Sustainable seafood is another core pillar of Reserve’s operations. What is sustainable seafood? Sustainable seafood is caught or farmed with minimal environmental and social impact. 90 percent of seafood is fished at – or above – their sustainable limits, harming underwater populations and the ecosystems they call home. Purchasing sustainable seafood is one way to ensure healthier oceans.

How does Reserve Source Sustainable Seafood?

Luke VerHulst, our Executive Chef, has partnered with several sustainable seafood vendors over the years. sea 2 table was one of the first, with Fortune Fish Company, Browne Trading Company and True World Foods close behind. Now, however, Chef Luke partners with Motor City Seafood, a vendor based in Plymouth, Michigan. Motor City Seafood is owned by Matt and Staci, restaurant industry veterans whose values closely align with Chef Luke’s and Reserve’s. Matt and Staci ship fresh seafood – from New Zealand to Alaska – same-day to Grand Rapids. Their portfolio is sustainable and traceable and, because they’re in Michigan, the local economic impact is greater.

“Most of the fish I ate as a child came from a Michigan lake or river,” explained Chef Luke. “And while I have very fond memories of sending lines out on the lake with family and friends, the fish variety from our waters leaves the palate wanting more. So, Reserve made a conscious decision to bend our Michigan-first mentality just a bit and to bring the freshest ocean fish to Grand Rapids. But, we’re doing so in the most sustainable and economical way possible.”

Reserve highlights some of the fish provided by Motor City Seafood on their ever-changing menu. They’re listed as “Market Fish” and are usually very unique, falling outside the top 10 species most consumed in the United States. Some examples? Gurnard, Wreckfish, Trevally, Opah, Pacific Octopus, Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Invasive Blue Catfish, and Sea Robin. These species have exotic flavors and allow our culinary team to get creative in the kitchen.

Behind the Scenes of Reserve’s Sustainable Seafood

Interested in our latest sustainable seafood entrees? View our menu here and then make a reservation. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Reserve Wine & Food. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.