Succulent, sweet and generously-sized, spot prawns are considered a delicacy throughout the world. In fact, 90 percent of the prawns caught in BC are exported to Japan to be served as sushi. But the 10 percent that sticks around makes for good eating in Vancouver in May.
If you want to get your hands on some tasty morsels during spot prawn season, head on over to the BC Spot Prawn Festival Saturday, May 11 from 11am to 3pm at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf near Granville Island. It’s a nice short walk past Kits Beach and Vanier Park to the feeding frenzy. The annual event marks the start of BC spot prawn season with a big waterfront spot prawn boil.
A $12 ticket (you need to purchase this in advance) will get you a plate of fresh-off-the-boat prawns caught by Vancouver fisherman and cooked up by local celebrity chefs, including Chris Whittaker of Forage and Julian Bond of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.
The event also includes Vancouver chef demos, a food and drink tent with tastings by BC wineries and breweries, and the chance to buy spot prawns off the boat ($12 per lb.) to take home and cook for supper.
Tickets for BC Spot Pawn festival are going fast. Advance purchase BC Spot Prawn Festival tickets here: Chefstablesociety.com/spotprawnfestival
If they sell out before you manage, Campagnolo restaurant on Main is also hosting a series of Spot Prawn Boils. You may recall that these used to take place at Refuel (now Fable restaurant). I will miss those friendly, messy events! If you want to head out of the neighbourhood and relive the glory days:
Campagnolo BC Spot Prawn Boil Details
Location: Campagnolo Restaurant, 1020 Main St. (upstairs dining room)
Price: $59 (includes beer, tax and gratuity. Eventbrite service charge is additional)
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at Bcspotprawnboil.eventbrite.com
Dates: May 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 7pm
BC spot prawns are a sustainable seafood choice. Check out their Ocean Wise profile here.
Last modified: September 5, 2013
