Are you tired of it yet? Confused shoppers, arrows and "x's" on the floors, wondering what you’re touching, wondering if you can find what you need- the list goes on. Not that we have anything against them- our local grocery stores are doing a wonderful job trying to keep people safe and fed.
BUT! One of THE best seafood markets in our area has finally reopened in Sebastian, offering fresh and tasty alternatives to the increasingly bare shelves and cases. For fresh fish and seafood fanatics, it’s just what the doctor ordered and couldn't have come a moment to soon! What is so unique and wonderful about this local market is the way they procure their seafood and the many accompanying products they make and sell onsite.
Crab-E-Bills’ seafood is locally sourced and wild caught by a team of dedicated divers and fishermen throughout different locations in Florida. Local products include snapper, grouper, mahi, hogfish, flounder, cobia, pompano, wahoo, sheepshead and triggerfish, tuna, Apalachicola oysters and Florida shrimp & lobster. Right now, they also have lionfish- a sought after delicacy that helps rid our waters of this invasive but totally yummy species.
“Responsible fishing is very important to us as well, so none of our fish are caught using nets. Because of this we also focus on seasonality - so whether it's lobster season or stone crab season, you can expect to find the freshest, seasonal options available right here in our market.”
The market also receives regular overnight shipments of cod, haddock, grey sole, halibut, live Maine lobster and steamer clams.
Crab-E-Bills has an experienced staff that will guide you in your choices, let you know what the best deals are and help you with tips for preparation of whatever you decide to take home. No culinary skills? They have you covered there with freshly prepared options including crab cakes and some of the best smoked fish dip around.
The market is recognized by Slow Food Gold & Treasure Coast, a local chapter of a global organization that advocates for local farmers, ranchers, fishers; animal welfare, preserving food culture and protecting the environment. Crab-E-Bills has received their ‘Snail of Approval' for the quality, authenticity and sustainability in their products.
Crab-E-Bills is open Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There are a few important precautions and stipulations for shopping the market: Shoppers must where a mask or scarf that covers the nose and mouth in order to enter the store, and there is a limit of four customers at a time. Cash is not accepted right now; only credit card swipes with no signature required in order to ensure touch-free payment. Customers can also call in orders over the phone and a friendly staff member will bring the order outside.
You can find this local gem at 1540 Indian River Drive in Sebastian, Florida 32958 or call them at 772-388-2727. They also do a great job of keeping people in the loop with tantalizing video’s and photos of daily arrivals to the market on their Facebook page so you’ll know exactly what’s available. Warning: it will make you hungry!