he was 17 he “fell into a high school job working for fish cutting room for Saturday fish market.” The manager walked away and the job was thrown into his lap. So he started the market and twelve years later, he says, “here I am!”

“Until just recently, we hadn’t offered shipping,” says Colgate, a Santa Barbara native, adding, “You can order online or via telephone, we have great flat rate shipping prices of $10 in California and we are also offering a 25% discount for a limited time for this new service to food & home magazine readers.” (Savvy readers, see the discount code below).

What’s to be discovered, ordered and devoured? fresh-caught “Catch(es) of the day” are featured daily that might include black cod, local rock crabs, amazing fresh cooked crab claws or white sea bass. Recently, fresh wild steelhead salmon running out of Washington State was featured. Not to be forgotten, Santa Barbara’s coveted sea urchins that arrive daily on our harbor dock.

Should you not feel like cooking, Santa Barbara fish market also offers an array of really yummy fish salads, smoked fish dips and ceviche made on-site. The smoked sea bass ceviche has a great kick and the tasty ahi and salmon salads are perfect for a last minute picnic at the harbor.

“We are, and always have been, committed to being a part of the fishing community of Santa Barbara. We act as a bridge from the fisherman to the public and promote a sustainable environment,” noted Colgate.

The pricing is a bit higher online and some instore specials are not offered on the website, but to save time and gas, this is a great convenience whether you are looking for a delivery for a dinner party, shipping as a gift or even if you are out of town and missing our great bounty of the sea.

Still, as much as I like the idea and convenience of online ordering, it does take some of the fun out of my seaside grocery shopping. I love our waterfront and the Santa Barbara harbor, and I really don’t mind waiting in line in my favorite part of town - especially when the pay-off is so dang delicious! —LesLie A

westbrooK

For more info and to order your delivery call 805965-9564 or go to www.sbfish.com.. Shipping rates are $10 for overnight in California and $49 anywhere else in the continental USA.