Pike Place Fish Market, Seattle, Washington
Now that New York's Fulton Fish Market has moved from itslongtime Manhattan home to a warehouselike building in the Bronx,Pike Place can claim undisputed status as the nation's mostcolorful seafood market. It's also the most fun. The fish fly here,hurled through the air by employees. So do the jokes, though theshop is serious about its seafood and will ship almost everythingit sells for next-day delivery. Other attractions at the 9-acrePike Place Market include Washington wines and the originalStarbucks; 800/542-7732 or pikeplacefish.com.
Browne Trading Company, Portland, Maine
This old, family-run business has acquired some recent dazzlethrough its association with such celebrity chefs as Daniel Bouludof New York City's Daniel restaurant. The market offers a widerange of caviars, plus smoked seafood, fish from around the world,and the usual favorites―lobster, cod, clams, and the like.Patrons can shop via phone or online. Or they can do what manychefs prefer: Head to Merrill's Wharf in the Old Port area ofPortland and pick out what looks most appealing; 800/944-7848 or browne-trading.com.
Lexington Market, Baltimore, Maryland
Some call it the home of the world's best crab cakes. At therisk of starting an argument, we're inclined to agree. LexingtonMarket, like the rest of downtown Baltimore, has seen palmier dayssince its founding in 1782. But it retains an undeniable energy asdiverse cuisines jostle for attention; 410/685-6169 or lexingtonmarket.com.
Fisherman's Express, Anchorage, Alaska
This market, founded and operated by a former commercial crabfisherman, specializes in Alaskan king crab. It also sells suchother Alaskan specialties as halibut cheeks―all wild, notfarm-raised. Browsers can visit the shop in downtown Anchorage oron the Web site, which includes photo galleries depictingfearsome-looking crabs and the unbelievably harsh conditions thatcrabbers endure to harvest them; 888/926-3474 or fishermansexpress.com.
Empire Fish, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wisconsin restaurants have long depended on Empire Fish,which has been selling seafood since 1913. The retail store letsconsumers choose from the same fish, shellfish, and other goodiesthat are available to chefs. The selection spans both Great Lakeswaters and distant seas. Unfortunately for those who don't live inMilwaukee, you have to visit the store. Empire Fish does not ship;414/259-1330 or empirefish.com.
