According to the unsubstantiated figure we’ve read quoted over and over, some 60,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed in Las Vegas on a daily basis, counting restaurants and cafes, as well as the buffets. That comes to a staggering 21,900,000 lbs, or 10,950 tons per year.
While until recently, imported frozen shrimp was the only option (with approximately 90 percent coming from overseas), last year the Blue Oasis Shrimp Farm debuted in North Las Vegas, offering locally produced, organic, and sustainable shrimp to the local restaurant market. According the the company website, current clients include the likes of Mario Batali’s B+B at the Venetian (Batali is a huge advocate of shopping locally and has one -- soon to be two -- farmers markets in town), Charlie Palmer’s Aureole at Mandalay Bay, Emeril Lagasse’s Table 10 at Palazzo, Fiamma at MGM Grand, 35 Steaks + Martinis at the Hard Rock, and various restaurants at Wynn. We’ve read that Delmonico in the Venetian, Lotus of Siam, and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in the Forum Shops are also customers.
When the facility reaches full capacity, it’s expected to produce some 462,177 pounds of shrimp annually -- a drop in the ocean in terms of Las Vegas’ rabid consumption, but still a significant harvest. The shrimp are also available to consumers to buy from a number of outlets, including Larry’s Great Western Meats and various branches of Albertson’s. They should be available very soon (if not already) from the weekly Bet on the Farm famers market that takes place every Thursday morning at Las Vegas Springs Preserve.
