Bliss in Tight Quarters: Lunch at Mary's Fish Camp - Take 2

Seared Tuna Mufaletta

Since our last review of Mary's Fish Camp, July of 2012, Michael has been back a minimum of 30 times and has gotten the Pan Fried ‘Hook and Line’ Atlantic Cod Sandwich each and every time. It's that good! Really!

Well, today was different. On a lunch outing with his father, Charlie O, Michael got hooked on the Yellowfin Tuna Muffaletta Sandwich. The traditional Italian muffaletta sandwich, which is made with cured Italian cold cuts, provolone cheese and a marinated olive salad, is one of Michael's favorites, so this was an easy switch to make.

So, how was it? Delicious! It lives up to it's Muffaletta heritage. Every ingredient was fresh and distinct. The tuna had that big ocean (not fishy) flavor that you expect from big game fish. The olive salad was the perfect mix of tangy, salty, earthiness that gives a luxurious zing to the experience. There's a definite Umami factor here. This is enhanced with crispy arugula and delicately melted provolone cheese. The super fresh ciabatta was a toasted pillow of heaven holding this all together.

So, will Michael get the Seared Tuna Muffaletta sandwich again? "Most definitely," Michael said, "but it will be on my 31st trip back to Mary's Fish Camp! The Cod Sandwich is still my favorite!"

Charlie O at Mary's Fish Camp

At 83, Charlie O is still charming the Ladies!

Bliss in Tight Quarters: Lunch at Mary's Fish Camp

Cod Sandwich

Whenever Michael goes here, he always swears he'll get something other than the Cod Sandwich - 99% of the time, he's gotten the Cod Sandwich! Mary's Fish Camp is one of those amazing restaurants in the West Village of NYC that serves a very small menu and does it to perfection. They serve only seafood in a wonderfully causal (elbow to elbow) environment but there is nothing casual about the food and quality. Every time we can go here for lunch we do and every time, we get the amazing Cod Sandwich - heaven on a plate!

Open Kitchen

Baked Shrimp Scampi with Cocktail Sauce

inspiration: We pay a little homage to the delicious yet retro Shrimp Cocktail with these.  The flavor is reminiscent of the Italian classic Shrimp Scampi with the addition of cocktail sauce for that traditional pairing.  The result is a sweet shrimp morsel with the flavor turned way up!

ingredients:

• 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, cleaned and de-veined
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• cocktail sauce (home-made or store bought)

method: Preheat oven to 425.  Combine shrimp, garlic, thyme, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and toss to combine.  Lay shrimp out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are just turned pink and look opaque.  Plate and serve with your favorite cocktail sauce.

Serves 4-6 people as an appetizer