The halibut season opened last weekend.
But the blustery weather may make those hankering for halibut to be a bit patient.
"This is the first week of the big halibut opener and wouldn't you know the whole winter the weather has been nice and warm and this weekend a blizzard happens," says John Jackson of New Sagaya Markets. "I saw a total of about 1,076 pounds landed over the weekend, and that is nothing. Thanks to the weather, it is what it is. I am hoping that we hear better news in the next few days."
Dannon Southall of 10th & M Seafoods has a similar report: "The weather on most of the fishing grounds was windy and cold and limited the number of boats that were able to get out. A few fish were landing over the last few days, and we will have fish in house on Wednesday morning."
Southall says they will have fillets and fresh headed and cleaned 10-to-20 pound halibut in the store.
There are plenty of other options. Southall and Jackson both highlight the value and taste of fresh Gulf of Alaska cod. Troll-caught king salmon are a little harder to come by right now.
"Fresh Pacific cod and rockfish are coming in strong and both of these are bargains for fresh fish this time of the year," Jackson says. "The black cod season opens alongside the halibut, and hopefully we will see some of this great eating fish by the weekend as well!
Center Market
Keeping with the seafood theme, there will be plenty of choices at this week's Center Market on Wednesday and Saturday at the Mall at Sears.
"Alaskan scallops make a reappearance with me this week," says Duane Clark of Country Health Foods. He also will have shrimp, grass-fed beef and yak, local honey, Alaska Sprouts items and Alaska bottled water.
Alaska Black Cod will have fresh smoked black cod tips brined in sea salt and smoked with red alder wood. They also will have fresh smoked king salmon collars and bellies, along with smoked black cod fillets. Alaska Black Cod will be at both markets.
Other vendors include:
A.D. Farm (Wednesday and Saturday) with Yukon gold, French fingerling, German butterball and peanut potatoes; carrots in four colors; pork items including chops, roast, fresh side pork, sausage, soup bones and fat; fresh eggs; and Alaska Flour Co. items.
La Grassa (Wednesday and Saturday) will have fresh pastas, including vegan basil strozzapreti, Alaskan potato gnocchi, roasted golden beet almond and goat cheese ravioli, and feta and kale ravioli.
Alaska Vegan & Gluten Free has a large menu on Wednesday including chocolate pot de creme, panzanella Tuscan bread salad, lentil vegetable soup, red lentil dahl, red beans and wild brown rice, vegan parmesan cheese and bread.
"We make everything fresh each week for the Wednesday market," Kristin Donaldson says. "Each item AVGF sells stays fresh in your fridge for two weeks, and beyond that, it all freezes very well."
The Persistent Farmer will be at the Wednesday's market with dahlia tubers and catalogs. "We still have tubers available, which we can start in 6-inch pots for an additional fee," Rob Wells says. And he's taking pre-orders for tumbler tomato hanging baskets.
Other vendors to look for include Drool Central with fresh-baked treats and meals for dogs and Mosquito Mama's with Balsamic Buzzzzz sauce on both Wednesday and Saturday; Rempel Family Farm will be at Saturday's market with storage vegetables and yak meat.
Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. Contact him at akmarketfresh@gmail.com.
Local farmers markets
Monday: Depot Farm Market, noon to 6 p.m., Palmer Depot
Wednesday: Center Market, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street
Friday: Top Shelf Artisan Market, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 550 S. Alaska Street, Palmer
Saturday: Center Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street