Careys Catch in Lexington?

[Dea]

A friend recently moved to Arlington and was asking me about whether Careys Catch was any good. I'd never heard of it, and couldn't find much about on the board here. Any opinions out there?

[rlh]

Used to LOVE it, then it changed hands and now for seafood, we make the drive from Arlington Heights into Whole Foods at Fresh Pond (NOT Woburn), or if we are lazy, to Wilson Farms (good and very fresh, but REALLY pricey) instead. Careys is never friendly, the selection is VERY limited, they almost always attempt to "upsell" (you ask for 3/4 lb and get 15 oz instead, for example), prices are too high, and it's not pristinely fresh like it was with the prior owner - we miss having a top fishmonger in the 'hood.

[bear]

Good to know. I went in once, looked around, and decided to skip it.

I haven't seen fish at Wilson recently, so they may have decided to scrap it because it wasn't selling. It did look great, but it was pricey. Frankie's in Belmont Center is also pricey, but I got a gorgeous, really fresh piece of scrod last week. I can avoid Fresh Pond rush hour to get there, so I'm going to give Frankie's a try again when I'm rushed.

[Pia]

Sorry, slight thread derail, but is the fish market at Fresh Pond gone? I hadn't heard of Frankie's, and I only live a few miles away -- thanks for the tip!

[Joanie]

Yes, long gone.

[bear]

I haven't been enough to know if it is consistent or not. I picked up some halibut for dinner tonight ($19.99/lb...good thing I was only feeding two!) and it was extremely fresh, too. Worth trying again.

I remember getting fish and chips from there a couple of years ago, though, and wasn't wild about it. It had more of a bread crumb coating than batter. Not sure if it's changed. I'd like to try the chowder.

[Eatin in Woostah]

Wilson's had a sign outside yesterday that said they had fresh fish delivered every day.

[bear]

Yup, I noticed that they reduced the size of the section, but still have some fish. Haven't tried it, but the prices seem a little lower than they were.

[rlh]

The Wilson's fish I have had has always been super fresh but does seem to cost more - and their scallops are pretty unevenly hacked up for some reason, even though they taste good. Be sure to check the sell by dates - they often vary widely for the same item (one salmon supposedly good for only two days vs. another good for five).

[digga]

Carey's changed hands? It's not run by the Korean folks anymore? If so, too bad...we are moving right down the street in Arlington Heights in a week. I'd rather not have to go to WF Fresh Pond...I loathe that place (too damned crowded). How's the fish counter at WF Medford?

[rlh]

I think the folks are Korean, but not the ones that were there three or four years ago and took such pride in the variety and freshness of their offerings.

WF Medford is MUCH smaller than Fresh Pond with a much more limited seafood selection and I think less turnover - I think FP has great stuff and great staff in the seafood area (unlike the recently very lame sushi counter....) but the traffic and parking lot can be a nightmare. I got a nice whole snapper at Medford that was fresh and tasty but I wasn't so keen on the amount of scaling I had to do myself at home....

FYI, Woburn WF is equidistant to Arlington Heights and generally nice / less crowded, but we have had to return bad fish and bad shrimp there within the past six months, so we don't go there anymore.

[GretchenS]

Agreed, the Fresh Pond WF's seafood is infinitely superior to the Woburn WF's seafood for whatever reason.

[digga]

We went to Carey's Catch tonight for seafood for grilling at home. We got some calamari (bodies and tentacles), shrimp, salmon, and scallops. I must say, it was all very fresh and tasty. Everything turned out beautifully, especially the scallops. Wonderful and sweet with just a drizzle of olive oil. There was good-looking scrod and halibut. The folks behind the counter were truly nice. We saw no indication of the above posts about the service/freshness. We will be back. I'd like to try the prepared foods (fried and broiled seafood). Small selection of Korean supplies in the freezer.

[rlh]

Good to hear - maybe it's time to give it another try - it was so nice to have that very nearby, top notch option - truly hope they are consistently back on top!

[Dea]

Thanks to all for the info. Looks like my friend will have to use the Fresh Pond WF or shlep over to New Deal in East Cambridge (like I do).

[itaunas]

If you friend is in East Arlington, they could consider giving the Seafood Depot in Medford a try. Wouldn't be worth it from the Heights though, just take Rt 2 in to Whole Foods. They have been selling seafood for about a year and a half so far, a bit pricey and very limited selection, but at least in the past they got daily deliveries of fish and in that sense its better they don't try to sell _everything_. Service with the current owner is a bit gruff, but basic fried seafood is fine as are lobster rolls and burgers/dogs (avoid pastas, etc). Also from East Arlington or North Cambridge, both Moulton's (although they seem to be offering less fresh fish) and Captain Boston are just as convenient as whole foods fresh pond with less parking hassles. Whole Foods in Medford doesn't seem to have as much fish. I am like you, though, East Cambridge (all 3 fish mongers) + Captain Boston + Chelsea MB -- I mostly buy whole fish, so neither Seafood Depot or Moulton's are great options for me. McKinnon's has some nice deals, although I mostly buy salt cod and frozen items there (if you pick fairly local fish and local clams they can be ok).

[Eatin in Woostah]

Can someone tell me what Carey's Catch is next to? I've lived down the street for two years and have never seen this place. Where is it?

[digga]

On Mass Ave, right across the street from Berman's.

[Eatin in Woostah]

Thanks! I think I must be distracted by the cool Berman's sign every time we drive by.