Anthony’s First-of-the-Season Copper River Salmon Soon Lands In-State, Then onto Your Plate

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Think of it as Air Force One for some of the most coveted fish around: Alaska Airlines’ first 2010 shipment of Copper River Salmon, touching down Friday morning. Anthony’s Restaurants customers will be among the first in Puget Sound to devour Alaska’s first-of-the-season shipments of Copper River Sockeye and Chinook (King) at establishments across Anthony’s 19 locations as early as May 16.

The 2010 Copper River Salmon fishing season opens on Thursday. By Sunday, Anthony’s expects to be serving up its Copper River salmon to a hungry crowd. The seasonal run is anticipated to last between four and six weeks, dependent upon fishery updates.

Copper River salmon, considered one of the finest salmon available, shows a deep-orange and lends a truly remarkable, rich and nutty salmon flavor. Its high oil content makes this fish so rich and flavorful. The concentration of Omega-rich oil comes from the salmon readying for their 320-mile journey up the Copper River to spawn. This salmon has some of the highest oil content and flavor of any salmon second only to the famous Yukon River salmon, whose run begins in mid June.

The Copper River Fishery is primarily a Sockeye run, with Kings comprising a much smaller percentage. Copper River salmon is caught in central Alaska in the Prince William Sound area, near Cordova. Gillnet fishermen gently handle and grade Copper River salmon, assuring quality of these cherished fish. The fish are caught in the “flats” of the Copper River Delta before they head upstream to spawn.

Look for these select Copper River entrees at participating Anthony’s:

Char Grilled Fresh Copper River Chinook Salmon Medallions The high oil content of the Copper River salmon stands up to char grilling perfectly and is topped with Anthony’s signature sundried tomato and fresh basil butter.
Alder Planked Fresh Copper River Chinook Salmon Fresh Copper River Chinook roasted on an alder plank and served with melting leeks and spring chive oil, accompanied by golden potato gratin.
Alder Planked Fresh Copper River Sockeye Salmon Firm, bright red with a fresh flavor this fillet of Sockeye salmon is oven roasted on an alder plank and topped with smoked red pepper beurre blanc.
Northwest Duet Char grilled, wild Copper River salmon topped with Anthony’s signature sundried tomato and fresh basil butter, PLUS fresh char grilled halibut, topped with lemon-oregano butter.

About Anthony’s Restaurants

Anthony’s Restaurants, with more than 2,000 team members, owns and operates a family of 24 privately held waterfront restaurants in 19 locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. From classic 'to-go' eateries to casual dining and relaxed dinner houses, Anthony’s core commitment to fresh Northwest seafood, complemented by local produce, Northwest wines and microbrews, is the foundation for each restaurant. To ensure Anthony’s commitment to purchasing only the highest quality fresh seafood, Anthony’s opened its own seafood company in 1985, located at Pier 91, Seattle.

Check for flight arrival updates and discover the Copper River specialties at each restaurant at http://www.anthonys.com.