Seafood Market Report

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FACILITY & CAPABILITIES
Market Report
March 10, 2026
What you need to know this week:

Luck of the Shore: Elevate Your St. Patrick’s Day Menu with Seafood

When people think of St. Patrick’s Day, they often lean toward heavy meats—but for a truly authentic Irish experience, the sea is where the real "gold" is found. As an island nation with over 3,000 miles of coastline, Ireland’s culinary heart is built on fresh, cold-water seafood.

This year, give your guests a "lucky" alternative to the standard fare with these festive, coastal-inspired features:

1. The Crown Jewel: Dublin Bay Prawns (Langoustines)

If you want a "showstopper" appetizer, look no further. These aren't your average shrimp; Langoustines are prized for their sweet, lobster-like meat and elegant presentation.

  • Menu Idea: Serve them split and grilled with a simple dulse (seaweed) butter or a bright lemon-garlic emulsion to let the premium quality shine.

2. The Coastal Classic: Traditional Irish Seafood Chowder

Unlike the heavy, flour-thickened American styles, traditional Irish chowder is often a lighter, "creamy-clear" broth packed with chunky seafood and thickened naturally with potatoes.

  • The Build: Use a mix of haddock or cod, salmon, and mussels. Feature a locally caught white fish to keep it authentic.
  • The Pairing: Serve with a thick slice of warm, buttered brown soda bread for a hearty, high-margin lunch feature.

3. "Alive, Alive, Oh!": Mussels & Oysters

Tapping into the legend of Molly Malone, shellfish is a natural fit for St. Patrick’s Day.

  • Guinness-Steamed Mussels: Swap white wine for a splash of stout in your steaming liquid. The roasted malt notes pair beautifully with the brininess of the mussels.
  • Oyster Bar Luck: Feature a "Lucky Shuck" special. Irish natives are world-class, but any crisp, cold-water oyster pairs perfectly with a pint of dry stout.

4. The Golden Sear: Featured March Bronzini

White fish is a cornerstone of the Irish diet, and our featured Bronzini Fillet is the perfect premium substitute for a sophisticated holiday entrée. With its mild, sweet flavor and fine, buttery flake, it’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates any menu.

  • Chef’s Tip: For a festive Irish twist, serve a Pan-Seared Bronzini over a traditional "Colcannon" mash (creamy potatoes with kale or cabbage). The crispy, golden skin of the Bronzini provides a beautiful texture contrast to the soft, buttery greens.

☘️ March Feature: Exclusive Bronzini Promotion

Take advantage of our featured pricing all month long! Our premium 600-800g Bronzini Fillets are expertly prepared Pin Bone Out, saving your kitchen valuable prep time while ensuring a high-end dining experience.

  • Item Code: BRO640
  • March Promotional Price: $14.95/lb

Available now through March 31st.

Why Seafood for St. Paddy’s?

Offering a seafood-focused St. Patrick’s Day menu allows your restaurant to stand out from the "corned beef" crowd while staying true to Irish heritage. It’s light, sophisticated, and highlights the high-quality, cold-water species that your customers crave this time of year. Ready to build your festive menu? Reach out to your Account Manager to secure your Bronzini, Langoustines, or Fresh Shellfish today!

We’d love to see what you’ve created from JJ Seafood! Please tag us your photos, videos, and reels below!

Fresh Seafood Updates from the Buyers

J.J.MCDONNELL & CO.

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