Foodservice Resource Center - FAQs

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What is Santa Monica Seafood’s minimum order?
Our minimum order is $300. Any orders under $300 will be assessed a $25 delivery charge.

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How late can I call an order in?
All orders must be called, emailed or faxed into our offices by 11:00 pm for next day delivery. If you are in the Phoenix area the orders must be received by 10:00 pm for next day delivery. Any orders requiring portioning or shucked clams and oysters will need to be received by 12:00 noon for next day delivery.

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How many days does Santa Monica Seafood deliver?
Most areas are delivered 6 days per week with the exception of Phoenix which is delivered 3 days a week. Please contact our customer service department for exact days and times of deliveries for your area. Here is a summary by county/state:

Regions Served
Los Angeles County, CA
Santa Barbara County, CA    
San Diego County, CA
San Bernardino County, CA
Riverside County, CA
Coachella Valley (Palm Springs), CA
Santa Ynez Valley, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ		 Days of Deliveries
6
6
6
6
6
6
4
6
3

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How are King Crab Legs and Claws graded?
King Crab Legs and Claws (commonly referred to as sections) are graded in a unique and sometime confusing manner. All of the King Crab sections come packed in 20 lb. cases yet are sized based the number of legs and claws in every 10 lbs measurement. In every 20 lb cases there are 12 pieces of claws and up to 5% of the pack could legally be comprised of broken pieces. The sizing is as follows:

4/6
6/9
9/12
12/14
14/17
16/20
20/24
20/up		 Equates to 8/12 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to 12/18 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to 18/24 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to 24/28 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to 28/34 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to 32/40 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to 40/48 legs per case and 12 claws.
Equates to at least 40 legs per case and 12 claws.

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What does the letter on the side of the west Australian lobster tail refer to?
The letter refers to the size of the lobster tails in the case. The grading is as follows:

A
B1
B2
C
D
E
F
G
H
J		 5/6 oz
6/7 oz
7/8 oz
8/10 oz
10/12 oz
12/16 oz
16/20 oz
20/24 oz
24/28 oz
28/32 oz

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When is Copper River salmon available?
The Chinook (King) and Sockeye salmon, arriving in early May & June, are primarily the first salmon of the season to return to the rivers and streams of Alaska. The season for these fish is relatively short with a run of 4 to 5 weeks. The fishery is tightly controlled by the Alaskan Fish and Game Department.

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How many species of oysters are there?
Contrary to many beliefs, there are only 5 species of oysters. They are as follows:

The Eastern or American Oysters - Crassostrea virginica
The Pacific Oyster - Crassostrea gigas
The Olympia or Native Oyster - Ostrea lurida
The Kumamoto Oyster - Crassostrea sikamea
The European/Flat Oyster - Ostrea edulis

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What is the definition of a “dry scallop”?
A dry scallop is 82% moisture or less when fresh. Anything above 82% moisture becomes a processed or scallop product.

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What steps is Santa Monica Seafood taking in regard to sustainability and resource management?
Santa Monica Seafood’s deep interest in fisheries management and environmental responsibility extends over four generations.  Seafood is our only business and we intend to be around for generations to come by serving not only the freshest and most healthful seafood, but by actively identifying, rewarding and encouraging the more environmentally sustainable fisheries, individual fishers and farmers with our and your business.

Our vision is that responsible seafood sourcing carries the obligation to only deal with companies, countries and governments that conserve and holistically manage their fish and habitat resources assuring diversity and sufficient quantities of fishery products to the maximum benefit of present and future generations everywhere.

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Is wild, fresh salmon available during the winter?
Yes, but on a very limited basis. There is a winter fishery off the coast of southeast Alaska. These fish are always hook and line caught and of the highest quality. Since landings tend be very low, prices are at their highest point of the year. The species caught during the winter fishery is the king (Chinook).

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What is the season for fresh, wild salmon?
The season varies by state and country. However, as previously stated, wild salmon from the west coast is available year round. The landings tend to increase starting as early as February, reach their peak in July and taper off in October.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood carry caviar?
Yes, we stock a complete line of caviars and roes. Please contact our customer service department for specific information and pricing.

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What does Santa Monica Seafood carry besides seafood?
Santa Monica Seafood prides itself on being the seafood expert. However, we also inventory other complimentary items. We currently stock a complete assortment of seafood and non-seafood appetizers and our line of homemade ravioli from Cucina della Cucina.

