This week culminates with two holidays - Easter and Passover - and just about all of us staring into the rose-colored glasses of Spring.  Even the rainy days won’t slow down the sunshine.  With winter completely in the rearview, it’s time to ramp up the new season selections and open the patios for more seating.  However, with changing tides - come migrating fish, so it’s best to talk to your Fortune specialists early and often to make sure your menus are covered.
 
Spanish Mackerel are in their seasonal swoon.  Fish are leaving Florida and headed to the Mid-Atlantic for their summer swimming grounds.  This means there won’t be much of anything on the Mackerel front for a few weeks.  Supply will be spotty to say the least, so have a substitution ready.
 
Rough seas are making Halibut fishing a shaky enterprise.  Boats are out battling the waves with fish landing sporadically.  We have fish flying in daily, but it is best to stay ahead of your head count and secure your inventory a few days out.  Relying on smaller purchases could have you chasing your tail come the end of the week. 
 
Big seafood producing countries like Iceland, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Brazil will be taking a week off from fishing in reverence of the holidays this weekend.  We could see some disruptions next week for Cod, Mahi, Sword, and Tuna.  Consider that the full moon is Saturday, and we could have some empty spaces in the cooler.  It will be very important to communicate your needs with our Fortune representatives so that we can help you keep the product flowing.
 
Lobster prices are finally coming down from their stratospheric highs.  Maine and Canada are beginning to produce fresh catch and things should only get better going forward.  We expect to have fresh picked meat by the beginning of May, so it’s time to rethink this delicious crawler.  All things considered, the Spring offers more good news than bad, so cheer up and gear up, brighter days are ahead. 

Gourmet Gab

There is so much anticipation for Spring after a long winter, and Easter comes just in time to celebrate a bounty of bursting seasonal flavors. Look outside and nature reminds us of the changing period, the grass is a little greener, flowers are popping everywhere and a sense of longing for what’s ahead is almost inevitable.

Fortune’s portfolio also changes with the season, making it a priority to offer the best products at their first availability. Ramp season is just ramping up (no pun intended!), and weekly orders are coming in on a pre-order basis. Weather served simply sauteed or pickled and preserved for lasting flavors, customers go wild for ramps.

While foraged greens scream Spring, we couldn’t forget the center of the plate: Lamb. Fortune carries an extensive portfolio of lamb options, from legs to racks, and anything in between. We support programs like Niman Ranch, and traditional imported Australian and New Zealand options. Our sales team is here to help with the best selection and availability.

Don't forget to finish off your holiday meal without something sweet. Delicious brunch awaits us, and nothing better to top fresh biscuits or toast than Velvet Bees Honey Butter. The indulgent perfectly velvety mixture of butter, cream, vanilla and sea salt is the perfect smear for baked goods and bread. And if that is not enough, Lilly’s Baking brings traditional and seasonal cookie flavors, sure to bring a wave of childhood memories.