Market Vendor

FISH!

A child’s first word is magical – mothers nurture (& hope) it will be “ma-ma”; fathers hope for “da-da”. My Dad’s (Phillip) first words were “FLYING FISH!” learned from vendors pushing their carts through the neighborhood and hollering out the day’s fresh catch. These days the cart won’t come to your house, but you can still find your favorite mongers around Barbados’ fish markets.

In the south, our go-to is the Oistins Berinda Cox Fish Market. Many first-time visitors to Oistins will go for the Friday evening fish-fry; it’s a wonderful evening of seasoned dishes, libation and dancing. But the best way to experience the market is in the day for the fresh fish to take home and enjoy! The market is open 7 days a week, gets going around 10am and wraps up before 8pm. Often, boats return late afternoon – if the timing’s right you could get lucky finding a fresh tuna around 3 pm. Best to arrive with an ice cooler and cash in smaller bills – figure $15 per person – a pack of 10 flying fish varies in price, $25 at time of print. Also figure on waiting your turn to be served and fending off a few flies and water splashes from the fish cleaners – nothing too terrible. But not a bad idea to bring a beer along and enjoy the experience.

We have often been asked where to get a fair deal; we have purchased from a number of the vendors in Oistins – all being descent – still, over the last ten years we have made arrangements with the Rowe family; Wellington, Pat, and Mario Rowe. They are at the market all days except Monday.

Phone ahead 233-6103 or 231-0221 to see what’s fresh and get your order in the queue.

Some of the most common fish you’ll find are:

1. Flying Fish and Dolphin (mahi) which tend to run together – fresh catch is best between December and April. Flying fish filets are sold in packs of ten, priced at between $15 and $25 a pack. Figure about 3 filets per person. Dolphin is sold by weight ranging from $8 to $10 a pound whole – after cleaning the yield is about 65% of what you buy- be sure to specify how you want the cuts, either left as a whole loin or cut into steaks. These fish are traditionally served fried; also try the flying fish steamed with cou-cou, and the dolphin smoked for a salad. Any leftovers use for a fish shepherd’s pie.
2. King Fish (wahoo) and Barracuda are available most times – $9 /lb is about right. Their mild flavor makes for a great lunch salad – sauteÅLed in butter & herbs, keep the wine handy.
3. Marlin (bill fish) tends to come in frozen but serves up very well – and its yield is higher due to the fish’s size. Going about $9.50 /lb this one has some texture and is great for grilling (a few hours’ marinade should be set aside – cannot rush a good thing) Should you happen to see rock-lobster $18 /lb or octopus (sea-cat) $13 – grab ‘em. In ten years of visits we’ve had about 30% sightings – Bajan ciappino!!

Rightly, Bajans know how to season fish – pre-mixed seasonings are plentiful – your own blend might be preferable. If you want to try your hand, get some herbs from the veggie vendors in the market – we visit a lady named Cheryl (phone 267 9606) for bonnie peppers, thyme, and chives.

We hope you enjoy meeting the folks at Oistins and bring home some flavors of your own.