IT’S TIME FOR…AUGUST SPECIALS AT SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE

Shaw’s Crab House (21 E. Hubbard St., Chicago; and 1900 E. Higgins Road in Schaumburg, Ill.) honors Soft-Shell Crab as the featured seafood this August. Maintaining its position as one of the country’s leading seafood experts, Shaw’s highlights this seasonal delicacy in a variety of menu specials.

Soft-shell crabs are one of America’s favorite seafood delicacies. While all crabs shed their shells to grow, only a few species of crab can actually be eaten in this form. This is what differentiates and makes the season from April to September the time for soft-shell crabs! A few specials that Shaw’s is highlighting for the month include Soft Shell Crab Maki ($13.95); Soft Shell Crab Sandwich ($14.95); and Sauteed Virginia Jumbo Soft Shell Crab, which comes as an appetizer ($13.95) or entree with a choice of two ($26.95) or three ($38.95) crabs, served with Shaw's Signature Rice and Amandine, Lemon or Garlic Butter.

The scientific name, Callinectes sapidus, gives a translation that is not only accurate but surprisingly poetic—the beautiful, savory swimmer. The soft-shell crab is both salty-sweet and tender-crispy, which makes for a delicately flavored meat that goes well with a variety of flavors and cooking styles. "The easiest way to prepare soft-shells is to dust them in flour, then sauté in olive oil and butter," says Mark Palicki, Divisional Seafood Buyer and General Manager of Shaw’s Crab House.

Soft-shell crabs are blue crabs that have shed their hard shell, making them extremely soft and completely edible. The blue crab can be found all along the eastern coast of the United States and along the Gulf Coast. At the end of April, the crabs emerge from hibernation and begin to grow. Yet, in order to grow, each crab must molt, or shed its shell, a process that may occur as many as 23 times during the crab's typically three-year life span. The molting crabs are then removed and sold as soft-shell crabs.

"Soft-shell crabs are such a treat. These little crustaceans get lots of respect for their sweet meat and delicate flavor," says Mark Palicki. "The beauty of soft-shells is that because they have no hard shell, the entire crab -- legs, claws, shells -- can be consumed."

The Shaw’s Crab House Main Dining Room offers an a la carte menu serving more than 40 fresh seafood entrees as well as prime beef, chicken and pasta. The restaurant also features a full selection of crabs including Alaskan King Crabs, Stone Crabs, Soft-Shell Crabs and Maryland-Style Crab Cakes. Due to popular demand, Shaw’s Crab House offers an extensive variety of sushi, prepared by Sushi Chef Naoki Nakashima. The Shaw’s Oyster Bar features a raw oyster bar of Pacific Northwest and Atlantic Northeast oysters shucked to order and served on the half-shell; also included are soups, salads, shrimp, crab and lobster, and an assortment of sandwiches. Desserts are made in-house daily.

Shaw’s Crab House is open for lunch and Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shaw’s Oyster Bar is open Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. Private catering services for 10 to 250 people are available. Valet service is available nightly. Reservations are preferred and may be made via phone at 312.527.2722 or on Shaw’s website at www.shawscrabhouse.com.

Shaw’s Crab House has a second location in Schaumburg, Ill. Reminiscent of a New England seafood house with an Art Deco flare. The Main Dining Room seats 187 people; and the Red Shell Lounge seats 350 people. Also featured is a Boardroom and Private Party Facility, which offers accommodations for up to 120 people. The Red Shell Lounge serves up the same tasty food Shaw’s is famous for in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Shaw’s Crab House Schaumburg is open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Shaw’s Red Shell Lounge is open Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. Reservations are preferred and may be made via phone at 847.517.2722 or at www.shawscrabhouse.com.

Shaw’s Crab House is a Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc.® (LEYE) restaurant. Based in Chicago, LEYE is one of the nation’s leading independent restaurant groups, owning, managing or licensing more than 50 establishments in Illinois, Arizona, Minnesota, Maryland, Nevada and Japan. The establishments range from the casual style and cuisine of the original restaurant, R.J. Grunts, to the formal elegance of Ambria, Everest and Tru.