Something blue

As a kid living in the Ohio, I had little knowledge of what was on the coasts of America, outside of what I saw on television.  I knew that we didn't have things like topography or a really cool gang sign (Midwest-syyde!!) and we certainly did not have much for seafood.  The fish dishes in our family mostly came frozen or canned and I'm pretty sure I loved each and every one of them.   Thankfully, when I turned 14, my mom took me to visit friends in Seattle.  I had quite the revelation.  Mostly it went like this: "HOLY CRAP!!"   

Later in life,  I meet and fell in love with a girl from Maine and had my first taste of Maine's blue mussel. Amazing.  Firm, briny and you can prepare them a multitude of ways.  It certainly helped that we could collect these delicious bivalves just steps from the cherished family vacation home where they would then be lovingly prepared by Amy's grandfather.  Almost 20 years later, I'm thrilled to be able to share them with my kids.   It is still one of my most beloved foods.  

Tonight's dinner:  Moules frites with bistro salad