Off the Hook: A Sampling of Sustainable Seafood

Photo by Spin PR Group

By Kelly Grace Thomas

Edible Skinny has always been a sucker for fresh, delicious seafood, but as conscious consumers we have concerns about the sustainability of our oceans' cuisine. Thankfully this weekend everyone can enjoy unlimited seafood samplings, guilt free, at the first-ever Off the Hook Santa Monica Seafood Festival on Saturday October 17.  Created in accordance with National Seafood Month, Off the Hook hopes to raise community awareness regarding sustainable seafood while showcasing some of Santa Monica’s finest coastal cuisine.

Photo by Spin PR Group

Held on the Santa Monica Pier from 3pm to 7pm, this delicious event includes all-you-can-eat seafood tastings, beer gardens, live music, interactive displays, cooking demos, oyster shucking competitions and educational programs. The aim of the of the event is both education and appreciation with talks such as What is ‘Local’ Seafood,” “History of Fishing on the Pier,” How We Can Support Local Fisherman” and “Understanding Where Your Fish Comes From,” as well as other marine-inspired activities. This is an opportunity to be educate yourself on sustainable seafood, teaching you where, when and what to buy and enjoy.

“We need to eat more of the right kinds of seafood to support human and ocean health,” said Kim Thompson, Program Manager for Seafood for the Future. “We are delighted to partner with Off The Hook to highlight and celebrate the important role that local seafood from well-managed wild-capture fisheries and environmentally responsible aquaculture play in the bigger picture of responsible seafood!”

Photo by Spin PR Group

A portion of proceeds will benefit Seafood For the Future, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s nonprofit seafood advisory program. Seafood for the Future works closely with aquaculture producers seafood supplies, fisherman, chef and restauranteurs as well as representatives from the government, academia, and NGO sectors to promote healthy and responsible seafood choices.

And who better to showcase these succulent sea samplings than Santa Monica’s finest. Each of these local restaurants will be preparing a dish that represents the diverse talent, and innovative style of each individual eatery. Participating restaurants include The Lobster, Geoffrey’s Malibu, Del Frisco’s Grille, FIG Santa Monica, The Farm, Il Grano, Gladstone’s, James’ Beach, Bubba Gump, Manchego, Whiskey Red’s, Rusty’s Surf Ranch and more. Other exhibitors include Santa Monica Seafood, Santa Monica Aquarium, Bulletproof® Coffee, Boxed Water, The Jolly Oyster and Moet ICE.

Photo by Spin PR Group

Tickets are $60 in advance, and include unlimited food tastings, beer, wine and champagne, You can also enjoy live music and talks at the educational pavilion. The Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge tickets are $90 in advance and include access to the VIP Lounge presented by Santa Monica Seafood, ATOD Magazine and Fresh Wata with reserved seating, curated cocktails by Green Bar Distillery, beer, wine, raw bar, chef demos and more.

Off the Hook is sponsored by Shock Top, Spin PR Group, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Santa Monica Daily Press, LA Weekly, ATOD Magazine, Time Out LA, Angeleno Magazine, Yelp, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Santa Monica Free Ride, Bulletproof® Coffee, Fresh Wata, Boxed Water, Cheeky, Green Bar Distillery, Santa Monica Seafood and Moet & Chandon Champagne.

So if you're like us and you go crazy for crustaceans, or your mouth waters at a grilled piece of Mahi, look no further than the Off the Hook seafood extravaganza, a chance to appreciate and educate yourself on delicious, eco friendly seafood.