Supermercados Nacional is inviting customers to a series of special demonstrations by Chef Wandy Robles on how to cook red lionfish. The events will take place on Thursday, 7 March at 6pm at their Lope de Vega branch, on Monday, 11 March at 6pm at their Independencia branch, both in Santo Domingo. On Thursday, 14 March, the chef will be at their Punta Cana store at 6pm, and on Saturday, 16 March at the Santiago store at 11am. The demonstrations are free.
The supermarkets are promoting the delicacy on the grounds that the fish makes for a gourmet meal and its consumption is also good for the environment. Originally a Pacific and Indian Ocean fish, the red lionfish is believed to have spread to the Caribbean after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 when six red lionfish escaped into the Biscayne Bay off Florida. Other explanations for the crossover are that it is carried in ballast waters from ships.
The lionfish is known for its voracious appetite that affects the balance of other sea creatures. It is known to be harmful for the wellbeing of coral reefs, and it engulfs parrotfish and spiny lobster. It is also known to eat grouper and snapper.
There is a Caribbean-wide campaign to deal with the invasive fish under the slogan: “If you can’t beat ’em, eat ’em,” and Caribbean countries have embarked on a new strategy to deal with the invasive lionfish. While beautiful, the lionfish is also known for being a threat to divers, because its sting can cause several days of pain and even paralysis. But on a plate, the fish is said to be delicious, with flesh that is firm and white. Once the venomous spines have been removed, cooks can treat the lionfish like any other good eating fish. It is excellent fried, charred and sauteed, and makes excellent sushi and ceviche. Anyone interested in going fishing for lionfish, should visit www.safespear.com
For more on ongoing and upcoming events, see http://dr1.com/calendar