December generally marks the start of the season for Dungeness crab off the California coast. Crab fishermen from San Francisco Bay, Half Moon Bay and Bodega Bay went to work this week, and early indications suggest a good season with the first landings hitting the markets by week end. Caught in "pots" - circular steel traps that are dropped off the boats and pulled from the sandy bottoms of the ocean floor - only mature males that measure at least 6.25 inches across the underbelly are allowed to be landed. Because of the method of catch and size restrictions, Dungeness crab fisheries are widely considered as models of sustainability. And aside from its place in the rich Pacific Northwest seafood heritage, we like to think of this meaty, sweet crustacean as the official crab of The Fish Market, featured in many of our recipes.

Look for Dungeness crab specialties highlighted on our daily menu, in particular our popular seasonal featured item, whole roasted fresh Dungeness crab. The celebration of "Dungeness Month" culminates with our 23rd annual holiday crab sale, when we offer whole Dungeness to-go from the retail market case at our lowest price. Tentative dates for the sale are December 19th through January 2nd, and we will keep you posted as these dates depend, as usual, on weather, supply and other conditions in getting the crab to market. So call your local restaurant for details about featured items and dates of the crab sale, and get ready for a cracking-good December.