The Three Fishes
’Tis the season of the fish!
Swim with them, then eat them. But not all fish are created equal. Grilled, simmered and fried each have different benefits. According to Ayurveda, The closer the cooking preparation is to the natural fish, the more the suggested benefits. Some people even take fish oil as supplements due to the proposed multiple benefits on health- everything from high blood pressure to IBD.
We previously reviewed the sea bass The Mark for the Met Gala. Grilled with fennel, it was a healthy choice. But, the main question was why TM charged at least $30 more than comparable restaurants in its vicinity. We went to Bergdorf’s and out East to try other fish that were more reasonably priced. Does the saffron add any benefits aside from an aromatically bitter taste? Where are the best fish-n-chips this Summer?
The $cience
The fish at the Joan Jonas retrospective at MoMA NYC. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
The sautéed sea bass at Bergdorf’s was by far better than the plate at The Mark. BG’s added saffron, which may lower anxiety and protect cognition through its carotenoid-ish bioactives like crocin and crocetin. Ayurveda classifies saffron as tridoshic with dermal benefits. Should restaurants provide the level of picrocrocin on their menu? This authenticates saffron, which would be a plus in a market full of fakes. It seems the best way to get saffron’s health benefits is through concentrated supplements. We also do not know how bioavailable these components are, but it may depend on personal metabolism and the unknown gut microbiotic influence. No longer available, here’s hoping that fish swims back!
The sea bass at Bergdorf’s was too good. This was in a saffron crab sauce. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Speaking of fish oils! The fatty acids and oils in fish regulate a cation channel called Piezo1, which then can manage RBC quantity and vessel structuring. The unsaturated fats in fish oils turn off the channel, while the saturated fats in the whole fish turns it on. The on/off function is important to keep various physical activities balanced.
The fish at Clam Bar was heavily breaded with barely any fish. So if you want fried breading, head over there this summer. We’ll be across the road at Lunch. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Fish-n-chips are a summer staple. We love them at Lunch Lobster Roll. Not at Clam Bar, which is literally across the road. Would you like a side of a bad attitude to go with that? A discourteous host along with mediocre fried fish, can be doubly bad for metal health. Fried food is particularly anxiety-inducing. The acrylamide content when food is fried or burned can increase neuroinflammation adding to the possibility of Alzheimer’s or related dementias. This may also be true for grilled fish like that at TM.
Bottom Line
We still have no idea why TM charges so much for their fish. At least we know we have other options. The newest addition to BG’s dining is on the ground floor. Cafe Ginori is currently offering a roasted sea bass with ginger chili. Happy swimming!