# Connecticut Dopers: When and Where To Get a Shad Dinner?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-dopers-when-and-where-to-get-a-shad-dinner/614744>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [March 4, 2012, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-dopers-when-and-where-to-get-a-shad-dinner/614744 "2012-03-04T20:43:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2012, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-dopers-when-and-where-to-get-a-shad-dinner/614744/1 "2012-03-04T20:43:32Z")

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In the spring, the common North American shad fish migrates up the Connecticut River (and other rivers). This fish is said to be delicios, only, it is a fish that is full of small bones.  
I understand that experts can fillet them, so that they are effectively boneless.  
I live in Massachsetts-and no fish market here ever sells shad. CT is not a far drive for me, and I would like to try this fish.  
Anybody know a good restaurant where I can order this local delicacy?

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**Author:** ![Cayuga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@Cayuga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cayuga)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2012, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-dopers-when-and-where-to-get-a-shad-dinner/614744/2 "2012-03-04T20:54:41Z")

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Can’t help you with a restaurant, but if you can wait until June, the town of Essex is having its annual shad bake. They nail the fish to wooden planks and cook them in front of a huge fire — which I guess is the traditional way. You won’t get that at a restaurant.

[http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=7008](http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=7008)