Brolhos Fresh and Latitude Direct stocking abundance of fresh seafood for Geraldton community this Christmas

Fresh seafood is a Christmas tradition for many Australian families, proudly placed on festive tables around the nation. But in the frenzy of last-minute holiday preparations, it’s often forgotten on the shopping list, leaving shoppers scrambling for a last-minute grocery haul. This year, Geraldton retailers are stepping up to meet the demand, offering a wide selection of fresh, locally caught seafood to bring ocean-to-table quality to dinner guests. To elevate your Christmas feast, here are some seafood options to consider before heading to the big brands. Geraldton’s Brolos Fresh offers just about everything in the way of fresh seafood, from fresh fish fillets and live lobster to scallops, Morton Bay bugs and squid. This year, a new range of in-house pickled octopus or lobster is available for purchase. Brolhos Fresh manager Luke Emery said he has been preparing for Christmas by ensuring a steady supply of fresh and frozen seafood that beats supermarket quality. “We’ve actually had to pretty much be here cutting from 8am through to about two in the arvo, just to get stuff into the freezer and keep stuff in the cabinet for local sales, and obviously for restaurants,” he said. “It’s going to be fresh, the quality is going to be second to none. It’s only been handled by us two, not by 30 or 40 different casuals coming through the shop.” For those seeking quality, wild-caught prawns to share around the table on Christmas Day, Latitude Direct, also at Fisherman’s Wharf, is selling some of the freshest in the State. Pia Boschetti said the family-run business sourced both tiger and king prawns from fishers directly, snap-frozen on the boat as they were caught, unlike big supermarket chains who often sourced farmed prawns. “This is the premium product that you get anywhere Australia, if not better. When you’re buying raw frozen product, it is a superior product,” she said. “Not that we’re against agriculture, but sometimes naturopaths will recommend you eating wild caught prawns.” The business cook the prawns in-house, so you know you’re buying ready-to-eat prawns that are as fresh as it gets. “Supporting local businesses like Latitude and supporting people like McBoats, you’re supporting the actual fisherman and you’re pretty much buying direct. Geraldton has the best access to Australian seafood,” Ms Boschetti said. WHAT TAKES YOUR FESTIVE FANCY? BROLOS FRESH Pickled range Octopus 250g $22.50 Lobster 1 1/2 tails $40 Fresh fish fillets Pink snapper $69.50/kg Red throat emperor $65.50/kg Live western rock lobster One for $27 or five for $121.50 (market price) LATITUDE DIRECT Prawns Choose from whole or peeled, raw or cooked prawns. Cooked tiger prawns $40/kg. 3kg boxes available. Pickled mussels $19.50ea Range of frozen seafood products also available