Monday, July 21, 2008

Anchovies at Mediterranean Foods

I was in Astoria last week for an appointment with the ophthalmologist and decided to visit my favorite Greek supermarket on 34th Street between 31st and 30th Avenue called, Mediterranean Foods. It has some of the best feta cheeses, marinated olives and almonds I have ever tasted.

This photo shows an assortment of marinated anchovies and baby octopi/octopuses on the counter in the deli section. I absolutely LOVE anchovies and this supermarket has some of the most exotic versions of them. I love anchovies in my Caesar salad, pasta puttanesca (the mere origin of the word puttanesca is worth reading, if you don't already know) and of course, the Vietnamese fish sauce.

So where do you stand on anchovies?

24 comments:

Lynette said...

I stand very, very far away from anchovies.

Anonymous said...

I agree-very far away. I can eat them in the dressing for a caesar salad, but that's it for me.
Not very bold.


Doris

USelaine said...

I love them in real Caesar salad dressing, which is properly whipped up at our best local cafe, Ardella's. I haven't had the opportunity to experience them any other way. Someday, I'll visit you in NYC, and you can show me how it's all done. 8^)

stromsjo said...

And you should try them with some fresh Swedish potatoes... ;)

Olivier said...

il parait que faire un régime avec des produits de la méditerranée permet de rester jeune et en forme. Bon appétit.

it seems that a regime with products from the Mediterranean to stay young and fit. Bon appetit.

Anonymous said...

The only thing I would eat that even comes close to looking like anything here would be sardines in mustard sauce off the supermarket shelf.

Hilda said...

Oooh, so many varieties! I love anchovies too, but I kind of have to "hide" them when I cook—my husband isn't crazy about them. But if he doesn't know they're there… ;)

Ken Mac said...

I'm with you Ming, bring on the anchovies! I don't know this market, must check it out.

NYD said...

I love them little fishes!

Bella Baccala!

Jilly said...

Love anchovies. Really like Pasta Puttanesca too and yes I did know the origin of the name!

When I lived in south-western France, in the Pyrenees, we used to get fresh anchovies. They were to die for. Apparently you have good and bad years in anchovies, just like in wine. Things we learn...

Virginia said...

Pass the TUMS please.

Changes in the wind said...

No thank you:)

Hilda said...

Oh, and since you like puttanesca, you might like the fish recipe I posted over the weekend in Happy at Home. No anchovies, but tons of olives and tomatoes.

Shammickite said...

I don't think I have ever eaten anchovies other than in Caesar salad dressing. My DIL never eats Caesar salad cos she is vegetarian.

Lori said...

I am with you on anchovies, I love them too! I'm so glad to know of this supermarket in Astoria. I must pay it a visit. That's a cool shot!

marley said...

I don't like anchovies but this photo has reminded me of my Greek holiday!

I'm on the hunt for a nun!

Sara said...

Anchovies...up close and personal! I love them...except on pizza...but I have them on the side!

TCho said...

i love them too.

Alexa said...

I really like them best when they're fresh and they're called "acciughe" -- as in bought that very morning at the Rialto market, in Venice, and I'm having them for lunch a couple of hours later!

Todd HellsKitchen said...

That's me standing far off with Lynette

• Eliane • said...

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you for the address!!! I will go visit!! :)
Where do I stand on anchovies? You know, when I think anchovies, I always think of Marcel Pagnol and that wonderful anchovie scene in Le Schpountz. Where they manage to sell bad anchovies (with mold,etc) by calling them "anchois des tropiques" (anchovies from the tropics). And they sell them at a premium because "il faut du temps pour les faire" (you need time to make them). That, said with the accent of the South by Fernandel and the wonderful words of Pagnol is just too delicious. :)

NormanTheDoxie said...

I don't like anchovies, but I do love Greek food. Just blogged about Kellari's Parea today.

Unknown said...

oh.. i love all kinds of anchovies. the ones in your photo plus the ones that is deep fried and made into sambal ikan bilis. yummy! :-p

Monika said...

Love!

But it definitely was an acquired taste...same with the Vietnamese fish sauce. First, there was culture shock and the next thing I knew, I was craving it. Magic!