I’m not much of a seafood eater. I never have been. But as I get older I try to be more daring in my meals. Although sometimes, daring is not the right word.
There are certain gateway dishes to help lure the comfort-seeking carnivore in me to the fishier side of the table. Fillet it. Batter it. Fry it. Keep it safe and familiar. At Fish (280 Bleecker St, NYC) there are two such safe havens for me.
- Fried Catfish Sandwich
- Fish & Chips
Last night was my girlfriend’s birthday and we once again found ourselves at Fish, which is becoming a favorite spot for us. My intention was to go for either of the aforementioned favorites. That was until I saw something on the menu. Promoted from occasional special to the starting lineup; Lobster Shepherd’s Pie.
Blurry iPhone pic of my Lobster Shepherd’s Pie (mid binge)
Lobster Shepherd’s Pie? Wait, was I reading this right? A new take on my favorite food? The recipe seemed simpler and the taste was more exotic than a traditional Shepherd’s Pie. Lobster, tomatoes, spinach and corn baked in parmesan whipped potatoes. However, the presentation was very familiar.
From the first bite thru the crispy potato shell and into the gooey warmth of the bisque-like filling, I was wrapped in a quilt of soothing goodness. Oh, if there was a band of lobster herders in some far-off Celtic land, they’d have been proud. I had found my new favorite thing to eat in the world.
It took all my strength not to order a second one.
Since it’s made with amazingly fresh, large chunks of quality lobster, this dish is a little pricey compared to the traditional fare ($32.00). I guess you can think of it as a ritzy twist on a poor man’s meal. But if you want to treat yourself—or maybe you’re a vegetarian curious about the hoopla over shepherd’s pie—then go to Fish and order this cuddly, cozy, snuggly masterpiece of food.
Oh and have the Blue Point Toasted Lager. Yum.
I stayed at a hosetl in San Francisco for two weeks and made delicious chicken marinara sandwiches pretty much every day. They’re very easy to make it you pick up some basics at the supermarket: wheat bread, a whole pre-cooked roasted chicken, Newman’s Own Spicy Red Pepper tomato sauce (this is key), mozarella, and then I add some crushed red pepper. Serve it with a salad or greens, and you’re good to go.