Where can you buy conch meat? In the day before harvesting-conch-ban in Florida, I had a great spot to snorkel up a bucket off the 7-Mile Bridge, below Marathon. On my first go I knew enough to punch a hole in the shell's back end to release the suction, but rasslin' out the animal left my hands covered with slime so thick and resistant to removal that I ultimately resorted to a scrub with crushed shell at the Bahia Honda campground. And not understanding the pounding process, that was it for me and conch fritters. So, your direction for fresh exotic seafood procurement will be greatly appreciated. Best, Byron
As always, you speak the truth. This little stand in Freeport offered fresh-from-the-fryer conch fritters this past Wednesday. Just excellent. Paired well with a refreshing local brew. And music man Mango covered the sounds.
About 12 years ago I was taking a class at a near by Trade School for Writers. It was the damnest thing I have ever seem , I walked into the class on the first night, and the Professor was actually cooking up some Conk Fritters. I tell you, you just had to see it to believe it. Thanks for the memories Bob.
I have never ordered a conch fritter because I have never felt confident enough of the pronunciation to do so in public. Is the ch sound as in I had fried things for lunch, or as in I got conked in the head? I might have had one at some Jimmy Buffett party get-together, but if so, nobody had the confidence to tell me what I was eating. Have had my share of hush puppies, which, oddly enough, are also shoes. A Caribbean connection? Also attended a "Calf Fry Festival" in Vinita, Okla., and I believe one of the offerings was called a "bronc fritter." I did NOT ask for the recipe.
Just back from a lovely December interlude in the Turks and Caicos. Conch fritters from Sharkey's, the bar within walking distance, were featured. Regularly.
When I lived in the Grove, I used to dine regularly at Monty’s Raw Bar on Bayshore. And by “dine,” I mean drink beer and eat conch fritters. Not the best conch in the world (maybe not even Top 10), but you couldn’t beat the location. People used to call it Monty’s Conch, which wasn’t its real name, but it was the right idea.
Just having returned from Key West I was able to satisfy my cravings for all things Conch. But after reading this I now realize I will have to return to the Island ASAP!
Yum! Makes me want to book a flight to Nassau right now. But in the meantime, I’ll have to be content with frying oysters, which is the freshest shellfish we can get right now in NC….they’re pretty yummy too! Corn meal is the secret 🤫
And just down the road … Scotty’s Landing, which had decent fritters, but it’s gone now. Dammit.
Hi Bob
Where can you buy conch meat? In the day before harvesting-conch-ban in Florida, I had a great spot to snorkel up a bucket off the 7-Mile Bridge, below Marathon. On my first go I knew enough to punch a hole in the shell's back end to release the suction, but rasslin' out the animal left my hands covered with slime so thick and resistant to removal that I ultimately resorted to a scrub with crushed shell at the Bahia Honda campground. And not understanding the pounding process, that was it for me and conch fritters. So, your direction for fresh exotic seafood procurement will be greatly appreciated. Best, Byron
The fish market near me has frozen conch for about $14-15/pound. Muy easy and no bloody knuckles….
As always, you speak the truth. This little stand in Freeport offered fresh-from-the-fryer conch fritters this past Wednesday. Just excellent. Paired well with a refreshing local brew. And music man Mango covered the sounds.
A Sands, also a Bahamas brew. I tried both (investigative research).
Would that be Kalik or a Banks that you enjoyed? Good stuff …
About 12 years ago I was taking a class at a near by Trade School for Writers. It was the damnest thing I have ever seem , I walked into the class on the first night, and the Professor was actually cooking up some Conk Fritters. I tell you, you just had to see it to believe it. Thanks for the memories Bob.
And it smelled up all of Rollins College.
I have never ordered a conch fritter because I have never felt confident enough of the pronunciation to do so in public. Is the ch sound as in I had fried things for lunch, or as in I got conked in the head? I might have had one at some Jimmy Buffett party get-together, but if so, nobody had the confidence to tell me what I was eating. Have had my share of hush puppies, which, oddly enough, are also shoes. A Caribbean connection? Also attended a "Calf Fry Festival" in Vinita, Okla., and I believe one of the offerings was called a "bronc fritter." I did NOT ask for the recipe.
Just back from a lovely December interlude in the Turks and Caicos. Conch fritters from Sharkey's, the bar within walking distance, were featured. Regularly.
When I lived in the Grove, I used to dine regularly at Monty’s Raw Bar on Bayshore. And by “dine,” I mean drink beer and eat conch fritters. Not the best conch in the world (maybe not even Top 10), but you couldn’t beat the location. People used to call it Monty’s Conch, which wasn’t its real name, but it was the right idea.
Another delicous visit to Bob's Diner !!!
Just having returned from Key West I was able to satisfy my cravings for all things Conch. But after reading this I now realize I will have to return to the Island ASAP!
Your quest was fun, and your conch fritters are without question the tastiest, crunchiest that I’ve ever tasted. Most excellent.
Yum! Makes me want to book a flight to Nassau right now. But in the meantime, I’ll have to be content with frying oysters, which is the freshest shellfish we can get right now in NC….they’re pretty yummy too! Corn meal is the secret 🤫
Yes, those corn-meal fried oysters really work! I’ll eat ‘em until my stomach rises and falls with the tides.
My mouth is watering. While I’d love to try this recipe, I fear living in New England the odds of getting conch meat is slim to none. 🫤
Yeah, might be tough to find conch up your way. Try it with shrimp or clams. I’ve even made fritters with calamari in a pinch.
Love your quest and the shared recipe. Keep 'em coming.....
If you care to give it a shot, Lombardi’s has good frozen conch from Turks and Caicos.
Sounds delicious. I got some in the Keys one yr with Zandy. Hmm hmm good 👍
Eat mo’ conch…
How about a "Gator Bob's Conch Fritter & Rhum Festival?
Yummo 😋😋
Oh yeah!!!