For those of us who don’t live on the west side of LA, there’s a new sustainable seafood market in town. Michael Cimarusti, chef and co-owner of Providence and Connie & Ted’s has just opened Cape Seafood and Provisions in Mid-City, taking over the former Lindy & Grundy space on Fairfax Avenue.
A longtime chef-advocate of sustainable fishing practices, Cimarusti spearheaded the West Coast Dock to Dish initiative, along with California’s first Restaurant-Supported Fishery program to bring traceable wild, local seafood to the plate. Furthering his efforts to educate consumers about seasonal and under-appreciated fish species, the Cape Seafood and Provisions team is well-versed in the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch guide to answer questions and offer helpful suggestions as to how fennel pollen can enhance the flavors of your seafood, or whether Normandie-style butter is worth the price tag.
From right to left, Cape Seafood Provisions owner and chef Michael Cimarusti, general manager Ted Bassetti, culinary program head Brandon Gray and co-owner Donato Poto.
While you’re there, browse gourmet pantry items and prepared seafood stocks and sauces or grab to-go items from the market menus that are handwritten on the store blackboards. Choose from daily specials like lobster rolls, bagels with wild king salmon that’s smoked in-house, vichysoisse and gumbo made from Carolina shrimp and day-boat scallops. You can even try Kumamoto oysters on the spot shucked by general manager Ted Bassetti.
Cimarusti’s Captain’s Share Program is also in the works. Customers who sign up can choose from a rotating selection of seasonal fish and shellfish each month and get recipes and tips for how to cook their seafood. Most of the catch will be locally sourced from California fisheries with the occasional offering from the East Coast.
For days when you’re feeling more turf than surf, Cape Seafood and Provisions also has an impressive selection of all-natural USDA Prime steaks and chops. Stop by and check out the wares.
(The header image of Cape Seafood and Provisions’ seafood display case features Maine lobster, striped bass, black sea bass, John Dory and fluke.)