Reader’s Choice

Dirk’s Fish and Gourmet Shop

The nose knows: a quality retail fish shop should have a light scent of the sea. And stepping into Dirk’s is like taking a sunrise walk on a sandy beach with a firm-fleshed, red-gilled snapper in hand. Dirk Fucik has been mongering fish for 35 years, 5 under his own shingle, and in addition to an ocean’s worth of pristinely fresh seafood he and his knowledgeable staff offer prepared items including sushi, house-smoked salmon, salads, spreads, and on-the-spot crab and lobster steaming. Cooking tips, seasonal suggestions, and general goodwill abound, and every summer Saturday from noon to 3 PM Fucik sets up a charcoal grill for an impromptu cooking class and free sample session.  2070 N. Clybourn, 773-404-3475, dirksfish.com. —Gary Wiviott

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