When Your Survival Guy is in Key West, FL, a favorite pastime is walking to the waterfront on a sunny afternoon to have some stone crab claws. There are plenty of places to get them, but my favorite is the touristy Half Shell Raw Bar.
I love the picnic tables and benches where the smaller ones are right on the rail along the dock. You have protection from the hot sun, you smell the salty air, and there’s Yacht Rock Radio pumping through the speakers. What could be better?
Keep in mind, this whole area is loaded with places to eat, and I’ve been to them all, but they are not all the same. Not all of them serve stone crab claws.
About spending your money foolishly. If you’re ordering stone crab claws, you are absolutely spending your money foolishly, but what’s the point if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor?
They’re offered in three sizes: medium, large, and jumbo. We like the large because you get some good meat, whereas with the mediums, you’re at risk of bleeding out at the table, wrestling with shells all afternoon. The jumbos are not as sweet as the large.
With the large, you get four claws for about $75. I know it’s embarrassing. If you’re looking to save a few bucks you can get them for less by bringing them home (Easton Street Seafood Market) but like I said, the Half Shell is a great setting, they clean up the mess, and do a nice job cracking them, unlike some places where again you risk bodily harm trying to get every little morsel out to get your money’s worth.
And let’s not forget about the mustard sauce. Not all are created equal. This has to be good, and unfortunately, it isn’t always the best. The Half Shell’s is excellent. Not too sweet.
Order up some fried buffalo shrimp and an ice-cold draft, and you’re good to go.
Action Line: There’s only one week left in the season, which ends May 1 and reopens October 15. If you’re not in the neighborhood, make your plans for next season. You’ll be glad you did. Let me know how it was by emailing me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
Read the entire series here.
