Holiday Meal Alternatives

VERONICA BOSLEY

HOLIDAY MEAL

[ by jill doczi ]

ith shortages of products, lack of processing staff and shipping difficulties, you may find yourself searching for, and unable to find, a traditional holiday main dish, or maybe you feel like trying something a little different this year. Another idea: Plan on having two or three smaller options so you have backups and variety for your family and guests. A great way to be in-the-know on the supply chain issues is to create a relationship with your local fishmonger, farmer, butcher or even supermarket and use their advice to help plan your meals. Find your new sources at farmers markets, small independent shops and farms. Go to the counter at the supermarket and strike up a conversation with the butcher there. Instead of a turkey, some options include trying a whole duck, goose or game bird, like pheasant. If you usually like a prime rib, try a smaller tenderloin or even a loin roast, cooked the same way as the prime rib. Rockfish or stripers can easily substitute for turkey or roast, or serve as an additional protein option to accompany the main protein for a larger crowd.

Take the time to experiment with new options, or support a local or regional producer this season and prepare a special meal with some new ingredients.

Some independent butchers and fishmongers in the area:

NORFOLK Pendulum Fine Meats 820 Shirley Ave. Norfolk, VA 23517 757-962-6990 pendulummeats.com George’s Seafood 3347 Chesapeake Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23513 757-858-5502 Ghent Seafood 100 W. 20th St. Norfolk, VA 23517 757-622-2702

VIRGINIA BEACH Village Butcher Shop 1608 Hilltop West Shopping Center Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-422-5012 villagebutcherofvirginia beach.com The Country Butcher Shop 3640 Dam Neck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23453 757-385-4388 Facebook: The Country Butcher Shop Welton’s Seafood Market 940 Laskin Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 232451 757-428-6740 Shellfish Company 3323 Shore Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-481-7512 shellfishcova.com

Beach ‘N Seafood 3640 Dam Neck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23453 757-689-8413 beachnseafood.com Bonney & Sons Seafood and Produce 1973 Indian River Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23456 757-721-5999 Facebook: Bonney & Sons Seafood and Produce

Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center 3311 Shore Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-481-4545 www.fishingvabeach.com Spot’s Fish Co. 2105 W. Great Neck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-481-1585 Facebook: Spot’s Fish Co.

CHESAPEAKE Central Meats & Almost Catered 1120 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake, VA 23320 757-547-2161 www.centralmeats.com

Wicker’s Crab Pot 4201 Indian River Rd. Chesapeake, VA 23325 757-351-2724 www.wickerscrabpot.com/ live-seafood-market

SUFFOLK Mike’s Country Meats 4084 Godwin Blvd. Suffolk, Va 23434 Facebook: Mike’s Country Meats

NEWPORT NEWS Uncle Nick’s 339 35th St. Newport News, VA 23607 757-380-5821 (call ahead to place orders) De Maria’s Seafood 12544 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, VA 23606 757-930-3474 Facebook: De Maria’s Seafood

HAMPTON Armory Seafood Co. 101 S. King St. Hampton, VA 23669 757-722-1915 www.amoryseafood.com Graham & Rollins, Inc. 509 Bassette St. Hampton, VA 23669 757-722-8168 www.grahamandrollins.com

POQUOSON Captain Harrell’s Seafood Market 100 Wythe Creek Rd. #1910 Poquoson, VA 23662 757-868-9909 www.captainharrells.com Bill Forrest Seafood 287 Messick Rd. Poquoson, VA 23662 757-868-6820 Facebook: Bill Forrest Seafood

WILLIAMSBURG Uncle Russ’ Dockside Seafood Market 5242 Olde Towne Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23188 757-903-4944 www.unclerussseafood. com

PORTSMOUTH A&A Seafood Market 3126 High St. Portsmouth, VA 23707 757-393-1928