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How many types of fresh oysters does Santa Monica Seafood stock?
Santa Monica Seafood attempts to stock at least 8 varieties of oysters on a year round basis. Since seasons and availability change please contact us for an up to date offering. We also have the ability to special order a wide variety of oysters that may not be in stock at the time. The lead time for a special order is 5 days.

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Is it true that oysters, clams and mussels should not be eaten in months with the letter “r” in them?
This is a common misconception that has been around for years. All shellfish spawn when water temperatures rise during the summer months. During this spawning period all shellfish are at their weakest and least flavorful point. Fortunately, with the advent of aquaculture and the ability to air freight product from all of over the world, our buyers at Santa Monica Seafood are able to source products from areas that are not being affected. We will source from areas in different hemispheres such as New Zealand and Chile. We will also source from farms in the northern hemisphere that place their racks and ropes in deeper colder waters.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood provide services to open clams and oysters?
Yes, Santa Monica Seafood has the ability to open all clams and oysters. All orders must placed by 12:00 noon for a next day delivery. We do not take orders for a Sunday delivery. All shellfish are opened and placed on the half shell. The product is layered in boxes with sealed ice bags on top of each layer to preserves their integrity during shipment.

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Is Atlantic salmon safe to eat?
Santa Monica Seafood goes to great lengths to ensure the wholesomeness and safety of its seafood supply. Our Atlantic salmon is sourced from farms that constantly check their fish for disease or elevated levels of PCB’s and other carcinogens. They do use artificial coloring agents and the feed consists of all natural products.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood stock natural or organic salmon?
Santa Monica Seafood stocks a number of different salmon that are deemed natural. Please note that no salmon can be marketed as organic within the state of California. Currently we stock natural king salmon from British Columbia, as well as all natural Irish and Scottish Atlantic salmon. Please contact your sales representative for pricing and availability.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood stock seafood products that I can use for staff meals?
Santa Monica Seafood stocks a complete line of low cost/high quality frozen, portioned controlled, breaded and un-breaded products. Please contact your sales representative for a complete line of offerings.

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Are swordfish and tuna safe to offer my clients?
Yes, both species are safe to eat but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood stock sashimi grade seafood?
Santa Monica Seafood carries a number of sashimi grade products on a regular basis and has the ability to source products not currently in stock. We require a 24 hour notice for special orders.

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How long is the shelf life of pasteurized crab meat?
Since the product is pasteurized the crabmeat has an extended shelf life of one year from date of production. The production date is located on the top of each can.

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What is the season for Maryland soft shell crabs?
The season typically runs from May 10th to September 10th.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood carry live crayfish?
This is a special order product but we do source them on a regular basis. Please allow 24 hours for a special order request to be filled.

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What is the season for California White Sea bass?
California White Sea bass season takes place from early June through September, but fish are often shipped in from Mexico beginning in early spring.

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If Santa Monica Seafood does not currently stock an item, can it be special ordered?
In the event we do not stock a product you may request information on availability and pricing from your sales representative. All special ordered products require a lead time of 1 to 5 days, are non-refundable and cannot be returned for credit. Once an order is placed the order cannot be cancelled.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood own its own boats?
We do not own our own vessels but we still attempt to purchase as close to the source as possible. In some cases we will purchase direct from the boat captain or owner but we also utilize a broker and a first receiver network to ensure we have the ability to select from the best part of the catch.

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When does Santa Monica Seafood receive its seafood products?
Santa Monica Seafood receives fresh and frozen seafood on a daily basis. All of our deliveries arrive at our fully temperature-controlled receiving facility via air freight or truck. Depending on the point of origin some products could be in transit for as little as a few hours to as many as 4 days which is the case with products from Europe.

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How can I arrange for a plant tour?
You can always check with your sales representative to arrange a visit. Since the facility is temperature controlled proper footwear and warm clothing is recommended. You can also view our facility via our web site video page. DVD’s are also available.

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Can I order online?
Yes, Santa Monica Seafood has online ordering. You can view our on-line tutorial on our website(link to tutorial) or simply contact your sales representative for more information.

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Who do I call in case of an emergency with my order?
Every Santa Monica Seafood sales representative is available via email or cell phone 24/7.  Please make it a point to have your sales rep’s contact information made available to you when you place an order or open an account.

