Originally Posted by
moondog
I've touched on this topic previously here, but I want to make a specific post about it now.
1. cold water v warm water; I prefer the former, whether or not the coldness is due to latitude or depth
2. sea water v. river/lake water; I prefer the former, and especially detest tilapia, catfish, and river crab (I think this includes those "hairy" crabs that are popular in SH)
The reason I'm posting now is because I experienced "Artic Char" for the first time last night, and it was simply disgusting, thereby challenging point 1 above.
Switching topics, my opinion on preparation is as follows:
1. white wine, olive oil, lemon
2. I have I slight preference for baking to pan frying
I would just point out that there are exceptions to every "rule". There are some very good fresh water fish here in the midwest - lake perch, walleye, and trout come to mind. I'm not questioning the point you make, just that it's a generality that isn't always true. I'd take one of those 3 over certain ocean fish.
I much prefer a pan fry to baking. And that doesn't mean the fish has to be breaded or battered, although those are good too. Last night my wife made a red snapper puttanesca, which she does a few times a year. The fish is lightly floured and seasoned and sautéed, then set aside while she makes the sauce. It's almost more of a cooked relish than a sauce, with cherry tomatoes, capers, olives, etc. The fish has a nice crispy skin. All that said, everyone should eat whatever they like best!