Introduction
Shark Week is almost upon us, that glorious time of year when the deep-sea predator takes center stage on our television screens. But let’s be honest, a week dedicated to sharks isn’t just about the thrilling documentaries and underwater footage. It’s also about the food! Shark Week has, in recent years, become synonymous with themed snacks and culinary creations designed to celebrate these magnificent creatures.
And if you’re anything like me, then you’re probably wondering what’s on the menu this year. Luckily for us, several restaurants and food brands are making a splash this year in honor of Shark Week, and getting in on the action with some truly fin-tastic food specials to celebrate sharks. If you’re ready to sink your teeth into a culinary adventure, then let’s dive in!
Restaurants Serving Up Jawsome Dishes
Many restaurants across the nation are joining in on the Shark Week feeding frenzy, crafting unique menu items that pay homage to these apex predators. It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of the week, and honestly, who can resist a cleverly named dish? From shark-shaped pizzas to blue-hued cocktails, here are a few restaurants making waves with their limited-time Shark Week food specials.
The Deep Blue Diner
Nestled in the heart of coastal town, the Deep Blue Diner is renowned for its seafood and commitment to marine conservation. For Shark Week, they’re introducing the “Great White Burger,” a towering stack of grilled cod topped with a creamy tartar sauce, crispy onion rings (resembling shark teeth, naturally), and a vibrant blue-cheese drizzle. But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there. Accompanying the burger is a choice of sea salt fries or their signature “shark bite” slaw. And for those thirsty landlubbers, the Diner is offering the “Oceanic Punch,” a mix of pineapple juice, blue curacao, and a splash of grenadine, all garnished with a gummy shark.
The Great White Burger will set you back a reasonable price, and the Oceanic Punch is priced separately. The promotion runs throughout the entire duration of Shark Week, giving you ample time to sink your teeth into this delightful offering.
According to a restaurant spokesperson, “We wanted to create something fun and delicious that captures the essence of Shark Week while supporting sustainable seafood practices. The Great White Burger is our way of honoring these amazing animals while offering our customers a unique culinary experience.”
Finley’s Fish & Chips
Finley’s Fish & Chips is a popular chain known for its crispy fried fish and inventive sides. For Shark Week, Finley’s is rolling out “Shark Bites,” bite-sized pieces of cod coated in a special blend of seasonings and fried to golden perfection. These savory snacks are served with a side of tartar sauce and are perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge).
But that’s not all! Finley’s is also featuring a “Blue Lagoon Shake,” a creamy vanilla shake infused with blue spirulina and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible glitter. The shake is a visually stunning treat that perfectly complements the savory Shark Bites.
These specials are available during Shark Week at participating Finley’s Fish & Chips locations, and prices vary slightly by location.
“We wanted to create something that’s both fun and family-friendly,” says a representative from Finley’s. “The Shark Bites are a delicious and easy snack, and the Blue Lagoon Shake adds a touch of whimsy to the whole experience.”
Pizza Paradise’s Shark Fin Pizza
For those who prefer a slice of the action, Pizza Paradise is offering a “Shark Fin Pizza.” This isn’t your average pizza; it’s a large pie topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni “scales,” and a strategically placed shark fin made from a cheesy breadstick. It’s a culinary artwork.
Pizza Paradise also has a “Blood in the Water” red-colored punch, which is perfect for a Shark Week themed party.
This limited-edition pizza is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery during Shark Week. Pizza Paradise confirms that it has partnered with sustainable seafood sources, so your experience is ethically sound.
According to their manager, “We wanted to create something that’s both visually striking and incredibly delicious. The Shark Fin Pizza is a fun way to celebrate Shark Week with the whole family, and we’re excited to see the creative photos our customers will share.”
Oceanic Offerings From Your Favorite Food Brands
Beyond restaurants, numerous food brands are also joining in on the Shark Week excitement, offering special packaging, contests, and charity tie-ins to celebrate these majestic creatures. It’s a fantastic way to support brands that are committed to marine conservation while indulging in your favorite snacks.
Ocean Spray and Shark Research Institute
Ocean Spray, the iconic cranberry juice brand, is partnering with the Shark Research Institute to raise awareness about shark conservation. They’re releasing limited-edition Shark Week packaging on their popular cranberry juice bottles, featuring stunning images of sharks and educational information about their importance to the ocean ecosystem.
