From the tropical beaches of Senegal, Les Grands Viviers sends some of the most exotic fish in the world to Samuels every week.  The owner of the company, Adama Diane, made the trip across the pond to sit down with us as he tells the story of the local Senegalese fishermen whose livelihoods are based on fishing in the east Atlantic Ocean.  He also discusses some of the responsible fishing measures being put into place in his home country. Some of the unique fish caught in these waters are Parrotfish, Rouget, Scorpionfish, Jumbo Squid, John Dory and Grouper. Adama highlights the contrast between artisanal boats and commercial vessels along with painting a picture of the fishmonger life in Senegal.  The group also discusses nightlife in Senegal and doing aerobics underwater.

Listen to two fishmongers from New York who have made their mark at Samuels & Son Seafood selling seafood throughout the country and buying fish from around the world. John Monteleone has experience in the stock market, and found a unique match switching gears to selling large quantities of seafood to retailers and wholesalers everywhere. Joe Sarcona garnered his experience in the heart of the Bronx, at the legendary Fulton Fish Market before joining the purchasing team at Samuels. Here, Joe sources giant Swordfish, Tuna, live Shellfish and more.  Anthony D’Angelo makes a guest appearance and speaks with the gang about all the changes recently made in the Philadelphia fish market scene.

Dave Mergle is a leader in seafood marketing and a key force behind the launch and success of Skuna Bay Salmon’s iconic “Craft Raised Salmon” brand.  Dave also has experience as a market leader of Blue Ocean Mariculture, producer of Hawaiian Kanpachi. 

Join us as Dave muses on about helping change the viewpoint of farm raised Salmon among chefs, switching gears to a different species in Hawaii, and the experience he attained by working for brands such as Red Bull and Stella Artois.  Dave has a great story of the hardships and successes of the sustainable aquaculture industry today.

Looking for info on Skuna Bay Salmon and Hawaiian Kanpachi? Check them out on Instagram @skunabay and @hawaiiankanpachi

Our interviews from Day 3 at the Boston Seafood Expo! The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program (1:00-9:27). The Marine Stewardship Council (9:27-37:16). Sam D'Angelo and Marty Mazzetta (37:17-52:48). Nordic Halibut (52:48-1:00:37). Bristol Seafood and Mark Foods (1:00:37-1:07:20). Mauritius Island Fish Farmers (107:20-1:14:41). Final Recap with the Samuels Squad (1:14:41-1:31:2&) 

Our interviews from Day 2 at the Boston Seafood Expo!

Samuels VP Joe Lasprogata and Ernie Panacek (:55-25:54). Triad Fisheries (25:54-36:46). Chef Guy Mitchell of the White House (36:46-47:37). Fiona of District Fish Wife (47:38-1:00:15). Bean Maine Lobster (1:00:16-1:08:33). American Mussel Harvesters (1:08:33-1:16:20). Jimmy's Famous Seafood (1:16:21-1:28:22). Purefish & Astan Tuna (1:28:22-1:47:55). Samuels Recap (1:47:55-2:04:53). 

Our “Lost Tapes” from the Boston Seafood Expo!

1:00-11:50 - Dick Steinberg, a fishmonger of over 50 years. And Joe Campbell of Chickie's and Pete's.

In our debut episode of Monger, we sit down with Yong Kim, owner of Bluefin Restaurant, with locations in East Norriton, Bala Cynwood, and Exton, PA. Yong Kim came to the US from South Korea, and brought with him a taste of high caliber Korean cuisine for a new audience. Hear the story of how Yong Kim, using hand-selected, high quality ingredients from Samuels Seafood, aims to bring restaurant quality Sushi to the more mainstream takeout scene.