Spot Prawn Season Comes to Richmond

Local and visiting seafood fans are celebrating the hotly anticipated annual spot prawn harvest in British Columbia. Keen to feast on these sweet, sought-after crustaceans for yourself? Head straight to Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf to pick up some glistening, fresh spot prawns right off the boats.

But if you don’t fancy preparing them yourself, check out the following three Richmond restaurants and their spot prawn specials. Make sure you book ahead, though: the season only lasts a few weeks and once supplies are exhausted, you’ll have to wait until next year for 2019’s freshest dishes.

CAVU Spot Prawn Festival | Photo: CAVU Kitchen Bar

Steveston Seafood House

This popular Steveston restaurant aims to be a pilgrimage destination for spot prawn purists this season. “We’ll be cooking them very simply, which the chef believes is the absolute best way to enjoy them— poached in water and served with drawn butter. Then, just peel and eat,” says owner Shane Dagan. The kitchen will be picking up its ocean-fresh order at nearby Fisherman’s Wharf every day and will run its spot prawn special for as long as supplies last.

CAVU Kitchen Bar

Running until May 27, CAVU’s Spot Prawn Festival menu includes a tasty array of special dishes created using this sought-after treat—from po’boys to ragout and from hushpuppies to spot prawn cocktails. Tucked into the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel in the heart of Richmond, CAVU is popular with locals as well as hotel guests. Consider adding a Granville Island Honey Lager to your order for the full made-in-BC-effect…then come back the next morning for their excellent salmon eggs benny breakfast.

CAVU Spot Prawn Festival | Photo: CAVU Kitchen Bar

Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant

An award-winning Steveston eatery overlooking the bobbling boats of Fisherman’s Wharf, Blue Canoe began adding spot prawns to their paella and chilled seafood platters as soon as 2018’s tasty critters started arriving in the kitchen. But as the season progresses (and supplies become more plentiful) they’ll also be adding some dedicated spot prawn dishes to the menu: “When they’re available, we always run a feature,” confirms Blue Canoe owner and managing partner Jim van der Tas.

Catch Kitchen + Bar

Just up the steps from Blue Canoe—aim for a window seat of sunset river views—casual dining seafood specialist Catch is also committing to a simple, flavour-revealing approach. They’ll be picking up their fresh-caught bounty every day from the nearby boats, then pan-searing their spot prawns in fresh herbs, garlic and a white wine lemon butter sauce—before serving on sizzling skillets to salivating diners. Add one of the tempting BC wines from Catch’s well-curated selection for the perfect meal of local flavour.