Discovery Channel is once again making waves with the 28th installment of their successful "Shark Week" franchise.
Social media is fascinated with the ocean's apex predators, and Phoenix, some restaurants are taking a bite out of the cultural event with their menus.
A Valley eatery, to the dismay of some, is joining the celebration by actually serving shark. These "Shark Week" themed dishes include items like Thresher shark tacos and shark salad, courtesy of the Salty Senorita in Scottsdale and Peoria, who has pledged to serve the special until July 11th.
"I've told customers this week that, 'if you like fish, you will love shark!" says Salty Senorita bartender Ben Radeka. "It's just like eating any other fish."
Sandbar Mexican Grill in Phoenix and Chandler is known to have served Mako shark dishes in the past, but has opted for a fish taco special this time around.
Morgan Bergsgaard is a local shark advocate with Stop Shark Finning, and has written a letter to every restaurant that serves shark dishes around Arizona, but has yet to get a response.
"I don't think they understand the impact this has on our oceans. They typically serve shark fin soup which is barbaric and it's the act of removing a sharks fins and tossing them back in the water to die a slow and painful death," says Bergsgaard.
Currently, there are up to seven Phoenix-area locations that serve shark fin soup, two claim to be imitation, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.
