Chefs add lionfish to their menu at Mayreau regatta
Local chefs now have another seafood delicacy to add to their menus, after the successful filleting, grilling and eating of lionfish, at the Mayreau Regatta last week.{{more}}
The venomous and environmentally unfriendly fish found itself on an unfamiliar end of the food chain, on Thursday April 26, after seven of the invaders were pulled out of the waters around Chatham Bay, Union Island, as part of the Lionfish Derby a new addition to the Regattaâs fishing competition.
The Derby saw the Union Island boat âCome Back Againâ, manned by veteran fishermen âNomoâ, âBoyoâ, âBlackieâ and âRampleâ, sail away with the awards in all divisions; including the most lionfish, and the largest and smallest lionfish.
They were the only competitors in the Derby.
The largest fish measured in at nine inches long from tip to tail, while the smallest was six and three quarter inches long.
Nancy Saul-Demers, dive enthusiast and the number one enemy of the lionfish in St Vincent and the Grenadines, used the opportunity to educate persons at Saline Bay where the Derby took place, about the dangers and proper handling of the beautiful, but deadly creature.
She has been on an education campaign in the Southern Grenadines since the fish was first discovered in the waters of the area.
Identifying the venomous spines to her audience, she explained that these spines, once carefully removed, could be placed in an oven and baked, to remove the venom.
They could then be used as exotic toothpicks.
After the fish education, it was the turn of Nancyâs husband Lorne, who turned the experience into a home economics class.
Assisted by Combination Café owner and chef âZannyâ Adams, the men carefully and skillfully filleted the fresh catch, removing the colorful skin to reveal a white, soft flesh.
The meat was then seasoned, and then barbecued for about 15 minutes, after which it was consumed by those brave enough to sample the new found delicacy.
Lorne pointed out that the grill is just one place that the lionfish can cooked. It can be served up in any style like any other species of fish, he informed the curious crowd.
Organizers of the regatta hope that the inaugural lionfish derby would spark an interest in the hunt, capture and kill of the invasive species, and plan to make the event a staple on the annual calendar of events.
There is also hope that the restaurants on the islands would make the fish a part of their menus, so that all can savour the fish, in the many ways it can be prepared.(JJ)
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