Sourcing Uni and cheap Lobster

[DoctorNo]

Hi All,

Any idea where a home cook can source either fresh sea urchin or trays of uni? Also, where the hell do I get decent prices on lobster, considering how cheap it supposedly has become wholesale?

Thanks,

N.

[Waitman]

If you promise never, ever to use the word "sourcing" as a verb again, I'll tell you.

Promise?

The Fresh Lobster Company.

They have them packed, as well, which is less fun but also less messy. Try them set individually on a Chinese soup spoon or in a shot glass, like this, as an amuse bouche.

TFLC also sell the world's greatest oysters, Wellfleets.

Can't say that their lobster prices look that good, though.

[ScotteeM]

Not sure what you consider "cheap" for lobster, but H-Mart/Super H-Mart tends to have decent prices, usually under $10/lb, and sometimes half that. Their lobsters are fresh and lively, and better tasting than those I've had from other local sources. They have a high turnover on fish in general, and especially lobsters. They get their seafood from Fulton Fish Market in NY, according to their website. HTH

[Ericandblueboy]

H Mart (at least the one on Gallows/Lee Hwy) also has trays of uni at their sushi counter. They don't always have them but I think they usually have them.

[DonRocks]

Jeff Heineman - in one post, somewhere - warned about buying certain types of one-pound lobsters that are dirt-cheap in stores, but have virtually zero meat on them. Does anyone remember where that post is? It's essential knowledge, I would think.

[The Hersch]

I bought a couple of 1 1/4 lb. lobsters at Shaw's supermarket in Rockland, Maine, a couple of weeks ago. They were $6.99/lb (would have been $5.99 with a loyalty card). I won't say HTH because I know it doesn't help in any way.

[Soup]

went by H mart today. 5.99 lb lobster and they also had uni in the frozen section. Have had both in past. Lobsters are just fine. Uni not a fan. It tasted a bit livery (and I like liver).

[Toogs]

Jeff Heineman - in one post, somewhere - warned about buying certain types of one-pound lobsters that are dirt-cheap in stores, but have virtually zero meat on them. Does anyone remember where that post is? It's essential knowledge, I would think.

could it be as simple as softshells?

[Kibbee Nayee]

How about a $59 Groupon....?

http://www.groupon.com/deals/get-maine-lobster-com?p=19&utm_source=channel_occasions_VD1-deals&utm_medium=email&sid=cacab2bf-68fd-440c-9dd4-894d21739295&division=washington-dc&user=507d3e47bf6d22cec7ec6461183d5e11ff35988896a7c1b953db53589782909f&date=20130124&s=body&c=button&d=groupon_occasions_deal

[Cizuka Seki]

I've seen fresh trays of uni at H Mart in Fairfax and Hanaro Market in the Spa World shopping center (I think that's Centreville). They were either Chilean and Maine by the looks of them (i.e. smaller lobes).

Not great but I still bought a couple of trays. They were sold at a fixed price and incredibly cheap -- I want to say $9 a tray and I had no qualms about eating them raw.

[deangold]

Uni has very different sustainability issues depending on where it is harvested. Maine is cheap, but also a fishery in pretty poor shape.

http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_search.aspx?s=sea%20urchin

[hillvalley]

I've seen fresh trays of uni at H Mart in Fairfax and Hanaro Market in the Spa World shopping center (I think that's Centreville). They were either Chilean and Maine by the looks of them (i.e. smaller lobes).

I tried Hanaro Market yesterday and after an image search on Google to show the fishmonger what I was looking for he informed me they only have it on weekends. I tried the Super H off of 66 and they didn't have it either. Today I was able to buy a tray at Hinata. $15 for 12-15 lobes.