(Lampuki)

The famous Hawaiian delicacy, mahimahi, swims all the way over here.  This is what they call Lampuki here in  Valleta, Malta.  Often served in a pie, or pastry, called pasticcia.  At first,  we laughed because we knew what it was and it felt strange seeing a Hawaiian fish over here, but then it just shows you how small the world is and that there are common fish that swim in all waters,  but they all might taste a little different because of how much they swim, the temperature of the water, and the feed they eat.


(Branzino)

They also call this sea bass here.  We bought a dozen, steamed them chinese style and each table had one whole fish to eat in addition to their entree choices.  It was a hit.  My goal was simply for everyone to taste the branzino, and in a flavor that they are all accustomed to.  We have a simple philosophy about fish and freshness:  "first day sashimi, second day steam, third day fry"----you can see these fish were very fresh by the eyes being so clear.