Can you believe this is a brand new category? Whatever seafood slander was happening before, it’s over. Seafood, we see you. The inaugural category winner is Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub (415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire), which should come as no surprise to longtime locals. Scallops with the candied garlic sauce? I’m done for! In the runner-up spot is Encanto Cantina (2839 Mall Dr., Eau Claire), a new Mexican-style restaurant that’s made a heck of a splash for its sips and seafood. Max’s Bistro (213 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) has been a tried-and-true favorite for a great meal — especially the seafood dishes. (It’s also my mom’s fave restaurant, so unless you want to tell her she’s wrong…) —McKenna Scherer