Mermaid’s Garden: A Brooklyn Seafood Haven
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Prospect Heights,Brooklyn,boasts a culinary gem that’s captivating seafood lovers: Mermaid’s Garden. this inviting market offers a unique experience, showcasing small-boat, traceable seafood rarely found on typical restaurant menus. From seasonal delights like maine smelt around Christmas to rhode island tautog gracing the shelves during summer and autumn, Mermaid’s Garden provides a diverse and exciting selection.
The market’s culinary heart beats with the expertise of co-founder Mark Usewicz, a French-trained chef. Usewicz crafts a constantly evolving menu of prepared foods, ranging from succulent steelhead cakes to the vibrant insalata di rinforzo, a tangy Italian salad. The market also stocks a wide array of pantry staples, catering to various budgets. For those seeking a touch of luxury, Mermaid’s Garden offers exquisite tinned delicacies, including whelks in Camelina oil from Quebec, kelp chile crisp, and single-barrel-aged miso.
A popular draw for regulars is the weekly fish share program. this rotating selection features fresh fillets from the mid-Atlantic and New England, including the delicate American plaice and Rhode Island squid. The centerpiece of the market, however, is undoubtedly the display of pristine whole fish and prepared seafood. “Mermaid’s Garden is unparalleled in New York,” raves Nate Adler, owner of Gertie restaurant, highlighting the market’s consistent supply of fish collars – a flavorful, often discarded part of the fish that’s both tasty and affordable.
The market’s appeal extends beyond the everyday. Elyssa heller, owner of Edith’s jewish comfort food restaurant, notes that Mermaid’s Garden provides ”fantastic gefilte fish” during Rosh Hashanah, making it a vital resource for holiday celebrations. Even Wine Enthusiast editor Rachel Tepper Paley gives her seal of approval,recommending the panko-crusted fish sticks as a must-try.
Mermaid’s Garden is more then just a seafood market; it’s a culinary destination that celebrates the freshest, most sustainable seafood, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for brooklyn residents and visitors alike. Its commitment to quality, variety, and community engagement solidifies its position as a true neighborhood treasure.
Mermaid’s Garden
644 Vanderbilt Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
718-638-1910
mermaidsgardennyc.com
An Interview with Marine Conservationist Dr. Alison Smith on Mermaid’s Garden
World Today News Senior Editor Interviews Dr. Alison Smith about Mermaid’s Garden
World Today News: Welcome, Dr. Smith. thanks for joining us to discuss Mermaid’s Garden, a Brooklyn seafood market making waves for its commitment to sustainability and quality.
Dr. Alison Smith: It’s a pleasure to be here.Mermaid’s garden is truly a model for how local markets can champion responsible seafood practices while offering a fantastic experience for customers.
world Today News: The article highlights Mermaid’s Garden’s focus on small-boat, traceable seafood. Can you explain why this is so crucial for sustainable practices?
Dr. Alison Smith: It’s all about transparency and accountability. Small-boat fisheries frequently enough employ traditional fishing methods that have a lower environmental impact compared to large-scale, industrial fishing. By knowing exactly where your seafood comes from, and how it was caught, you can be confident that you’re supporting sustainable practices that help protect marine ecosystems.
World Today News: The article mentions a weekly fish share program. How do these programs benefit both consumers and sustainability?
Dr. Alison Smith: Fish share programs are fantastic for building connections between consumers and their food sources. They often feature seasonal catches,encouraging people to explore diverse seafood options and appreciate the natural rhythms of the ocean.
From a sustainability perspective, they help reduce waste by connecting fishermen directly with consumers, minimizing the need for large-scale distribution networks that can contribute to spoilage and waste.
World Today News: Mermaid’s Garden seems to offer more than just fish. What else can customers find there?
Dr.Alison Smith: The article highlights their notable array of prepared foods, pantry staples, and even luxurious tinned delicacies. Having these diverse offerings encourages customers to discover new ways to enjoy seafood and make it a more regular part of their diet.
World Today News: Why is a seafood market like Mermaid’s Garden so critically important for the future of sustainable seafood consumption?
Dr. Alison Smith: We need more businesses like Mermaid’s Garden to educate consumers about sustainable seafood choices and make responsible options accessible. Places like this empower individuals to become conscious consumers who actively support a healthier ocean for generations to come.
World Today News: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Smith. We encourage our readers to check out Mermaid’s Garden and experience the delicious world of sustainable seafood for themselves!
