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No one should miss the opportunity to sit down to a dinner of fresh shellfish. Living near a coastline would obviously be the easiest way to enjoy such a dinner. Although residents of inland communities may not have as easy access, they may step out to the local fishmonger or restaurant in the area specializing in fresh shellfish who likely have their produce shipped in fresh on a daily basis. A more convenient option is to purchase fresh shellfish from a reputable online store. As Fedex offers overnight delivery within the continental US, you can enjoy a fresh seafood meal on a regular basis without having to settle for the poor substitute of a frozen entree.

Lobster is, of course, the greatest dish among all seafood. However, the first person to try and eat one must have been courageous, and they were not popular for many years. A little known fact is that lobster, though now an expensive delicacy, was once the food of the lower class. Though this is true, it's probably of little consolation when one has to pay $11.95 per pound in stores, or as much as $29.95 in a restaurant. Most times, it's best to order lobster online to ensure that you are getting it as fresh as possible. That way, one can order it fresh from the coast on which it was caught and have it shipped direct, even to the deserts of Arizona.

When preparing lobster at home purchase one live and kicking from your local fish market or seafood counter and bring them home. Be certain not to store them in fresh water as that will kill them, just seal them up in the fridge and plan to at them that evening as lobster doesn't keep very well.

Here's the tough part. Each lobster, sadly, will have to give its life for your meal, and you are the one who has to make it happen. To do it humanely, you can drop them into water that is at a violent rolling boil, or you can put them out of their misery first by inserting the point of a knife briskly between the head and the body, which kills them instantly. If you choose the second option, they can be steamed in less water. You can also grill them.

Serve your lobster with some butter and lemon, put on a bib, and don't stand on ceremony. There are tasty morsels of meat all throughout the shell. Green tomalley or red roe which you may find in the body is edible as well, and gourmets prize it.

This type of ocean-based meal doesn't need limit itself to lobster, of course. What about trying some fresh shellfish like mussels (just scrub them well and steam them in water, wine or broth)? What about steamer clams, which you steam and then dip in clam broth to wash any remaining sand from the beach? Oysters are popular fried, baked, and even raw. And then there's shrimp, langoustines, crayfish? To enjoy the gift of the sea, these are all delicious ways.

If these kinds of seafood are all still somewhat frightening, there is another choice for the light hearted. The option of going into your grocer and purchasing a bit of clam chowder is always open. Fresh fish isn't bad either, but you'll still get that briny taste of the ocean. Serve with oyster crackers, a dash of cream and lots of ground black pepper. Lastly, enjoy and pretend your on the beach.