Why Boutique is Best
If you subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow our social media then you are aware that we are supplying some new fish options this fall which includes Halibut. However, what you may not know is that we are also a purposeful boutique fish market that has the credentials to be able to buy fish directly from fellow fisherman themselves. So why is this important and why do I think it’s a topic worth discussing? Well, quality.
As we all know, communication is key in all relationships. Whether the connection is personal or professional, being able to voice clear expectations is vital in a successful partnership. So why does this matter to you and why does it affect the quality of our fish? Because by being able to speak to the fishing vessel directly I can screen their harvest before they reach the loading dock—and my checkbook.
When it comes to halibut, the size of the catch and size of the fish as well as the proper handling and cleaning play a pertinent role in producing a superior finished product. In fact, the larger the halibut “barn doors” typically the older the fish, which results in a tougher, gummy-like fillet. Smaller halibut, also called “chickens”, are tender and flaky making them the superior option for your dinner plate—and something I actively look for when receiving a load. The actual size of the catch can also drastically change the quality of the fish. If I am on the phone with a Captain, and they disclose that they have been fishing for a week straight I am going to pass on their harvest. Fish that has been sitting on the boat on ice for 5-7 days is no longer a fresh catch in my book.
This direct communication also allows me to gain insight into the crews’ harvest process and handling practices. For example, if the halibut has been mishandled (not turned belly up) or improperly cleaned, I am not interested in it. After gutting, halibut should always be packed with ice and its cavity should never be sprayed with water. If not done properly, I can almost guarantee that the fish is going to be riddled with bacteria—making for a very stinky (and rotten) delivery. No thanks!
So again, why does any of this matter to you and why do I think it’s important to blog about? Because the level of product screening and time that Fisherman’s Pride puts in to ensure that our seafood is truly of the highest quality is rare in the fishmonger industry. Most buyers will target the boats who have the largest harvest and the biggest fish, because they are willing to sacrifice quality for the most cost-effective solution. Fisherman’s Pride purposely operates on a boutique scale so we can provide the attention to detail needed to produce some of the highest quality fish coming out of the great state of Alaska, resulting in a seafood selection that any fisherman would be proud to stand behind.
