Fresh Sardines in the San Fernando Valley

[fugitiveride]

Anyone seen fresh sardines in the Valley recently? I found some old threads here, but nothing current.

[ebethsdad]

Resurrecting an old thread to mention that the Galleria Market in Northridge had fresh sardines today.

[Jack Flash]

A few times, J&P West Coast Seafood has had them at the Saturday Pasadena farmers' market (albeit not recently). However, they also have a retail shop in Simi Valley. If you don't find anything closer, you could certainly give them a call.

http://westcoastseafoodsimi.com/Fresh...

[LATrapp]

Serious question- Is it safe to buy/eat the sardines out of the live bait in-ocean pens in either Marina del Rey or Oxnard? Has anyone ever done this?

Not sure I could, but have always thought about it when trying to track down some fresh sardines!

[jdwdeville]

From the owner of a VERY famous VERY expensive Italian restaurant when I asked where and how he gets his amazing sardines and fresh anchovies:
"They're very cheap- I just go down to the docks and buy them from the bait shop"
You'd eat the fish you caught that ate the bait, right?

[LATrapp]

Hah- I believe it. And I wouldn't be surprised if that's where some of the other markets listed in this thread purchase them.

[bulavinaka]

My dad and his buddies used to bring home sardines off the boats.

[FED]

generally speaking, you have to go to Japanese markets to find fresh sardines. For some reason, I've never seen them at a 99 Ranch, but I almost always see them at Mitsuwa or Marukai.

[bulavinaka]

Nijiya is always a great source for fresh seafood. I was at the Torrance store yesterday - didn't see sardines but kibinago was looking excellent.

[ebethsdad]

Try the Galleria in Northridge or 99 Ranch in Van Nuys.

[fugitiveride]

99 Ranch does not have them. My question is if anyone has actually seen them in person, not places that might have them maybe.

[boogiebaby]

Even if we saw them there X weeks ago, they may not carry them anymore, or have them the day you go. Your best bet would be to call and ask before you go.

[fugitiveride]

You might be right, but sometimes it can be difficult to communicate with the people on the phone at these places.

[jotfoodie]

Lost in translation will likely happen at those places.

Fresh sardines are highly perishable, and they are indeed elusive. Like you, I have been searching for them with no luck, specially in the confines of SFV. You may have to trek outside of the valley to look for them.

I have found this old thread and hope it will give you a better perspective on what you can expect in Los Angeles. Good luck.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/796499

[Joe Blowe]

Allow me to add one more link:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7297...

[boogiebaby]

I'd guess Seafood City in North hills would have them.