Bluey

Sometimes we forget about the act of fishing – how it is an ancient form of hunting for sustenance ingrained in the genetic memory of many of us.

Pending our visit to his wonderful house on the NSW south coast, one man paddled out through the surf on a kayak and dived knowingly down to catch the red crabs for bait. Back into the kayak, he fished for two hours to catch this wonderful fish, and its mate. Scaled and cleaned on the beach, they rested in the fridge for our future repast.

It is a blue groper, native to, and official State fish of NSW. An iconic, revered species. Caught with dedication, love, joy and anticipation.

That evening, simply cooked by making a foil bag, covered with ginger and shallots and a swig of Chinese cooking wine, popped on a hotplate for about 15 minutes, then opened carefully for final spooning over of smoking hot peanut oil for the final sizzle before serving. With an excellent red, of course, and much fishy talk.

From ocean to table in one day by one man for a feast.

I honestly can't think of a more wonderful meal. An act of generosity, homage to nature, respect for the fish and its environment. Thanks so much, John and Sue.