When my father was growing up, his family had a stall on the Eastern Market in Detroit. My grandfather grew a huge garden and kept bees and they sold most the honey and wax, directly on the market. My father had many fond memories and tall tales from his years on the market.
The adjoining vendor was Nick. Nick spoke several languages and was forever finding what would sell for a profit. Onions, add a lot of flavor and not a lot of cost. Nicks secret for selling onions on the market was a camp-stove and cast iron frying pay, no one can resist the smell of gently frying onions, just don't burn them, he would say.
One day a woman asked Nick if the eggs were fresh, it had been a busy morning, he was grumpy, he replied, "Of course they are fresh, What a silly question, do think I am going to tell you they are left over from last week!" After she made her purchase and moved on, Nick looked at my father grinned and said, "they are left over from last week!" My father told that story a thousand times.
Is the fish above fresh? I think so, clear eyes, it smelled of the ocean not like a dead fish.
I agree with you about the fish. I try not to look. I'm not a huge fish person, and I sure don't need to see the eyes and head. Gross looking.
ReplyDeleteIt is rare in this country to be served dinner that is still looking at you.
DeleteMarket stall holders can have quite deceptive practices at times, even here and now. Nick sounds like a character and a good example.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I hope you are being well paid for the advertising on your blog. It was particularly intrusive in this post for some reason.
Nick was a character,
DeleteClear eyes and sea water smells are the sign of fresh fish!
ReplyDeleteI just don't want eyes on my plate!
I have heard of people sending fish back to the kitchen when it looked back at them,
DeleteNick sounds like a real character!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had met him
Deletebwhahahahaha! good one, nick! I love fresh fishies, but I don't wanna see the eyes/head.
ReplyDeleteIt had been years, but I have wacked them in the head to stop them from squirming.
DeleteHeadless or not. Fresh or not. If it isn't a fish stick, remove it from my plate!
ReplyDeleteYou are easy to please,
DeleteWhen it comes to food? Yes indeedy!
DeleteThat is a funny story!
ReplyDeleteDad could tell a good tale
DeleteNever trust a market trader!!
ReplyDeleteNicks' cow story is legendary. I miss the Borough Market in London.
DeleteLooks like a lot of people don't want fish eyes on their plates! Remind me to never buy a fish from Nick.
ReplyDeleteGood point, on the source of the fish
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