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If I have an emergency on the weekend or after hours can I buy seafood at Santa Monica Seafood’s retail stores and have it billed to my account?
Our two retails stores in Costa Mesa and Santa Monica act independent of our foodservice department and do not have access to foodservice pricing or invoicing capabilities. In the event product is required you MUST contact your sales representative first. They will then contact the store manager to see if the product and quantity you are requesting are available. In the event it is, we can arrange for the product to be ready at a specified time for pick up at either one of the locations. You will be asked to sign a bill of lading that will be transferred to your account on the next business day.

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I see Santa Monica Seafood sells scallops and rock shrimp by the gallon. How many pounds are in a gallon?
There are 8 lbs per gallon and all orders should be placed in gallon increments since we do not break the containers.

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Do you have Santa Barbara Spot Prawns on a regular basis?
If the weather is cooperative we do stock the locally caught spot prawns on a regular basis. Please contact us for daily availability updates.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood stock live Maine lobster?
Santa Monica Seafood boasts one of the best live tanks systems on the west coast. We stock more than 7,000 lbs of live Maine lobster at all times. We inventory lobsters that range in size from 1 to 4 lbs. In the event larger lobsters are required please contact us for availability. In addition to Maine lobsters, we stock California spiny lobsters when in season, live Dungeness crabs and Santa Barbara Spot Prawns.

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Is Santa Monica Seafood HACCP Certified?
Santa Monica has been HACCP certified since 1995. Our 61,000 square foot facility in Rancho Dominguez is fully temperature-controlled and all records are maintained on site.

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How do I become a foodservice customer?
Two criteria must be fulfilled. First, you need to have the capability to purchase at least $1000 of product per week. Second, you must complete our credit application so credit terms can be determined. In the event you are unable to purchase an average of $1000 per week you may still purchase through one of our two retail locations. Our retail store managers are more than happy to work with you on the most competitive pricing.

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What are Santa Monica Seafood’s credit terms?
Our credit terms are based upon a complete review of your credit application and your financial history by our credit committee. Our credit terms are tailored to meet the needs of our clients and their business model. They may range from cash or credit card terms, and up to 30 days for payment.

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How many days are oysters, clams and mussels good for?
Santa Monica Seafood receives clams, oysters and mussels at least twice a week and in some cases up to 4 days a week. It usually takes at least 3 days but more commonly, 4 days for the shellfish to arrive once they have been harvested. Therefore, in order to get shellfish with tags that indicate the shellfish are less than 4 days out of the water is not feasible. We ensure that all shellfish are fine for at least 6 days if properly stored and handled. (Please see our shellfish handling instructions). There is no need to return product with shellfish tags that are less than 6 days from date of harvest. When looking at shellfish tags to determine how long since they have been harvested one should always look for the “pull date” on the tags. This is the date at which the oyster has been pulled from its natural environment or its wet storage tank.

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Does Santa Monica Seafood carry fresh European Dover Sole?
We do not stock them on a regular basis but they can be special ordered. We must have all orders by 12:00 on Mondays for a Friday delivery. The minimum order is 25 lbs. We also stock a complete line of frozen Dover Soles from Holland. We stock three sizes – 14/16 oz; 16/20 oz; and 20/24 oz.

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When purchasing a frozen item, I see the initials “I.Q.F.” next to the product description. What does this mean?
I.Q.F. means “individually quick frozen”. Rather than having the product frozen in one solid block the pieces are individually frozen which makes it easier for the user to work with. Items such as scallops, Dover Sole and peeled and de-veined shrimp are usually packed in this manner.

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What temperature should fresh seafood be upon arriving at my establishment?
All county health departments stipulate that fresh seafood must be received at a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

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Can Santa Monica Seafood ship product to cities that it does not currently service?
Yes, we have the ability to ship product anywhere within the United States. All orders must placed by 12:00 noon the day prior. We do not ship products on Saturday.

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How do I properly defrost frozen seafood and shellfish?
We recommend that all frozen seafood be defrosted by placing it in a cooler for 24 to 36 hours (depending upon the density of the product). Never force thaw a product by running it under running water. Not only does this reduce the flavor of the product but it is also a health hazard.

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What is best way to store live clams, mussels and oysters?
Santa Monica Seafood has prepared a handout identifying the best way to store and handle all live shellfish (click here for Shellfish Handling Tips).

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