When it comes to top quality seafood dining and shopping, Wetaskiwin’s Fisherman’s Wharf should be at the top of everyone’s list.
Owners and operators Jeanette and Dave Lutz have been in business in Wetaskiwin’s downtown core for almost a year and a half now, offering seafood so fresh you would scarcely believe it.
Before opening their restaurant, Dave said he traveled to Edmonton for seafood and worked with Pat Batten, a fishmonger with contacts around the world. Batten became Fisherman’s Wharf’s prime supplier, bringing fresh Icelandic fish directly to Edmonton, only an hour from Wetaskiwin.
Dave said the Icelandic fish, always hand-cut, at Fisherman’s Wharf is 24 to 36 hours from the time it was swimming around in the North Atlantic to when it’s on your plate. “It gives you the opportunity to taste quality fresh fish on a regular basis,” said Dave. “It’s the freshest fish you’re going to see in this town.”
The fish are line caught, the old way. There are no nets used to catch anything Fisherman’s Wharf serves or sells, and Dave said a keen eye can spot fish that’s been caught by nets. “Bruising can be seen,” said Dave. “You won’t see that at Fisherman’s Wharf.”
The menu includes hand-cut fish and chips (as one Google customer commented “the best fish and chips he has ever had, just coming back from England”) fish burger, poutine, tacos (beef, chicken, pulled pork or fish) and 100 per cent natural cod bites, chunks of fresh fish battered and deep friend. You must try them to believe them.
Even better, Fisherman’s Wharf is celiac-friendly; Dave and Jeanette guaranteed those with the dietary requirement will have no trouble with anything the store serves or carries, 100 per cent guaranteed. Jeanette points out they have a celiac customer who’s never had a dietary problem at Fisherman’s Wharf. They also pointed out Fisherman’s Wharf food is gluten-free, and they applied for and participate in the gluten-free food program.
Plan to spend some time checking out the extensive retail section of Fisherman’s Wharf too.
Then treat yourself to Pine Haven Premium Meats and Rangeland Meat Shop products and enjoy their gourmet bison cuts. Truly local producers, they know what you eat. Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the only retail stores in the entire region that carries these top-quality brands. Customers can try many of the Pine Haven products and bison meals on Fisherman’s Wharf menu; a must try is the Beefalo burger, a 100 per cent mix of grass fed beef and natural grazed bison, a quality tastey burger. Or buy at a very competitive retail prices and take home.
Like desserts or time-saver meals? Fisherman’s Wharf has you covered as they offer Kinnikinnick gluten-free baking, shipped from Edmonton, and also totally gluten-free baking from Lacombe including desserts, pizzas, breads, chicken pot pie, lasagna and much more for you to take home at competitive prices.
Dave and Jeanette are proud of their friendly, down-to-earth restaurant too. “It’s more of what you say a café style restaurant,” said Dave. “It’s like sitting on the wharf in San Diego, just missing the sand.”
Their website is now available: www.freshfishweekly.ca. For your online ordering of fresh fish or all products listed on site. Fresh fish cut off for ordering is Thursday, it arrives at BBE Expediting on Wednesdays and is ready for customer pickup Thursday morning.
Fisherman’s Wharf is open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Sunday, which is 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. No alcohol is served so Fisherman’s Wharf is always family-friendly.