Salty Oysters, Grey Sole and G'mar Chatimah Tovah

Hey Y‘all,

Thanks to everyone who inquired about my little dog, Abby. She is recovering from surgery and doing fine. She appreciates all your well wishes and says she would happily trade you a kiss for a crunchy dog treat (which has been forbidden food for a week.)

Fishy Fish

Also, thanks to all my customers/friends who send me ideas for emails. This week I heard from Bo who suggested I discuss "fishy fish" and how fishy is too fishy? Lots of customers ask me for suggestions on fish that isn't fishy which, if I am in a sarcastic mood, makes me want to say, "Do you prefer beefy fish or porky fish?" Seriously, I know what they are asking. How strong is the flavor of this fish?

Stronger flavors result from a higher level of oil in the fish. Fish that are most "fishy" are mackerel, sardines, herring and anchovies. Some people might include salmon in this category, but it becomes complicated because there are different species of salmon and all have a different level of "fishiness". Sockeye is the strongest; Atlantic is the mildest.

When cooking salmon or any other fish with skin, the best way to avoid the stronger taste is to remove the skin and the fat along the inside of the skin before serving it. If you scrape that away, the fish is very pleasantly mild.

Do you have any ideas for my seafood blog? I'm happy to write about any seafood concerns or questions you may have.

Just Arrived From Fresh Harvest - Heirloom Tomatoes from Signal Mountain Farm

From the Fresh Harvest Website:

Heirloom Tomatoes are a vibrant and eclectic collection of tomatoes, celebrated for their rich array of colors, shapes, and flavors. Unlike their hybrid counterparts, these gems are often passed down through generations and known for their characteristic irregularities and variations that make each fruit unique. From deep red to sunset orange, dusky purple to green with streaks of gold, Heirloom Tomatoes provide an eye-catching addition to any dish. They range from the size of a cherry to that of a grapefruit and have a more complex flavor profile — sweet, tangy, and sometimes smoky. Sliced fresh, they can elevate a simple sandwich or a colorful salad; roasted or grilled, they deepen in flavor for pasta dishes and salsas. They are not only a source of vitamin C and potassium but also rich in antioxidants like lycopene. Heirloom tomatoes are a bright and flavorful choice capturing the essence of summer in every bite.

Wines By Mike

Wine Tasting is Saturday from 3:00-5:00. Come sample some amazing wines!

The spotlight this weekend is on wines from three different AVA's that are at the heart of the California Central Coast wine region.

Talley Estate Pinot Noir, 2022    - $40.99

San Luis Obispo Coast

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Rating

Cranberry and raspberry aromas meet with wild herbs on the tart nose of this appellation cuvée. The palate is tense, bright and snappy, offering brisk pomegranate flavors that are warmed up by star anise and light clove. — Matt Kettmann

Outward Wines Shell Creek Valdiguie, 2023    - $28.79

Paso Robles, Highlands District

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Rating

Wild and tart plum aromas join cherry bitters and hibiscus juice on the nose of this wine. Blood orange peel adds tangy depth to the red plum flavors of the palate, which is dusted in thyme and marjoram touches. — Matt Kettmann

Tatomer Hinter der Mauer, 2024    - $19.99

50% Gruner Veltliner / 50% Dry Riesling blend

Santa Barbara

Hinter der Mauer is a term that has a special meaning in the village of Loiben, Austria where I worked with Weingut Knoll. It refers to the space on a terraced vineyard between a row of vines and the wall to the next level. This row is often extra narrow and exceedingly difficult to work. It also yields some of the best fruit due to the radiant heat from the wall itself.  - Graham Tatomer

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Rating ( 2023 - no rating yet on 2024 ) Best Buy

This Grüner Veltliner-Riesling blend is a smartly priced wine for everyday enjoyment. Aromas of Asian pear, lime balm and crisp linen lead from the nose into a palate that's chalky in texture and fresh in flavors of Meyer lemon, nectarine and riper melon. — Matt Kettmann

This Week's Special

Steelhead Trout 6 oz. portions $9.75 each

Species Spotlight

Grey Sole

Many of you long-time Catch customers might remember this fish! Grey sole is, in my opinion, the best of the soles with the possible exception of fluke flounder. As fluke flounder is currently priced at $34.99, for the money, grey sole is far and away the best white fish fillet we can get. From the deep, cold waters of the north Atlantic, our grey sole comes from the Gulf of Maine and closely resembles English Dover sole.

This fish is so beautiful I am including several pictures in case you can't believe your eyes.

Salty AF Oysters from Narangasett , Rhode Island.

These oysters are more than twice as salty as the Chesapeake Bay oysters so if a mouthful of salty deliciousness is your idea of a good time, line up and get yours! Fall weather brings meatier oysters that hold up to all kinds of preparations. Watch for an increasing supply of oysters of all kinds.

In the Cases Today

Steelhead Trout

Grey Sole

Amberjack

Corvina

Onaga Snapper

Swordfish

Coho Salmon fillet

Whole Branzino

Yellowfin Tuna

Red Grouper

Rainbow Trout

Pacific Cod

Whole B-Liner Snappers - 1-2 lb. each

Waterman's Pride 8 oz. Select Oysters

Sable

Pacific halibut

Atlantic Salmon by KvaRoy

Chilean Sea Bass

Monk

Cobia

Mahi

Littleneck Clams

Black Mussels

Blue Point Oysters

James River Oysters

Salty AF Oysters

Crabcakes

10/20 ct. Sea Scallops

Wild Georgia Shrimp

Cocktail Shrimp

Peel and Eat Shrimp

And Finally

The holiest day of the year for Jewish people, Yom Kippur, started Wednesday evening and ended last evening. It's a day of atonement and reflection and not a day of celebrating. I looked up appropriate words to say to Jewish people because Happy Yom Kippur doesn't sound correct. One of the suggestions the internet came up with is this: G'mar chatimah tovah" which in Hebrew means "May you be sealed in the book of life for good." While I am not a Jewish person, I absolutely love the idea of wishing this for every Jewish person I know. And while I am at it, let me wish it for all the other people I know too.

G'mar chatimah tovah,

Kathleen