Best Softshell Crab in SF or East Bay?

[Curtis]

Well, as I vainly attempted to acclimate to the heat of the Central Valley (Lodi/Woodbridge), my family tried to distract me by talking about food :) As we all shared our collective tales from recent meals and travels, my grandmother proclaimed that she is in the mood for softshell crab. I can only blame this on the Food Channel, which she and my grandfather watch religiously, as a recent airing of Emeril Live showed he and Mario Batali cooking variations of softshell crab.

First, I had to break it to her that she would likely have to leave the comfort of Stockton. Second, I had to silently remind myself that her aversion to Japanese food pretty much rules out a quick fix with Spider Rolls. So, with that I am throwing the topic open to my fellow Chowhounds.

I think she would like something simple like a Softshell Crab Po'boy or a simple pan fried version, but if anyone had any great suggestions, please throw them out. Also, if there is a local fishmonger that sells them (I gather that we're at or just past the end of the season), I am certainly game to prepare them myself.

Thanks for the help folks! Afterall, she's my only grandma and I figure if you get to 80 you should pretty much indulge whatever cravings you still have :)

a sante,
Curtis

[Curtis]

Thanks for the recommendations. I've been calling around to different fish mongers and it appears that the season has indeed passed, although one did give a slight ray of hope that there might be another shipment coming, plus the fact that he said he could get frozen ones well past the Summer was encouraging. Ruth, Legendary Palace sounds promising as my Grandmother does make the odd trip to Oakland Chinatown to stock up on essentials that aren't available in Stockton. She says that she's overdue for a trip, so perhaps LP will satisfy her softshell crab cravings too.

Thanks to everyone for the advice/recs!

a sante,
Curtis

[chocolatetartguy]

You could try the Elite Cafe. I believe I had a version at Mama Lan's a while back.

[Ruth Lafler]

I seem to remember having fried soft shelled crabs at Legendary Palace in Oakland.

[rworange]

Curtis, it wouldn't hurt to post on the California board and ask the same question. Maybe there IS someplace in or near Stockton that has soft shell crab. Doesn't hurt to ask and better than they long ride for you grandmother.

http://www.chowhound.com/boards/show/3

If it wasn't for the age thing, I'd say Hayes Street Grill at the Saturday morning farmers market at Ferry Plaza. However, I wouldn't drag my grandmother to that scene. Don't know if the resturant sells them, but they are just my favorite in the entire Bay Area.

I know Fish. in Sausalito sells them fresh when they are in season. I haven't seen them there yet, but you could always call Sea Salt in Berkeley.

The thing with soft-shell crab is there is no place I know where they are served all the time, even in season. It is more likely they are a special on a menu so it is hard to plan.

[rtmonty]

I recently had a great soft shell crab appetizer at Ame. It was fried and served on a green bean salad with soft poached egg. Was outstanding.