A Date With Jack at Casablanca Fish Market

Photo by Christina Staalstrom

​Florida is surrounded by water and the water is full of fish. What better way to enjoy Miami than to try my hand at cooking up some of the local catch? I head over to Casablanca Fish Market on the Miami River. Walking in through the unassuming front door I'm pleasantly surprised by the fresh fish and shellfish of all shapes and sizes laid out on beds of ice.

It's afternoon and the market is still bustling. Fishermen come in all day with their fresh catch so no need to get up at the crack of dawn to get the best fish here.

The staff is very helpful and Luis, the guy behind the counter, gives me a quick Fish 101. He shows me yellowtail, snapper, tuna, oysters, bonefish and triggerfish, but the local favorite I am told is the Jack. Jack it is then!

Picking my fish, Luis takes it behind the counter to the army of men who quickly and skillfully clean my Jack.

The simplicity of pan searing a whole fish is always surprising. Just throw it in a frying pan with some olive oil and serve up with some lemon. I'm a little thrown by the fish eye staring at me from the plate, so I close my eyes and just savor every delicious bite.

Photo by Christina Staalstrom

Photo by Christina Staalstrom

Photo by Christina Staalstrom

Casablanca Fish Market
404 NW North River Dr., Miami
305-371-4107