I Love Lionfish

For a long time I was afraid of Lionfish. (that’s actually putting in mildly – “terrified beyond belief” is a better description) I had a run in with one at Xtabi last year and it traumatized me. I had Lionfish nightmares for months.

But NOW the tables have turned.

I tasted Lionfish for the first time on our last trip.

My first experience was at Westender Inn during the one love pub crawl and they were serving up complimentary Lionfish fried with sauce. When I got word of this, I ran over to the food table so fast I nearly tripped over my own feet.

That first bite sealed the deal for me. Tender, really mild, soft… a buttery white fish...kind of like snapper, but not. It’s really hard to describe…I was actually surprised at how delicious it was.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...nfishdish1.jpg

The second time was at the Thursday Canoe Webcast. This was an entire Lionfish with chips and dip. It was huge and incredibly tasty…

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...nfishdish2.jpg

I loved it so much that I had it AGAIN the very next day at Canoe during the boardie bash. Big up to Canoe for being one of the pioneers in Lionfish Cuisine. I salute you.

I’m so addicted now. I’ve been dreaming about it since I’ve returned from. For a while I was able to push the desire aside...but then Lorax posted a picture of the delicious lionfish dish in his recent post and it brought back the cravings full force! I wish there was some way I could get it here in SF.

I urge everyone to try Lionfish at least once. You won’t be sorry.

Who else has tried the Lionfish? Where did you get it? Has anyone tried the Curry lionfish dish at Canoe? How was it?

Does anyone know which other restaurants in Negril serve Lionfish? I’m dying to try Lionfish escovitch next. My mother and father are planning a trip to Negril in August and I want to give them multiple Lionfish options.

Thanks guys! I appreciate your help!:)
-Daisy

Hey sweetie! Not sure besides Canoe on where its served regularly but.....

For my "Soon Come Back" party earlier in the year - Keith the manager at The Westender was able to get me 25 lbs that we cooked up. So you could check with him if they want to arrange to buy some and have it cooked for them - the restaraunt out there is really good and I see the first pic is of the Westender above so you know its a cool place to hang out so maybe make a day of it there........mmmmm it is so delicate and delish!!!!

[miss you guys so much - more love]

i havent tried it - but am intending on trying it on my next reach - unfortunately i wont be there for a thursday night at canoe - but they surely can fry one up for me any/most days?

thanks for the tip = i too saw lorax's photo - which is what me decide i for sure wanted to try one!

This was taken at the Sav market on a Saturday morning in Feb.
Looks like the Lionfish 'infestation' has a beneficial side for those who love a good feed of fish.

Attachment 15184

Hubby and I had the lionfish and chips at Canoe last March. We both loved it. The batter was very light and crisp and the fish very tender and tasty.
We went back for it the following week but it was not nearly as good. The batter was too thick and not crisp at all. Maybe a different cook that day?
I can't wait to taste it again.

I believe Pee Wee's has fish fry on Friday and we happened to be there when they returned from fishing. They had a nice stringer full of mostly lion fish. I'm sure if you talked to Elvis at Pee Wee's he'd be more then happy to serve it anyway you like with some advanced notice and on any day.

I am not even joking, I have no idea: How long before you don't have to worry about getting stung? When they die, can you handle them without gloves?

Oh man Clarity you just reminded me that I had Lionfish on my "must try" list for my last trip and completely forgot about it. OK, it's back on the list for December for sure!

(But I did get the Rasta Bag you told me about and LOVE IT)

Can't wait to eat me some lionfish. Was planning to have it at Canoe in April, but we had to cut trip short and didn't make it.

Clarity, I will search out some lionfish escovitch, or ask someone to make it for me.

Last December, I had my first taste at Sir D's on the cliffs. I personally requested it a day before, so that I could try it. Wow, was it good! I'm sure many more places will have it on the menu, but as always in Jamaica, if you request it ahead of time....no problem mon!! Enjoy and eat these little suckers up!!!!

EAT! EAT! EAT!!!

EAT THEM ALL!!! LOL

I'm soooo glad to see that more people are starting to prepare & serve this predator fish. Very easy to do if handled properly ;)

We had it in May at Canoe, delicious. Best way to keep it in check is to build the demand and eat it up.

wow, from fear and loathing to loving and craving! Haven't had it yet but you just sealed the deal with your photos. Lion fish are on a plate in the future for me.

Awesome Irieworld, Jasperpso, BrenjaLee, Davevols! Glad you've added Lionfish to your "must try lists". I assure you that you'll soon be preaching the joys of Lionfish consumption to the masses. It's delicious!

Davevols - make sure you take a picture of that Lionfish Escovitch before you eat it and let me know where you get it when you do!

Yetta - I'll have to check out Sir D's next time we're in Negril, I heard of the place but I've never been there. It's good to know that they have lionfish.

Kevin, PA - I've been to Peewees once and I loved the vibe there. I'll have to go there during the day to see if they'll grill up some lionfish for us:) Thanks for the heads up!

Sweetness - Yes, I loved the lionfish at Westender Inn. (yum)

Rumrunner - I agree it's really tender and tasty. The sauce that Canoe serves it with is really great, it tastes good with the fries too

JDJunkle - agreed!!

K3 - I sense you're going to be a harder sell for eating lionfish. I know you have a soft spot for them...

But remember you're doing the reef fish in Jamaica a favor when you eat them.

Lionfish are voracious hunters (Their poisonous spines leave them with no predators), They are known to consume more than 50 other species of fish in the region and they multiply quickly; a single female Lionfish spawns more than 2 million eggs per year!

Due to their population explosion and aggressive behavior, lionfish have the potential to become the most disastrous marine invasion in history by drastically reducing the abundance of coral reef fishes and leaving behind a devastated ecosystem. :(

Eating just one lionfish every time you go to Jamaica can save the ecosystem! We can't let the lionfish win...:cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

I am not even joking, I have no idea: How long before you don't have to worry about getting stung? When they die, can you handle them without gloves?

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I'm curious too... does anyone know?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Twister

EAT! EAT! EAT!!!

EAT THEM ALL!!! LOL

I'm soooo glad to see that more people are starting to prepare & serve this predator fish. Very easy to do if handled properly ;)

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lol!

I second that!! :D

When they die you still have to be careful. You still can be stung by the dorsal & pelvic fin after they are dead. How long does the venom remain in the fish after they are dead? That I dont know as I haven't tried...lol.

I wouldnt recommend handling the lionfish unless you know what you are doing....

There's a place north of Niah's Patties that opened, and she serves primarily Lion Fish and Chips. The sign is new on the beach.

I love lionfish too! I am so excited that Canoe and other spots are serving it! Chad was just saying a couple of days ago that it's his new favorite fish. YAY!

On another note Clarity, we were both staying at Sea Splash in April. I admired your "Rasta Bag" ...you told me where you got it. Hope you don't mind but I looked it up and got one! I love it :-)