Rachel Bowles - Seafood for all the family

New to seafood and not sure how the kids will like it? Rachel Bowles, aka @girlaroundnrolk is exploring the coast with her family – and with seafood in mind…

“Growing up in the beautiful coastal town of Wells-next-the-sea, you’d think I was born and raised with seafood on my doorstep.

“But in fact I was a fairly picky eater as a child and only got into eating seafood when I was a bit older.

“My dad was a definite meat and two veg person and, although my mum would make a lovely fish pie, we didn’t have much shellfish as my family didn’t know how to cook it. I think that’s an experience lots of people have growing up in the UK.

“It was only through an ex-boyfriend who came from a fishing family that I tried lobster at a family BBQ for the first time and was instantly hooked!

“I’m really keen for my children, Zachary and Eliza, to grow up trying all the seafood Norfolk has to offer.

“One way we love to try new things is by getting a fish platter from Davies Fish Shop in Cromer. We’ll share this at home or at our beach hut near Wells as the sun sets. It’s the perfect picnic!

“From these taste tests, Zachary now likes whelks and cockles, as well as prawns and lobster. The kids also love calamari and chips, which has now become a staple on the kids menu at Rocky Bottoms after we asked for it so much!

“Cooking with seafood can seem daunting but I’ve actually picked up all my skills myself. I learnt how to debeard mussels by buying them locally at Blakeney and asking for advice. And one of our favourite family dishes I picked up online from The Great British Menu – Crab linguine with lime and chilli.

“It was such a revelation to think you can easily have seafood with pasta. This has made it so much easier to incorporate into our weekly meal favourites. It’s on rotation in our house now!

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Another barrier to trying seafood, I’d also say, is price. The Crab Hut at Brancaster does really reasonably priced dressed crabs, sandwiches and pots of sauces which are a perfect introduction to this shellfish.

“Buying seafood to cook at home from local retailers is also a really good way to get reasonable, fresh and good-quality seafood right on your doorstep while you’re in Norfolk, and can work out cheaper than eating out.

“A great way to get the kids involved is through taste tests like the platters, cooking at home and making it part of a fun day out.

“The Norfolk coast is peppered with beautiful fishing ports where you’ll see signs that note the history of the industry, plus notices for activities like seal trips to Blakeney point!

“If you’re keen to dive deeper into the history, you could visit Sheringham Museum or the Lynn Museum at King’s Lynn – both of which we’ve enjoyed going to as a family.

“The North Norfolk Food and Drink festival is also a great place to see live demonstrations from local chefs on how to cook with seafood. This year’s festival runs from 31st August – 1st September.”

Follow Rachel @girlaroundnorthnorfolk for more recommendations on family activities and days out along the Norfolk coast!