Summer in the Hamptons is practically synonymous with seafood. But, not all eateries are created equal when it comes to using seafood that is locally sourced.
Earlier this spring, Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s Choose Local F.I.S.H (Fresh. Indigenous, Sustainable. Healthy) initiative, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, launched the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail along the south shore, which includes about 20 restaurants, markets and eateries located from as far east as Montauk to as far west as Bay Shore, that serve and sell locally harvested fish and shellfish. The trail is accessible via a smartphone app, set with the intention to guide customers to Long Island establishments where they can either enjoy a prepared meal that uses local seafood or pick up local seafood to prepare at home, part of the state’s Blue Food Transformation Initiative to reinvigorate New York seafood industries while simultaneously strengthen the local food system.
The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail launched earlier this year, an initiative to bring business and tourism to locations that serve locally harvested fish and shellfish. (Photos courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension)
“This launch is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision,” says Vanessa Lockel, executive director of CCE Suffolk. “We’re committed to creating opportunities that spotlight the incredible assets of Long Island — from our thriving local industries to the dedicated individuals who make our region strong.”
According to Kristin Gerbino, fisheries specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, the program was launched to boost business and tourism to restaurants and markets carrying locally harvested fish and shellfish, thus supporting the greater local fish industry across the island. In conducting her research, Gerbino says to hundreds of postcards with a link to a survey where sent out to hundreds of restaurants across Long Island, gauge the level of local seafood being utilized. Additional outreach and research included multiple calls and visits to many restaurants, conducting interviews and determining exactly which eateries consistently featured local seafood on their menus.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see this project come to fruition,” Gerbino says. “By connecting people with resources, stories, and experiences that reflect the richness of Long Island’s communities, we’re helping bridge gaps and build lasting connections. Whether through food, education, or environmental awareness, this effort brings local impact to the forefront in a meaningful, accessible way”.
Benefits of choosing to source seafood from local purveyors and fishermen are abundant. According to Gerbino, from an environmental standpoint there’s “less food miles/carbon footprint to get to your plate,” as most local seafood is readily available from major ports across Long Island. Also, in additon to be fresher, sourcing locally is highly sustainable, she says, noting there are strict regulations in place ot make sure U.S. seafood is sustainably harvested. “It also supports our local fisherman and oyster growers,” and allows “to create markets for underutilized fish (such as skate, sea robin and porgy) which costs less and allows fishermen to get paid more for fish they would have discarded.”
Hampton-based locations on the trail include Bostwick’s Seafood Market in East Hampton and Lighthouse Seafood in Hampton Bays (Left photos by Doug Young, right photos courtesy of Lighthouse Seafood)
While the idea of utilizing locally sourced seafood seems like a no-brainer, there’s a solid argument that a good number of restaurants use frozen, farm raised and imported seafood, as it not only tends to be cheaper it also fills the highly requested fish customers are looking for.
“I don’t think there is an intentional trend not to [use locally sourced seafood], but some report that their customers want salmon and shrimp, which is not locally available, although Montauk red shrimp is gaining in popularity though,” Gerbino says. “Once customers learn why choosing local seafood is so important and they try fresh, delicious local seafood options expertly prepared, they are often convinced that it is worth seeking out and maybe paying a little extra for!”
Notable Hamptons based eateries on the seafood trail include Inlet Seafood, Montauk Seafood Company, Nick & Toni’s, Bostwick’s, The Seafood Shop, Bell & Anchor, Almond, Captain Jack’s on the Coast, Almond, Clamman, and Lighthouse Seafood. To see a complete list of spots along the trail, click here.
