What’s the Best Kind of Shellfish?

If you’re looking for some good seafood options, look no further than Kevin’s. We have a variety of seafood dishes to choose from, including a shrimp and snow crab cocktail, oysters, fried calamari, and grilled Spanish octopus. Each of these dishes had us wondering… what kind of shellfish is the best? Is one healthier than the other? What should I drink to get the most out of my seafood experience? At Kevin’s, we take pride in serving our guests, so we have the answers for you.

First, it’s important to know that there are two categories of shellfish, crustaceans and mollusks. Crustaceans include shrimp, crab and lobster while mollusks include clams, oysters, scallops, octopus and squid, amongst others.

Health

Shellfish in their freshest form offer many health benefits; they contain lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and all sorts of important micronutrients that bolster brain and heart function. In our search for answers, it became clear that the way your shellfish is cooked plays a huge role in how healthy it is. Like many other foods, shellfish are healthier when they are steamed or baked. Breaded and fried options, while extremely tasty, add calories that may be unwanted if you are dieting or tracking what you consume.

Here’s our shellfish ranked by how much protein they contain in a 3-ounce serving:

1. Shrimp: 17 grams
2. Crab: 15 grams
3. Lobster: 14 grams
4. Clams: 12 grams
5. Scallops: 10 grams
6. Oysters: 8 grams

Lucky for you, Kevin’s has a variety of shellfish, prepared in many different ways to suit everyone’s eating habits!

Wine Pairing

Ordering a drink before you order seafood can be a risk. The salty nature of seafood might clash with your favorite cocktail. Not to worry, Kevin’s has a variety of options that will pair perfectly with your favorite shellfish dish.

Shrimp cocktail offers a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs well with a dry riesling. The horseradish, commonly found in cocktail sauce, will pair nicely with the acidity in dry wines.

Oysters are pretty versatile when it comes to wine pairing, but don’t be too quick to skip over a glass of champagne. The bubbles in the champagne paired with the creaminess of the oysters creates an awesome combination of flavors. If you’re not a huge fan of champagne, any sweet, sparkling wine will do the trick.

If you’re interested in trying our grilled Spanish octopus, we recommend sauvignon blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is a grape white wine and it’s known for its zingy acidity and herbal notes. With lots of depth and flavor, this wine will cut through the flesh of the octopus.

Shellfish and Wine Pairing at Kevin’s!

Now that you know which shellfish will fit into your diet and which wine it pairs best with, it’s time to make a reservation at Kevin’s. In order to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, we’ve installed state-of-the-art air scrubbers which actively target contaminants in the air and on surfaces, as well as increased sanitation practices throughout our entire operation. Reservations are required. We can’t wait to see you!