Ep 20. Seafood-From Market to Plate

In episode 20 of The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking season 1, titled Seafood-From Market to Plate, host Bill Briwa takes viewers on a journey to discover the best tips and tricks for buying, preparing and cooking seafood. Briwa emphasizes the importance of selecting fresh fish and shellfish from the market, as well as proper handling techniques once the seafood is brought home.

The episode begins with a visit to a local fish market, where Briwa shares his knowledge on selecting the freshest seafood. He gives viewers a step-by-step guide on what to look for when purchasing fish, such as clear, bright eyes, bright red gills, and firm flesh. Briwa also explains the importance of purchasing sustainable seafood, highlighting the impact of overfishing on our oceans and the environment.

After selecting the seafood, Briwa takes viewers to his kitchen to demonstrate various cooking techniques. He starts by showing how to properly fillet a fish, a skill he explains is essential for any seafood lover. Then, Briwa moves on to preparing different types of shellfish, including mussels and clams, explaining the differences in cooking times and how to avoid overcooking.

Throughout the episode, Briwa emphasizes the importance of seasoning and pairing seafood with complementary flavors. He demonstrates how to create a flavorful and aromatic broth for steaming mussels, and also shares his recipe for a classic French-style fish soup, Bouillabaisse.

The episode also features a guest chef, who shares her take on a classic seafood dish - crab cakes. The chef explains her secret for making the perfect crab cake, from selecting the right type of crab meat to creating a flavorful binder.

Finally, Briwa wraps up the episode by demonstrating how to butterfly and grill a whole fish, a technique he says is perfect for outdoor summer cooking. He reminds viewers to not be intimidated by cooking seafood and to have fun experimenting with different flavors and techniques.

Overall, Seafood-From Market to Plate provides viewers with a comprehensive guide on selecting, preparing, and cooking seafood. With helpful tips and tricks, along with delicious recipes, viewers are sure to feel confident in their abilities to create amazing seafood dishes at home.