Chris’ love of working on the water began at a young age of 16, when he began diving for oysters. As he started to settle down and grow a family with his wife Denice, he worked on his aquaculture grant in Wellfleet farming oysters and clams. Like most fishermen, Chris has had to diversify in order to survive the industry. Chris pivoted to working on large fishing vessels in order to gain the knowledge needed to run his own boat. After gaining experience in scalloping, he bought his first scalloping boat, the F/V Aidan’s Pride. After successful years of scalloping off the Aidan’s Pride, Chris decided to expand the fleet with the addition of the F/V Isabel and Lilee. Over thirty years later, and Chris is still at it, providing the freshest scallops around!
Denice, Chris’ wife, is the heart and soul of the operation on land. From managing the day-to-day bookkeeping to making scallop deliveries, she is a crucial part of the crew. On top of this, Denice also has worked on the Wellfleet flats picking oysters and digging for clams. Most notably, she is a mother to three and has managed all of this while handling the unpredictable of living a fishermen’s lifestyle.. Whether she’s walking her giant bernedoodles or managing scallop orders, she does it all with love and a smile on her face!
Aidan's Pride was named after Chris and Denice’s son, Aidan. Currently, Aidan works as a local landscaper and lives in Brewster. If he’s not landscaping, he’s helping manage the family business by promoting scallops or making scallop deliveries. In his spare time, Aidan helps Chris when he is short on crew by going on two-day fishing trips. Chris has enjoyed showing Aidan the ropes and hopes to one day pass along the legacy.
The Isabel and Lilee was named after Chris and Denice’s two daughters. Lilee, is a junior studying psychology and marketing at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Isabel is a freshman at Tufts University and is studying biology. Isabel currently holds a summer job at PJ’s in Wellfleet serving up fried seafood and ice cream. When Lilee returns from Washington DC, she will spend her summer break helping Denice with the farmers market and scallop pickups.
For those wondering who the cute boy in pictures is, it’s Dominic! This fun, loving, and sweet little boy is a keeper and the Merl’s love him like he’s their own. Dom is not only the cutest model, but he is eager to be a future deckhand working with his favorite, “Captain Chris”.
The F/V Isabel and Lilee has teamed up with Chef Michele Grillo to bring you some amazing scallop dishes! Chef Michele is a certified Culinarian and certified Wine and Spirits expert, having extensive experience as a Pastry Chef and Prep Chef. She received her Certified Culinarian and Prochef Certification from the Culinary Institute of America. Additionally, Chef Michele is a Wine Steward and Sommelier, receiving her Certified Wine and Spirits Expert