It’s been said that Harbor Fish Market is synonymous with Maine’s iconic industry and has become a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s the ultimate authority on Maine seafood.

9 Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine, has been the site of a fish market since sometime in the late 1800’s. It became the Harbor Fish Market when the Alfiero family purchased it in 1966. Nick Alfiero is the owner of Harbor Fish along with his two brothers, Ben and Mike. Their father founded the iconic seafood market, located on Custom House Warf, in 1969.

Now for the first time, the family behind the successful business shares some of its favourite seafood recipes in this collection of more than 50 dishes. In Harbor Fish Market: Seafood recipes from Maine, the Alfiero family’s 30+ years of expertise comes to life with crab cakes and baked clams that would make any true Mainer proud. But it also includes a few dishes that go beyond tradition like scallop ceviche and a lobster roll with crème fraiche and lemon.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Maine cookbook without various takes on chowder and fish stew. There’s crab-meat and corn chowder, a Scandinavian fish chowder, a lobster stew, an Italian fish chowder, a Scandinavian fish chowder and an Italian twist on fish stew called cioppino which is made with non-classic fish stew ingredients like mushrooms, oregano, curry powder and lime juice. What makes this book even more appealing is how Asian and Italian influences come to play as well. This fusion adds an interesting dimension to some traditional Maine seafood dishes.

With this book, you’ll master some fundamental techniques on how to grill seafood and create fish stock. You’ll also get some handy tips on how to buy fish, cook lobster and how to properly fillet and skin a fish, making this that must-have practical cookbook you’ll keep in your kitchen for years to come.

Harbor Fish Market: Seafood recipes from Maine (Down East Books) is available for $29.99 at amazon.ca or Down East Books. Visit the Harbor Fish Market at 9 Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine for your personalized signed copy.