The first time I splurged on king crab legs, it was for a special anniversary dinner at home. I remember unwrapping them from the seafood counter like they were treasure — and honestly, they kind of are. Bright red shells, impossibly long legs, and that sweet, buttery meat tucked inside.

Alaska kin...

If there’s one thing I learned during a weekend trip to Las Vegas — other than not to play slots after midnight — it’s that shrimp cocktail there is a big deal. Walk into any old-school casino lounge and you’ll find it on the menu: icy-cold shrimp, a bold, horseradish-kissed cocktail sauce, and mayb...

The first time I had shrimp and grits, I was sitting on a screened-in porch outside Charleston, with a breeze coming off the marsh and a glass of sweet tea sweating beside my plate. The shrimp were perfectly seasoned, the grits were creamy and rich, and I remember thinking, This is the kind of food ...

The first time I had a lobster roll, I was standing barefoot on a dock in coastal Maine with wind in my hair and a paper tray in my hands. I bit into the soft, buttery roll and the chilled lobster salad inside — fresh, sweet, and barely dressed — and instantly understood why this sandwich is such a ...

I had langoustines for the first time on a trip to the coast of Maine, and I couldn’t believe how delicate and sweet they were. We ate them with melted butter and lemon, right on the dock. Ever since, I’ve grilled them at home when I want something simple but stunning — they’re easier to make than t...

When I want something bold and beautiful on the grill, this is my go-to. The first time I made chili lime prawns was for a casual backyard dinner with friends. Everyone thought I’d spent hours prepping — but it only took 20 minutes. The smoky grill, that tangy heat, and the fresh squeeze of lime mad...

I first had mussels grilled over an open flame at a beach cookout — just mussels, garlic, butter, and a few slices of crusty bread. It felt so rustic and so right. Now, I grill them on my back porch anytime I want something simple that still feels like a treat. These are my go-to when I want a fun s...

Crab cakes always felt like something you’d order at a beachside café with a view of the water. But once I figured out how to grill them at home instead of pan-frying, I was hooked. They’re lighter, a little smoky, and just as satisfying — and when paired with a quick lemony yogurt sauce? Pure coast...

Oysters used to intimidate me — I thought they were only for raw-bar experts. But when I had grilled oysters topped with garlic butter and Parmesan at a friend’s backyard party, I was hooked. Smoky, cheesy, briny perfection. I recreated them the very next weekend, and they’ve been a go-to summer app...

The first time I made scallops at home, I was so nervous I’d overcook them. But once I tried them on the grill with a spicy seasoning and a squeeze of lime? Game over. They cook in just minutes, and suddenly I had a dish that felt gourmet without any stress. These spicy grilled scallops are my go-to...

The first time I made lobster at home, I was honestly a little scared. It felt like something only chefs should be touching. But once I tried grilling it with a simple herb butter, everything changed. Now it’s my favorite way to do something special without a ton of effort — and it’s ready in under ...

The first time I had grilled clams was on a beach trip in Charleston. There was a fire pit, some crusty bread, and this buttery white wine sauce that made you want to soak up every drop. I couldn’t believe how simple it was — just fresh clams, the grill, and a quick pan sauce. Now, I make them whene...