Where to Buy Whole Octopus

[aaaaa]

Have been dying to cook Octopus for a friend's birthday and was entirely inspired by article in the times :http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/din...

Anyone have recommendations on the best place to find whole Octopus (frozen fine) in Manhattan?

[aaaaa]

thank you for the input. we found 4 lb octopus at Sea Breeze...

[aahnnt]

hah, i saw that piece too, and had been thinking about giving it a go.

for those who have priced it at citarella and fairway, what were the prices?

[Hurner]

At Fairway baby octopus sells for about $6 per pound.

[kobetobiko]

I thought the OP is looking for giant octopus as the recipe calls for 1 3-lb octopus?

[jasmurph]

I don't know the prices, but Citarella is sure to be more expensive and it's almost as sure to be much better quality.

[JoanN]

Was in Citarella this morning. Didn't note the price of the octopus, but it appeared to be cut up, not whole. If you want it whole, you may have to ask (or call ahead). I know I once asked for whole, not already cleaned, squid and they went to the back and got some for me.

[kobetobiko]

On top of the places that were mentioned, Fresh Direct also has whole octopus (frozen I believe). I haven't purchased it before so I can't attest on the quality.

I believe some Korean grocery stores in Korean town also have whole octopus.

[marye]

agata and valentino had baby octopus the last time I was there about a month ago

[E Eto]

I usually go to Fairway for octopus. I priced it at Citarella, but Fairway was a lot cheaper.

[fourunder]

If you are down near Chinatown , look at any fish stand on Mulberry or Canal Streets. I have seen the Baby Pulpo on many occasions. The Deluxe Market may have it as well. If you are near the LES, Grand Street stores may have it as well.

[rrems]

Citarella.

[offthebeatenpath1]

Agree on Citarella and Chelase Market probably will have or can get it as well. Also try Wild Edibles. Most really good fish mongers/ stores will be able to order anything.

[Miss Needle]

Agreed on the above stores. If you're looking to spend less, I purchased octopus that was acceptable at Sea Breeze. I wouldn't recommend going to Chinatown for this. I purchased it once and it was terrible. I don't think Chinese eat a lot of octopus -- the turnover is probably very low.