Abacos, Bahamas: Fish Tacos

Many schools in Ann Arbor are closed this week for Spring Break. Some folks have seized the opportunity to pack their bags, heading for some exotic destination, leaving the rest of us  behind.

Others may find themselves on another sort of journey; a personal journey, perhaps, to unearth treasures buried deep within their soul. Nirvana is reached for some through religious pursuits or meditation; for other’s, enlightenment is sought through poetry, art or a good book.

Me? One of my quests is to eat the perfect fish taco. I’m not alone. The web site “TheBestFishTaco.com”, “…is simply about life’s journey to find and enjoy the best fish taco.”

According to this web site, when it comes to fish  tacos, there are three personalities.

The “Cravers” are those who know a good fish taco can, “…solve your problems, bring calm to chaos and put your soul in a happy place.”

The “Unaware” are those “…who cringe at the idea of a fish taco, but have never tried one.” According to this web site, they are living their life asleep.

Finally there are the “Adversed”– the folks who just don’t like fish tacos.

I am definitely in “The Craver” category. I seek fish tacos wherever I roam. I’ve eaten them in the Caribbean, Mexico, California, American South and most recently, in the Bahamas. This recipe, in fact, was inspired by a meal I had at Captain Jacks, in Hope Town, one of the islands in the Abacos.

Purchasing the freshest seafood you can find, is the first step down the path to fish taco nirvana. The second step towards enlightenment is rubbing a dry adobo seasoning blend into the fish. (Note that adobo may also refer to a dish, marinade or cooking process, depending on the culture)

Did the caressing Bahama Breeze put me, at last, in that tranquil place? It didn’t hurt. But well into my second taco, savoring flakes of smoky, moist grouper enlivened by piquant fresh salsa and cabbage, my soul – enraptured – melted into a state of bliss.