3. Green Curry Soft-Shell Crabs (Thai Spice). Though not a seasonal special, the soft-shell crab curry with red peppers and string beans at Thai Spice always nevertheless tastes remarkably fresh. In early summer, the pan-fried crabs provided are, as one might expect, at their largest, and this terrific dish, which normally feeds one, can easily be shared.
2. Fried Soft-Shell Crab (Pico's Mex Mex). Pico's doesn't always serve soft-shell crabs, but when they do, they're deep-fried awesomeness. Katharine Shilcutt named them No. 52 on her list of 100 Favorite Dishes in Houston; should Joanna O'Leary do such a list, they would be in the top ten. I wish Pico's would served them by the bucket a la KFC.
1. Soft-Shell Crab Eggs Benedict (Backstreet Cafe). If, on June 15 your padre is unavailable, find a dining partner who self-identifies as a "father" and use this person as an excuse to attend Backstreet Cafe's special Father's Day brunch. Then, feast on soft-shell crab served over poached eggs and dressed with red pepper butter and corn relish. "Dad" will thank you.
