Coming to the boil? 3 B.C. hot spots for these finger-lickin' seafood feasts

Ever been to a seafood boil?

On the Coast food columnist Gail Johnson says there are more local options than ever to enjoy this culinary experience, atrend which is enjoying greater popularity in Metro Vancouver as we move into the summer months.

"The coastal regions of the U.S. are famous for their boils, which might include clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, or crawfish," said Johnson.

Now several locations in the Lower Mainland offer the meal, which often involves heaps of boiled seafood accompanied by vegetables simply dumped onto the dining table.

Johnson shared three of hertop recommendations for the best places to enjoy thismessy, communal,hands-on feast.

1. The Captain's Boil

This Toronto franchise now has six locations in Metro Vancouver.

It specializes in Cajun spicesand its seafood options include crawfish and lobster.

The restaurant takes a less traditional approach to the seafood boil.

Rather than dump all the food on the table, it is served in biodegradable plastic bags. That allows all the ingredients to be mixed in with the different sauces.

"You can use plastic gloves if you like," said Johnson.

"And the plastic bibs are emblazoned with a pirate's outfit. It's quite the fashion statement."

The Captain's Boil has locations in Coquitlam, North Vancouver and Richmond, as well as three in Vancouver.

2. The Holy Crab

Another option if you are in downtown Vancouver is The Holy Crab, said Johnson.

This downtown Vancouverrestaurant is a family-run business that got its start in Indonesia.

Cajun spices such as cayenne pepper and paprika are front and centre here, as well.

"The spiciness level of the original Cajun garlic pepper sauce ranges from 'mild'to 'holy moly,'" said Johnson.

"Personally, I would order the sauce on the side, as there is quite a bit of it."

The establishment offers proteins that are relatively rare in the Lower Mainland, including catfish and frogs' legs.

For the seafood boil, Johnson recommendssustainable Ocean Wise seafood options includinglobster, clams, mussels, Dungeness craband oysters.

3.Sea to Sky Gondola

The owners of theSea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, B.C., haveannounced theywill be hosting a Backyard Seafood Boil on Thursday evenings throughout the summer.

These long-table dinners kick offJune 28.

The menu features mussels, shrimpand crab claws, along with all the regular fixings, as well as crusty bread and Caesar salad.

"Sounds like a pretty great way to enjoy this beautiful place we live in, if you ask me," said Johnson.

With files from On the Coast