Chapter 1: Seafood Childhood

One of the perks of living by the coast and in Torbay no less, was that we were always able to buy seafood. Fresh fish was abundant and I have memories of accompanying my mother in the drive to her favorite fishmongers in Paignton. The fishing capital of England, Brixham was on the other end of the bay so there was always good supplies. Perhaps it was a little expensive but my family didn't hold back especially when it came to quality fresh ingredients. 

My father loves fresh fish particularly steamed Cantonese-style with ginger and shredded spring onions in a soy sauce oil glaze. If there was no fish at the dinner table, he wasn’t happy.

Steamed Turbot

A family dinner featuring stir-fried crab

Fishing was a hobby for day-offs and late nights after Hoi Shan closed – eels at the harbor, fishing trips out to sea on Tuesdays. One summer, my father even co-bought a boat and it was soon used for weekly fishing trips, undertaken by my dad, brother and various relatives and friends. The largest haul ever on one outing was 35 sea bass which was promptly stored in the freezer!  We all got a little bored of eating sea bass that summer. 

In the summer, we bought fresh lobsters and crabs. Not for us was the simple steaming or boiling method. After cleaning and dissecting into pieces, the shellfish was cooked with their own roe with the triumvarate of ginger, spring onions and garlic. Tomato ketchup gave the sauce piquancy and XO liquer was used to give an aromatic finish.

Sometimes, individual fisherman will come round to sell a freshly-caught fish – still live and kicking in the bucket.  Some of the family’s favorites were sea bass, John Dory, red mullet and flat fish like Dover or lemon sole which were ideal pan-fried with a drizzle of scallions and soy sauce to finish.

I'm happy to have these seafood memories because unfortunately, I developed a shellfish allergy in my mid-40's! Luckily, my tastebuds remember...

Tasting Menu at Clio - Part 2

Second Half of the Menu

5. Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese

At this point, I was hoping for some hot food. Nonetheless, the marinated watermelon with balsalmic vinegar was the highlight of this dish.





6. Sweetcorn soup with Coconut Custard and Jalapeno

This one was good! The corn soup was warm and comforting with the
jalapeno giving a contrasting kick. The cococut custard cake was Asian-inspired and went so well with the soup.







7. Lobster Tail with Chanterelle Mushrooms

Didn't quite catch what was in the foam but the lobster tail was cooked beautifully - almost a little undercooked which I actually prefer.









8. Spring Lamb Belly with Wild Onions, Peas and Chamomile

The meat-eaters liked this one! Very well-cooked - the lamb was not gamey at all










9. Strawberry Confetti Dessert

This is a signature dessert at Clio. I thought there were too many appetizer-like dishes in the tasting menu and would have liked a cheese interlude before the dessert. It was still very nice though with beautiful presentation - a streak of strawberry confetti on a huge white plate.

B&G Oysters

Perhaps my expectations were too high - in any case, our wedding anniversary dinner at B&G oysters was more basic than expected. The oyster selection was impressive but at $3 an oyster or littleneck clam, it should be. We were given an amuse bouche - yellowtail tartare and beet (pictured). Paul had the lobster dish (pictured) with spinach and parsnip with cauliflower. I had a tasty lobster pasta dish - a special for that day. Our pistachio creme brulee was a disaster though - straight from the fridge. Even with the sugar caramelized with a blowtorch, the brulee was lukewarm but the bottom of the ceramic dish was still cold. We asked the kitchen for another warmer version but was told it was not possible so ended up ordering the caramel sundae. Snow and -5 degrees celsius outside and B&G Oysters had no warm desserts!!!