Costas Inn

Do You Know Your Seafood Vocabulary?

Every seafood lover might not know every word that there is to describe their favorite food.

Every seafood lover might not know every word that there is to describe their favorite food. After all, they could love seafood because of the way it tastes, looks, or even smells. Seafood is delicious, especially when it’s cooked, although some aficionados swear by eating it raw. Either way, here’s a glimpse of some seafood vocabulary that you can pick up on.

Ceviche

Ceviche is one of the many forms of raw seafood that is considered a delicacy. In particular, it’s massively popular in the coastal parts of Latin America, although you can find it at upscale establishments here in the States. The main ingredients are some fish or clams, mussels, or shrimp cured with a citrus juice such as lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit. Then, they’re spiced with a variety of chili peppers. Onions and cilantro are also added as garnishes for even more flavor.  

Crudo

Crudo means “raw” in Italian, and it’s used to describe meat and fish. It is sliced thin and given a drizzle of oil, too. Usually, it is extra virgin olive oil that is used. Then a citric acid such as lemon or lime is introduced. Finally, some fresh herbs are laid over the entire appetizer. Since they’re so light, they’re often enjoyed as a first or second course before more substantial fare comes along.  

Razor Clams

Razor clams might not be something that you’re used to seeing, whether or not you have clams in a pasta dish or on their own as another appetizer. They look like a barber’s straight razor when they are closed; they are long and narrow. Though often served raw, they can also be lightly cooked and garnished with breadcrumbs, nuts, peppers, and spices.

Roe

Roe is the word for fish eggs, or the eggs of other types of seafood, including shrimp and scallops. You’ll find this term most commonly associated with caviar, which has long been regarded as a treat for upper-class gatherings. The caviar comes from wild sturgeon, a fish that is typically sourced from the Black Sea or the Caspian Sea.

YOUR SEAFOOD DESTINATION

Costas Inn has been a Baltimore tradition since 1971. You may recognize our restaurant, which was recently featured on the Food Network with Michael Symon on Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que! We were also voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today, as well as #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal. You may have also spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.

You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for any time eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!