Courtesy The Gourmet Review

University Seafood is a fourth generation, family owned seafood and poultry business known to locals in Seattle, Washington for over 67 years. If you phone in an order from anywhere in the world, you’ll probably talk to Dale or Jeanette Erickson, or you might as easily connect with their grandson. It’s a tradition for this family to have customers see familiar faces or hear familiar voices, whether they pick up an order in person or place an order for Copper River salmon from across the globe.

Courtesy The Gourmet Review

I asked Dale how long it takes between catching the fish, such as salmon or halibut, to when the fish arrives at the store. According to Dale, the boats come in at the end of the day in Alaska, shipments are processed that evening and are  ready for a next day  flight to Seattle. One of the Erickson family picks up the shipment at the airport the next morning. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Courtesy The Gourmet Review

The store may be small, but that doesn’t stop  customers from picking out a live Maine lobster, fresh oysters, halibut, or seafood from the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the South Pacific, Asia, Canada, South America or the Mediterranean.

Courtesy The Gourmet Review

There’s something really nice about getting fresh seafood from a family that is committed to the highest standards of sustainability and good health.

Courtesy The Gourmet Review

You don’t need to be in the Pacific Northwest to phone in an order at 206-632-3900. I always add a few extra seafood specialties.  I know that the next morning, Federal  Express will have a box at my door. Check out their website at http://www.universityseafoodandpoultry.com.

NOTE 

You might just as easily speak to Drew, who is the Erikson’s 26 year old grandson. Jeanette told me this morning that Drew has been helping out since he was three years old. Or, Chuck might answer the phone, and he’s been working here since his 20’s. That might not seem impressive until I tell you that he is in his 60’s now! Or, perhaps Mike, who has been here for 35 years. Now, the newbies, such as Harold and Martin, have only been here for 20+ years! No wonder customers feel at home here.

P.S.  No, I don’t get paid for this endorsement. I just love to support this family owned business. I’m never disappointed. I make sure I don’t just limit my selection to salmon and halibut, or any other seafood in particular, but always include my favorite Dungeness crab and shrimp for salads for the week. Or, if entertaining, I make sure I order some beautiful whole Dungeness crab legs to serve with mustard sauce or fresh lemon juice.

– The Gourmet Review