Sourcing the Best: Day Boat Fresh Scallops

At RPM Restaurants, sourcing the finest ingredients for our guests is as essential as delivering an unparalleled hospitality experience. This dedication to quality recently led RPM Seafood Executive Chef Michael Coté on a sourcing journey to the tiny town of Deer Isle, Maine, where he met Sue Buxton of Day Boat Fresh, a name synonymous with sustainability and excellence.

Sue Buxton has been a pioneer in sustainable seafood and began in the seafood business in the 1990s. She has since built her reputation on delivering the freshest, highest-quality scallops and peekytoe crab to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world. Her meticulous approach from working closely with local fishermen to maintain sustainable practices, has made Day Boat Fresh and Sue Buxton a trusted name amongst chefs and valued partner of RPM Seafood.

The Partnership Behind Exceptional Scallops

For years, RPM Restaurants has sourced Day Boat Fresh’s peekytoe crab and scallops, drawn to the exceptional freshness and sustainability of their offerings. Sue Buxton’s unwavering attention to quality has fostered a long-standing partnership and friendship that continues to thrive.

Though Chef Coté had used Sue’s products long before joining RPM, this was his first opportunity to meet her in person. With just two days in Deer Isle, Maine, Chef Coté delved into the core of Day Boat Fresh’s operations.

Sustainability and Quality at Its Core

Sue’s approach to scallop harvesting is a masterclass in sustainability. Operating from December to April during scallop season, her small team of fishermen and divers exclusively use day boats, avoiding the environmental impact of long-term trips. In addition to ensuring long-term marine health, the team meticulously tracks their fishing locations and all their stops; areas and coves harvested this season are left untouched for several years, allowing scallop populations to repopulate naturally.

Additionally, Sue’s commitment to quality is unmatched. Her long-standing relationships with her fisherman ensure meticulous care in every step of the process. From the careful handling during shucking to preserve the integrity of the meat to her hands-on approach in selecting only the finest scallops, every detail reflects her dedication. Every afternoon, she meets the local fishermen and divers when they come in with their catch and hand-selects the premium scallops, and packs them for same-day shipping—all before the 3 PM FedEx truck arrives. By the next morning, these pristine scallops arrive at RPM Seafood, ready to be served.

A Menu That Celebrates the Season

To showcase the incredible quality of Day Boat Fresh’s scallops, Chef Coté has crafted a special menu highlighting this star ingredient.

Diver Scallop Wagyu Tartare

Diver Scallop Crudo

Grilled Diver Scallops

Join us at RPM Seafood to celebrate scallop season and experience the freshness of Day Boat Fresh’s scallops. Reserve your table now to try these limited-time dishes.