Ever wonder what kind of fish Long John Silvers has? If you’re not familiar, John Silvers is a New York City restaurateur who owns several eateries, including Blue Ribbon Sushi and BLT Steakhouse. Besides his restaurants, he also owns several properties in New York City, including the historic Hotel McAlpin.
So what kind of fish does Long John Silvers have? Let’s find out.
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Fish Has An Unusual Appearance
First off, fish are very rarely, if ever, seen in person. Most people only get a glimpse of them in pictures or on television. So it was pretty remarkable when I got the chance to finally meet a fish in person. I was told that this one, in particular, was very docile and would allow for a better glimpse into its anatomy.
As it turned out, this particular fish was not very friendly at all. I was quickly surrounded by other patrons at the restaurant trying to get a picture with the fish, until it decided to take the opportunity to bite me. Still, it was a pretty unforgettable experience to put it mildly.
What Kind Of Fish Does Long John Silvers Enjoy?
To start with, Long John Silvers is a big fan of salmon and sea bass. These fish are very known for their delicate taste and firm texture, making them ideal for cooking or serving on the raw bar. He also enjoys oysters, but only if they’re from Japan or France. If they’re not, he complains about how unappetizing they are. For whatever reason, he doesn’t seem to enjoy clams very much.
As for the other types of fish he enjoys, he’s a fan of bluefish, halibut, and mackerel, but only if they’re not very fresh. Otherwise, he doesn’t care for any fish to be served to him. He seems to especially hate seafood that flounders, as he calls it.
How Is Fish Cooked/served At Long John Silvers?
For some reason, fish at Long John Silvers is always served on the raw bar, although a few fillets here and there are sometimes found on the menu for those who want to cook them at home. So what exactly is served on the raw bar?
Well, first off, there’s the oyster, which is always served open-face. It wouldn’t be an oyster bar without an oyster knife, and he always has at least three varieties sitting in front of him, from the smaller to the larger. Next to the oyster is the mussel, which is pretty self-explanatory. Depending on how many customers are around him at the time, he will either pick the mussel up with his fingers, or use a fork or spoon to eat them, as they are quite large and sometimes a bit chewy. Then there’s the clams, which are always served alive, so he can eat them while they’re still juicy. After that, there’s always the pepper crab cake or the fried soft-shell crab cake. If he’s really craving a change, he sometimes mixes the two together. This is followed by the salmon or the sea bass, depending on what is freshest at the moment, and finally, some type of salad or pasta, like penne or fusilli, to round out the meal. It’s not unusual to see him eat a burger or a steak alongside his meals, especially since he started serving the steakhouse. It wouldn’t be a steakhouse without a steak, and who doesn’t like to eat meat with a side of pasta or potatoes?
Bigger Fish, More Flavorful Fish
Of course, the most notable thing about Long John Silvers and his restaurants is the food. They’re all fantastic, and it’s definitely worth going out of your way to eat there. But what exactly is his secret?
While some people may think that the fish is just made to look big to match the scale of the restaurant, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The secret is in the fish itself. For some reason, smaller fish doesn’t taste the same as the bigger ones. The biggest difference is in the flesh, which is firmer and more flavorful. While some people might complain about the lack of variety when it comes to fish species, he certainly wouldn’t, as he can choose a specific type of fish for the time being and knows how to cook it perfectly.
The Future Of Fish
It’s always sad to see good food disappear from the planet, but that’s exactly what happened to the fish in my humble opinion. While it still exists today, it’s mostly found in restaurants and other food establishments that serve seafood. It’s sad to think that the days where you could find fresh fish in your local market are long gone. It would be nice to think that the variety of fish available today is enough to satisfy anyone’s appetite. But that’s not the case, as people often have food allergies or other special dietary restrictions that make it difficult to eat certain fish. So while eating fish is always a great option, let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that it’s as easy as going to a restaurant.
That being said, it’s always great to hear about restaurants that specialize in unique seafood dishes, like Long John Silvers. It’s a great solution for people who want to avoid or restrict certain types of fish, as well as those who have dietary restrictions. So while it might not be easy finding a restaurant that serves what you want, it’s definitely possible. As long as you know where to look.