Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Caviar

Caviar is the salted roe of fish, traditionally sturgeon, which is prized for its briny delicate flavor. Due to overfishing, politics, and pollution, the supplies have dwindled and the price has increased, leading to a flood of alternative varieties from many sources. The delicate berries of true caviar come from […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Ceviche

It is funny in the food world how trends come and go, yet some dishes fly just under the radar. Ceviche is a dish that continues to be interesting but has yet to reach the cross-cultural influence that, say, sushi has. The origins of both are not as far-flung as […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Main Dishes

Baked Sardines

Makes 4 to 6 servings Baked sardines is a typical preparation in many regions in Italy, and the flavors included in this recipe are typical for the southern cuisine. Enjoy with a glass of wine, if you like. Medium bodied whites or light- to medium-bodied sparklers will pair beautifully. Ingredients […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Cured Sardines

Makes 1 1/2 lb If you love tinned fish, these easy-to-prepare homemade sardines will be your new go-to. Serve with lemon juice or with bread and a green salad. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 12 oz fresh sardine fillets, skin on 1 1/4 cups white vinegar Zest of 1 lemon […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Exploring Mediterranean Cuisine: France

The term Mediterranean cuisine might leave anyone living in one of the many countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea scratching their heads. This is because the region is culturally and geographically diverse; twenty-one countries border the Mediterranean, among them France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Algeria, and Egypt. What we consider Mediterranean cuisine […]

Allergen Friendly, Main Dishes

Fish Poached In Fennel-Orange Broth

This all-purpose poaching liquid is well-suited to a number of fish, so choose what is freshest at your market. Makes 4 servings Ingredients 4 teaspoons almond oil 1 lb 8 oz fish fillet, such as flounder or salmon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups […]

Main Dishes

Fritto Misto di Pesce (Mixed Fried Fish)

Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients 1 lb squid, cleaned, tentacles and bodies separated 12 medium shrimp (20/25 count), peeled and deveined 1 lb any type of fish, cleaned and skinned 2 cups warm water 2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more for sprinkling 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, or as needed 2 […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Gravlax

Makes 10 servings Serve this with dill mustard sauce (we’ve included the recipe below) and some hearty brown bread with good butter. Ingredients 1 salmon fillet (3 to 3 1/2 lb), skin on 1/4 cup coarse sea salt 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns Zest of 1 lemon […]