Most of us only visit the fishmonger when we need a specific fish for a recipe unless we’re comfortable cooking seafood on a regular basis. For some, it’s also a great a one-stop for brunch provisions, complete with the ingredients needed to craft a seafood-focused Bloody Mary. Wixter Market, in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, has been working hard in the last three years since it opened to introduce more Chicagoans to sustainable seafood and to increase its consumption through educating them on everything from sourcing and nutritional benefits to preparation techniques.
“For a cocktail that already counts hints of the ocean among its ingredients [think clam juice, anchovies from the worchestershire], it only makes sense to top it off with some seafood,” says Matt Mixter, founder and owner of Wixter Market. “The savory, sweet spice of the drink plays like a boozy cocktail sauce with any of the seafood you may find on your brunch spread.”
- Smoked Shoyu Sauce is a unique alternative to Worcestershire sauce
- Fish Sauce can replace clam juice
- Trout Roe adds a sweetness and pop of color to your drink
- For sustainable shellfish, shrimp and clams are great options; pro tip: the clam juice from the can be added to your Bloody Mary!
- Tuna Jerky can be added to a skewer for a deep meaty flavor that pairs nicely with sweet and spicy; all flavors sold at Wixter recommended except honey-glazed and lemon salt
In addition to the suggestions, Wixter Market features a variety of other brunch-friendly seafood options including conservas, caviar, all the fixings for do-it-yourself poke bowls, paella and fresh smoked salmon for a bagel and lox.
More importantly than what you opt to use in your Bloody Mary is that the fish is sustainable.
“People will put anything on top of a Bloody Mary these days, but at Wixter, we stick with sustainable fish,” admits Mixter.
For those ready to step up their fish game, plenty of options exist at the market, from Mahi Mahi from Ecuador to Japanese sea scallops. The folks at Wixter Market are prepared to discuss everything from how the seafood was sourced to how to prepare it at home. Don’t be afraid to ask. You might find your new favorite dish to eat this summer is seafood! Until then, maybe you can try a new take on the classic Bloody Mary.
