One of my favorite times of the year is finally upon us! If you are crazy about crab then you probably guessed that I am referring to stone crab season, which officially began October 15^th. A delicacy specific to South Florida, these delicious crustaceans are harvested offshore from Florida’s Panhandle to Key West. An interesting fact about stone crab claws is the fact they are the only renewable resource from the water. Crabbers take only one claw from each crab, which is then able to regenerate itself over time. Recreational and commercial fisherman can hunt for stone crabs until May 15^th, when the stone crab season ends. Check out some of the interesting rules that must be followed when trapping stone crabs:

• When catching catch a crab the claws can be removed, but throw back the crab
• Crabs must be captured in baited traps, declawed and released
• Egg bearing females cannot be declawed
• No hooks or spears are allowed
• Stone crab claws must be at least 2¾ inches in length to be harvested legally
• Round entrances (also known as throats or funnels) are not allowed for stone crab traps in state or federal waters off Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties.
• There is a recreational daily bag limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less.

One of the biggest questions surrounding stone crab season this year is whether Hurricane Irma will affect the price of the crabs this year. While that has yet to be determined, some believe prices may increase in an attempt to recoup storm losses. Florida’s annual harvest remains steady at roughly 3 million pounds per year.

Here are my 2 favorite places to go in Fort Lauderdale for mouth-watering stone crabs!

Terra Mare, 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

-With Swedish executive chef Johan Svensson at the helm of the newly opened restaurant, stone crabs will be served Sandinavian style and paired with a refreshing signature drink.

Steak 954, 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

-Stephen Starr’s boutique steakhouse will be offering daily stone crab specials paired with 27-ounce steak. An amazing surf and turf experience!

I hope everyone enjoys the delightful stone crab offerings this year! Grab some friends, melt some butter, and dive into this delicious Florida specialty!

Crave GFL, once known as Dine Out Lauderdale, is truly one of the most highly anticipated food promotions in the city. Extended this year until October 15, all Fort Lauderdale food enthusiasts should find time in their schedule to enjoy the special menus created by some of the area’s top eateries.

45 restaurants are offering three-course dinners for $37, which does not include tax, tip, or drinks. Now in its 11^th year, Crave GFL gives Broward restaurants a chance to boost sales during storm season (the promotion was extended this year due to Hurricane Irma) and also what is a typically slow time for tourism. For locals, it’s a chance to try cuisine that may be at a higher price point than they would normally be willing to spend. Whatever the reason, your taste buds will certainly enjoy the mouthwatering adventure!

Click here to see which Fort Lauderdale restaurants participated in Crave GFL this year. If you plan on taking advantage of the promotion over the weekend, make sure the restaurant you choose offers the Crave menus on Fridays and Saturdays (some do not). Also, check out this culinary calendar and see if there are Crave-related events you would like to attend, such as wine-pairing dinners, chef demonstrations, and mixology classes.

Check Out Some of these Great Participating Restaurants!

Café Maxx

2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. 954-782-0606, CafeMaxx.com

Eduardo de San Angel

2822 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. 954-772-4731, EduardodeSanAngel.com

JWB Prime Steak & Seafood

Margaritaville Resort, 1111 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood. 954-874-4462, JWBRrestaurant.com.

Kuro

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. 954-327-7625,SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com.