King Crab season Vancouver 2013

[rosetown]

I missed it last year because I dallied and it ended earlier than usual.
I've got my boots on and am ready to travel - not going to miss it ever again.
So, as soon as anyone, sees it starting please post!!
I know Fmed mentioning some changes to the Alaska schedule, whatever that means??

Oh, because I think each season varies, I've started this thread.

[shmooerific]

Some prices as of Wednesday, March 13:
- Kirin 24.80 (up from 22.80)
- Red Star 22.80/lb (up from 18.80/lb)
- Empire Seafood Restaurant 19.80
- Victory Seafood 18.98
- Neptune 18.98
- Dai Tung 18.80
- Fraser Court 18.80
- Golden Ocean 17.90
- Golden Swan 16.99
- Top Cantonese 16.95
- Sing Kee 16.80
- Empire Chinese Cuisine 15.99
- Harbour Spirit 15.98
- Always 15.88
- Venice Garden 14.99
- South Ocean 14.99
- King's Chinese 14.88
- Imperial Court 13.99

Also found this list: http://www.vandiary.com/2013/03/03/ki... (it's a Chinese language site, but the price list is bilingual :) )

[fmed]

Great!

[starlady]

Awesome, thanks!

[twinkienic]

$22.80 at Kirin

[knight]

and 13.99 at Tung Sung

[jcolvin]

Live crab at T&T now $16.88/lb.

[fmed]

King Crab Pricing as of this week (Mar 4)
Empire 14.99
Lucky Tao 16.95
Excelsior 21.98
Sun Sui Wah 20.00
Hoi Tong 25.00

Post here with current pricing!

[fmed]

Gingeri 17.00
Red Star 18.00

[fmed]

Cindy's Palace $16.80

I'm hearing reports that prices are already going up just a few days into the season.

[fmed]

Cancuklehead's Hoi Tong experience:
http://urbandiner.ca/2013/03/03/king-...

[analogarsonist]

Thanks so much for this recommendation! I had never been to / heard of Hoi Tong (still relatively new to the city), and I went in for the king crab last night based on your recommendation.

Hoi Tong's king crab was easily the best I've ever had, definitely worth the higher prices. Their squab was incredible too! I also loved the atmosphere too, small, cozy, friendly service, etc...

Will definitely return before the king crab season ends, and can't wait to try the rest of their menu during the rest of the year...

[fmed]

Thanks for the report. I really like Hoi Tong for that coziness you speak of. The chef used to cook in the HK Stock Exchange private kitchen, FYI.

[fmed]

The season has started. It is currently between $18 and $25 per lb. Great reports about Hoi Tong's crab.

Go!

[analogarsonist]

Anyone have any idea how much longer the season will last?

[fmed]

Maybe one more week. Two tops.

[analogarsonist]

k thanks - have a reservation for next weekend, fingers crossed :)

[vancityfoody]

What is the best restaurant to try for 2 people who have never done the king crab feast before? We would be looking for a small-ish crab... I was thinking SSW as they are reputable but definitely open to other suggestions.

[fmed]

Almost missed this post.

Dynasty Seafood would be my choice.

[twinkienic]

If you mean Dynasty on Broadway, they told my friend when she called about king crab that they don't have any; however, the manager told my parents that it could be ordered in with 24 hour notice.

[fmed]

Wow. The season is over for Dynasty then.

[miss.foodie]

Thanks for the heads up. I called last night to make a res for this Fri and they said they would reserve a king crab for me. I will call again to confirm that I can still get the king crab for Friday.

[twinkienic]

I wonder why Dynasty told my friend they don't have any? She called on Friday. I think she probably spoke with them in English... think that made the difference?

[miss.foodie]

I just called to double check. I was told that the King Crab is still available but has to be reserved in advance.

[fmed]

I'll make sure to post here when I see indications that the season has started.

[rosetown]

Tnx so much - wow, times change - not surprised at higher prices given the worldwide upsurge in demand.

I'd love to try Hoi Tong, alas, I've got to cater to a large group considering age, disabilities, and comfort with the venue. Still, it's great that there are many good options.

Regards

[grayelf]

No idea if this would work for you (and didn't think to ask price, duh) but we witnessed an amazing looking AKC feast yesterday at noontime at Fortune Garden on Broadway near Granville. The table next to us was celebrating HK visitors' last meal in town. En passant, the dim sum we were eating was damn fine also.

[rosetown]

Much appreciated but now in the hands of my family - they've booked Sun Sui Wah for Saturday night. Regards

[grayelf]

So, how was SSW? Did you go to the one on Main or in Richmond? How big was the beast?

[rosetown]

We went to the one on Main for the 3rd time in 4 years. I'm reluctant to say that I was a bit disappointed. There were 13 of us and I wanted to buy an enormous one. The largest they had was 7 1/2 lbs so we ordered 2 for 14 3/4 lb total. The carapace were done in a white sauce which was couldn't compete with the white sauce of 2 years ago.
The place was packed, service was good, and the group enjoyed themselves. Still, next time, I will go elsewhere.

[fmed]

If they are starting to clear out the small ones...that means the season is winding down. (Maybe for SSW, anyway. They are the most well known purveyor and get a lot of media coverage.)