But the partnership goes beyond packaging. Ocean Spray will donate a portion of the proceeds from these special bottles to the Shark Research Institute, supporting their vital work in shark research and conservation.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Shark Research Institute to raise awareness about the importance of shark conservation,” says an Ocean Spray representative. “We believe that by educating consumers and supporting vital research, we can help ensure the future of these magnificent creatures.”
Goldfish Cracker Fun!
Goldfish crackers, a beloved snack for kids and adults alike, is releasing a special edition “Shark Bait” flavor for Shark Week. These crackers are shaped like miniature sharks and boast a bold, cheesy flavor that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
The “Shark Bait” Goldfish crackers are available in limited-edition packaging featuring playful shark-themed designs. Goldfish Crackers is also running a social media contest, encouraging fans to share their creative “shark-cuterie” boards using the special edition crackers for a chance to win exciting prizes.
“We wanted to add a splash of fun to Shark Week,” says a spokesperson for Goldfish crackers. “The ‘Shark Bait’ crackers are a playful and delicious snack that everyone can enjoy while celebrating these incredible animals.”
Hostess Bites Into Shark Week
Hostess is launching Shark Week-themed snack cakes. These cakes are bite-sized and feature blue frosting and gummy candy “shark fins” on top.
With this, Hostess will partner with local aquarium charities. Their new packaging is also marine friendly.
Create Your Own Shark Week Feast At Home
While indulging in restaurant specials and themed snacks is undoubtedly fun, you can also get creative in your own kitchen and whip up some DIY Shark Week treats. It’s a great way to involve the whole family and unleash your inner culinary artist.
Shark Fin Cupcakes: A Sweet Surprise
These adorable cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make and are guaranteed to be a hit at any Shark Week celebration. Simply bake your favorite cupcakes (vanilla or chocolate work well), frost them with blue icing, and top them with shark fins made from fondant or gum paste.
Alternatively, you can use triangular-shaped blue candies or even cut out shark fins from cardboard and decorate them with edible glitter for a truly dazzling effect.
Find a recipe for blue frosting and fondant shark fins online for easy execution!
Ocean Blue Punch: A Refreshing Delight
This vibrant blue punch is the perfect thirst-quencher for a hot summer day and adds a touch of oceanic flair to any Shark Week gathering. Simply combine blue raspberry lemonade, ginger ale, and a splash of pineapple juice for a refreshing and fizzy concoction.
Garnish with gummy sharks, blue-colored sugar around the rim of the glass, and a few slices of lemon or lime for a visually appealing and delicious drink.
Shark-cuterie Board: A Savory Spread
Take your charcuterie board to the next level by creating a “shark-cuterie” board inspired by the ocean. Use blue-colored cheeses, fish-shaped crackers, smoked salmon, and seaweed snacks to create a visually stunning and flavorful spread.
Arrange the ingredients in a wave-like pattern and add a few shark figurines for an extra touch of whimsy. This is a fantastic way to showcase your creativity and offer a variety of savory snacks for your Shark Week guests.
General Tips for Food Creation
When creating themed foods at home, here are some general tips to take your creations to the next level:
- Use blue food coloring. This will add a vibrant and aquatic atmosphere.
- Use cookie cutters to make all types of foods into shark-themed objects.
- Use themed platters and serving-ware.
Conclusion: A Week to Remember
Shark Week is more than just a television event; it’s a celebration of these magnificent creatures and the importance of ocean conservation. And what better way to celebrate than with delicious food?
From restaurant specials to brand collaborations and DIY creations, there are countless ways to add a bite of deliciousness to your Shark Week celebration this year. Sink your teeth into a Great White Burger, sip on an Oceanic Punch, or unleash your inner artist with shark fin cupcakes – the possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re hitting up your favorite restaurant, stocking up on themed snacks, or getting creative in the kitchen, make sure to add a bite of deliciousness to your Shark Week food specials experience. So, gather your friends and family, tune in to your favorite shark documentaries, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as thrilling as it is delicious. It’s a Jawsome time to celebrate sharks!
Remember, it’s all about celebrating sharks while enjoying some tasty treats! Now go forth, explore these fin-tastic options, and make Shark Week the most delicious week of the year!
