As I prepared for my much-anticipated segment on Tampa Bay’s CBS 10, my culinary compass pointed distinctly towards the vibrant world of seafood. This wasn’t just another appearance; it was an opportunity to showcase the incredible bounty of our local waters and, admittedly, to share a rather proud moment from a recent fishing trip – a ‘brag photo’ that perfectly encapsulated the joy of fresh catches. To ensure the highest quality for my on-air discussion, I turned to a beloved local institution: Cox Seafood Market in Tampa. This esteemed fishmonger came with glowing recommendations from my trusted culinary circle, often affectionately known as the ‘Culinary Sherpas,’ who consistently guide me to the best ingredients.
My philosophy extends beyond mere cooking; it’s about nurturing a love for food from its source. With a long-term goal of passing on my passion and expertise, allowing me more time for future endeavors, I frequently involve my sons, Andrew and Nathan, in my culinary adventures. This particular day, young Nathan joined me for the entire journey, from the bustling fish market to the bright lights of the CBS studios. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about the origins of their food, the importance of fresh ingredients, and the dedication required in the culinary arts, fostering a deeper appreciation for every meal.
Our expedition to Cox Seafood Market was a sensory delight. The air was crisp, filled with the briny scent of the ocean, and the display cases gleamed with an astonishing variety of fresh catches. Nathan, whose enthusiasm for seafood has recently reached an all-time high, was particularly engaged. Together, we meticulously selected plump, succulent scallops, briny oysters, and sweet, tender clams, imagining the delicious dishes they would become. While we were admiring our choices, Mrs. Cox, with her encyclopedic knowledge of local marine life, enthusiastically suggested a unique addition: the Sheephead fish. “It just arrived this morning,” she declared, “and it’s perfectly in season!” The Sheephead fish was truly a spectacle – its distinctive grayish-white body adorned with thick black stripes shimmered under the market lights, a testament to its unparalleled freshness. Without hesitation, this intriguing specimen found its way into our bag, promising an exciting on-air feature and an even more exciting meal.
The atmosphere at CBS studios is always remarkably welcoming, especially towards my children. The crew and staff are unfailingly friendly and accommodating, which often leads me to playfully consider making it a daily routine to bring my kids along. I even jokingly imagine strapping a video camera to their foreheads, dubbing the resulting footage “Kids Incorporated” – a nostalgic nod to the classic show, and a humorous take on the delightful chaos of blending work life with family adventures. Their presence adds a unique, heartwarming dimension to my professional engagements, reminding everyone that food and family often go hand-in-hand.
However, the day’s preparations weren’t without an unexpected twist. My previous appearances on the show had always featured a convenient tall, long table on set, strategically placed to conceal anything below the waist. This allowed for a relaxed approach to wardrobe, often favoring comfort over formality. Consequently, on my last visit, I had confidently sported my favorite “itty-bitty, tightest miniskirt and flip-flops” ensemble. Imagine my surprise and mild panic when I arrived on set this particular day, only to discover that the tall table was nowhere in sight. The stage was set with a lower, more open arrangement, instantly transforming my casual attire into a rather significant public display.
Yes, indeed, it was a memorable wardrobe malfunction in the making. The immediate realization hit me like a splash of cold water. With cameras rolling soon, there was no time for a quick change or a desperate dash to the nearest boutique. I had to embrace the situation with a smile and hope that the vibrant seafood and engaging discussion would distract from my fashion faux pas. It was a true testament to the unpredictability of live television and a humorous lesson in always being prepared for the unexpected, especially when it comes to on-screen presentation.
The segment proceeded with me attempting to gracefully navigate my attire while passionately discussing the wonders of fresh Tampa Bay seafood. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the camera operators, in their pursuit of the perfect shot, decided to zoom in for a really tight close-up of the magnificent Sheephead fish. It was at this precise moment, magnified on the studio monitors, that the fish revealed its true, hilariously grotesque character. What had appeared as a striking, fresh catch in the market now transformed into a rather “ugly mother of a smirking goat” – a creature with an undeniably peculiar, almost human-like grin that left me both amused and slightly horrified.
This “freaky fish” possessed a set of teeth that could rival, if not surpass, those of most people I know! Its dentition was remarkably well-maintained – no cavities in sight, perfectly flossed, though it did have a slight, endearing overbite. The sight immediately brought to mind the lovable, buck-toothed tow truck, Mater, from Disney-Pixar’s Cars. The resemblance was uncanny, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sheer absurdity of showcasing a fish with such a distinctive, almost cartoonish dental structure on live television. It was an unexpected moment of comedic relief that truly made the segment unforgettable for everyone involved.
SAY CHHHEEEEEESE!
After the cameras stopped rolling and the initial shock and amusement wore off, I tenderly brought “Ugly” – as I had affectionately nicknamed the Sheephead fish – home. Despite its unusual appearance, I knew it was a fresh, high-quality catch. Following the age-old tradition of embracing all my culinary conquests, I decided to treat this beastly beauty with the same love and respect I give to all my ingredients. The ultimate fate for such a magnificent specimen was, of course, a delicious meal. I entrusted its preparation to my husband, the family grilling expert, knowing he would transform this quirky fish into a delectable culinary experience, perhaps using a simple yet flavorful preparation to highlight its natural taste. It was a fitting end to an eventful day, turning a TV highlight into a memorable family dinner.
Elevating Flavors with Artisan Sea Salts
During the segment, many viewers were captivated by the array of exquisite artisan sea salts I used to season the fresh seafood. These incredible flavor enhancers were generously provided by my wonderful Twitter friend, Janna, the visionary behind Secret Stash Salts. Her timely delivery of these unique salts on the very morning of the show was a stroke of genius, allowing me to instantly incorporate them into my on-air presentation and demonstrate their transformative power. The delicate crunch and nuanced flavors of these salts truly elevated the fresh seafood, turning simple preparations into gourmet experiences. If you’re an artisan producer with a unique culinary product that you believe deserves a spotlight on television, I encourage you to reach out! I’m always eager to discover and feature innovative ingredients that can inspire home cooks and food enthusiasts. You can easily connect with me via Twitter to share your creations.
Nathan’s Deep-Sea Discovery: A Passion for Fish
Nathan’s recent, undeniable obsession with fish isn’t merely a passing phase; it stems from a truly formative experience that brought him closer to the source of his food. This newfound passion ignited during a memorable fishing trip orchestrated by our dear friend, Judy. She graciously invited our family to join her and her delightful husband and daughters for an unforgettable day out on the water. It was there, amidst the tranquility of the open sea, that Nathan experienced the thrill of catching fish firsthand. This hands-on adventure provided him with a profound connection to marine life and the joy of harvesting food directly from nature. Seeing the excitement in his eyes as he reeled in his catch solidified his fascination and sparked a deeper appreciation for the aquatic world and the delicious creatures it holds. This experience perfectly illustrates how direct engagement with food sources can cultivate a lasting love for cooking and eating well.