Paper Palate

In his debut book, Rob DeBorde gives readers the low down on fish. Everything you could possibly want to know and more, you can find in his book “Fish on A First Name Basis”. The book includes the first names, along with the scientific names of all the fish and shellfish included in the book. You will also find tons of helpful tips, such has DeBorde’s biggest tip:

Buy the freshest fish and shellfish you can find and cook it as little as possible.

The book is packed full of helpful cartoon diagrams along with step-by-step written instructions on fileting a salmon, dismantling “dungies” - dungeness crabs, undressing and deveining shrimp, filleting whole red snapper, shucking clams, dismantling cooked lobster… You get the idea right? You can even learn how to carve tune and use it for making sushi.

You will learn the scientific name, size, life span, range (location), and the catch ( how many are caught annually) for each type of fish and shellfish included in Fish on a First Name Basis. And the book is packed with fun, yet informative information, not to mention, “more than a hundred mouthwatering recipes from classic fish-and-chips and crab fritters to scalloped ceviche and cinnamon crunch tilapia”, as quoted from the cover. Along with recipes and fish trivia, the book includes advice on how to store both fresh and frozen versions of the fish, plus the nutritional information.

DeBorde explains to you how in the 1930’s cod paved the way for the fish sticks of today. And, ever wanted to feast on a true meal of “fish-and-chips” but can’t make the trip across the pond to Europe for a bite to eat? Fish on a First Name, of course includes a recipe for authentic fish-and-chips, not to mention DeBorde’s own “Deep Fried Cod Laws”, sure to help you overcome your fears of frying and guide you through creating your own fish-and-chips feast. Make sure you don’t forget the malt vinegar!

The idea for the book came about when DeBorde encountered a squid steak sandwich that was way too hot to eat. As he waited for the sandwich to cool enough so that he wouldn’t sear his tastebuds in pondered the origin and life experiences of his soon-to-be meal. Sounds a bit wacky right? If you knew DeBorde is also a writer for the wildly popular Food Network show, “Good Eats”, starring Alton Brown, it would make perfect sense wouldn’t it? Admit it. Deborde is also writer and director of his own award winning internet cooking show, “Deep Fried Live! with Tako the Octopus“, he is also the voice of Tako the accident prone Octopus. Tako helped him win his spot as writing for “Good Eats”. After reading the book, it all makes perfect sense.

So, whether you’re a fish fanatic, a first-time seafood phobic or you’re just fond of the flavor, there’s sure to be something informative and entertaining for everyone in Fish on a First Name Basis