At this time of the year every Friday I make pilgrimage to Samascott Orchard at Union Square farmers Market. The outside is cold and market looks scares. Samascott Orchard sell the best apples and satsuma-imo, Japanese sweet potato, in the market. The Samastocc Orchard was founded in 1901 in Columbia County. Grandfather of Ron and Gary Samascott began growing apples. Their son, Oliver, converted the orchard to a dairy farm in 1930s, during which...
Read MoreMonkfish and Monkfish Liver
This Wednesday Blue Moon fishmonger at Union Square Farmers Market sold fantastic quality monkfish liver, some of which I purchased and cooked in the traditional way. Monkfish, anko, is a winter delicacy in Japan – especially in Tokyo region. Monkfish which we enjoy in Japan is not a small variety. The average fish – female fish – weighs around 31 pounds. The most popular way to enjoy anko is anko-nabe, in which meaty fish is cooked with its liver, skin,...
Read MoreAlex Loves to Do Hard Job
Last week I had a chat with Stephanie, the owner of Blue Moon, the fishmonger, which brings seasonal, finest quality local fish to our Union Square Farmers Market in New York City. Their diverse customers include Union Square Cafe and Blue Hill restaurants. Alex, her husband, the fisherman, goes out to the sea (they are based in Mattituck, NY), harvests fish and brings them to the shore. He is not a young man and is not using young assistants. He is doing everything by...
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