Fresh Barracuda today before the busy weekend... (pics)

[cyprusmax47]

I was very surprised to get a phone call this morning from my fish tavern at Timi beach that there is fresh Barracuda for me. So I decided to go today for my fish lunch instead of Saturday as usual to enjoy Barracuda, one of my favourite fish I was waiting for many weeks now...

This size with ca 500 gr is normally from the grill, but I prefer my fish fried and not overcooked which happens often on the BBQ.



As usual I start with an extra large mixed salad: tomato, cucumber, parsley, coriander, garlic, celery, lettuce, feta cheese, home made sourdough
bread


Now the fish, as agreed with the chef in two pieces because the size did not fit in the deep fat fryer accompanied by chips from own potatoes


I am glad that I am here today and not at the busy weekend coming, as one can see the crowded beach... through my window


The view to the other (Mandria) side of this beach


Same view with 900 mm zoom showing Mandria beach, also crowded along with some fishermen.....


Max

[cyprusmax47]

Terry, if you phone Elena at the Tavern 99 469 468 tomorrow late morning she will tell you if there is a chance to get one. I was waiting at least 6 weeks now for this one today. More often they catch larger ones (1 kg ) which are too much for me to eat as I am single. But I believe it is the time now in Cyprus to catch them. Several times in the past I was eating Barracuda in Latchi but the taste was never so delicious like the one today. It is obviously important when they clean the fish not to damage the gall bladder which gives the fish a slight bitter taste...
Perhaps you are lucky and Elena can find one for you...

Max

[Uncle D]

If you need to wait 6 weeks for this fish to be caught and served up on your plate, doesn't that suggest that Barracuda are very rare in this part of the world and need to be left alone so that they can breed and thrive?

[cyprusmax47]

If you need to wait 6 weeks for this fish to be caught and served up on your plate, doesn't that suggest that Barracuda are very rare in this part of the world and need to be left alone so that they can breed and thrive?

Is not an endangered species unlike Atlantic cod! The reason that there are not many available is that they are only caught by accident. Fishermen are quite happy to get them though, as they are feeding mainly on Red Mullet, the most expensive fish here in Cyprus....
A big problem in Cyprus is the overfishing of sword fish and in the past (70's, 80's) tons of them were exported to America for as little as 3 CYP/kg until they were extinct. (I only talk about the north/west coast)

Max

[Uncle D]

Thanks for the info, although I rarely eat swordfish I will avoid it and stick to bream on the odd occasion and always order Haddock at any fish and chip restaurants.

[Anarita John]

I always thought it was one of the fish that you do not eat because of the risk of food poisoning.

[cyprusmax47]

Food poisoning can only happen with the larger species like the Great Barracuda. Interesting link about Barracudas...
http://underwater-fish.blogspot.com/201 ... -fish.html

Max