A Gift From The Gods

I went to a friend's birthday party the other day at a Tapas Bar. Now, I know Tapas arre the hottest things since Flashdance leggings these days, but I think it's just a great way for most restaurants to make a bunch of really over-priced, mediocre food.

The party was too large to enjoy at a long, rectangular table, but the high point was when a friend's boyfriend mentioned that he had just left a caterer's house where they enjoyed the leftover fish from an event the night before. He said she had so much that she gave him some, and that he had it in the car, and that he didn't cook, and that if I wanted it, it was mine.

Even if the fish was bad, this was a good invitation to leave the party; and so, my wife and i said our goodbyes and headed to his hatchback, where he gave me a big white garbage bag with what looked like fish and a bunch of ice. I was not impressed.

The wife and I had another party to go to at a friend's house (I know, the life of a married man with a kid) and so I stuck the bag in the freezer next to the vodka and coffee beans.

When we finally got home, I opened the windows and went to the bag, expecting to find some fetid fish that i MIGHT feed to the cats.

Much to my surprise, what I discovered was gold. This stranger had given me 9 pounds of some of the freshest ahi and salmon I have ever seen. There was so much fish, I didn't know what to do with it. So, of course, I made a feast. The menu is listed below. Thank you to the caterer and this guy sleeping with my friend for allowing me to have some fun (and a little bit of fish).

lou’s night o’ fish

Hawaiian Tuna Poke on rice crackers
Tuna Rolls with tempura crisps
Salmon Skin Rolls
Miso Soup
Pepper and Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna with Wasabi Soy Whiskey dipping sauce and julienned green onion
Teriyaki Seared Tuna
Cucumber Salad with Arame, Thin Sliced Red Onion and Bonito Flakes
Zucchini with paprika, lemon and pepper

Deep Husk Red Brown Rice with Edamame and Carrots

Jean-George Flourless Molten Cake
Ginger, Vanilla and Mint ice cream