There’s nothing like a sunny day on the ocean (or multiple sunny days on the ocean) that gives you a lingering for fresh, grilled to perfection, fish. Here in Nova Scotia there’s been a few “springy” days and I’m rip roaring ready for grilled fish, especially after having been over on the other side of the Atlantic in sunny, glorious Portugal where the fish is a plenty everywhere you go.
Just like in Nova Scotia you can get fresh, grilled to perfection fish any day and any place. Often, it comes whole, with the eyes, the teeth, and the tail and in Nova Scotia we are a bit squeamish about that, it is seriously the best way to eat it, and the perfect beer to go along with it, is of course, a crisp, refreshing, pale ale. Luckily both in Portugal and Nova Scotia we have plenty to choose from; the key is you want something light enough it doesn’t overpower the fish, but with a bit of a crisp, citrus aftertaste so to contrast with the salty fish. Although the fish species served are a bit different in Portugal from Nova Scotia, anything white, light and flaky will do (think Haddock, Cod, Sole, even Mackerel in NS) and of course it has to be grilled (yes it is time to take the cover off the old BBQ and refill the propane tanks!!). Paired with Boxing Rock’s Hunky Dory Pale Ale which is a classically great dry, slightly bitter refreshing brew.
Hunky Dory has some nice slight white bread flavours up front (pairs great with beer battered fish and chips – which actually deserves it’s own post), followed by a slightly lemony citrus finish; you don’t even need the lemon for your fish. So, as the days get a bit longer, and the sun shines a bit brighter fire up the grill, visit your favourite local fish market (or wharf if you live in an ocean-side town) and grab a 6 pack of Hunky Dory Pale Ale; it’s a perfect beer and food celebration of spring! If you need some more inspiration…here’s a couple of great recipes to try, one that offers a perfect complement and one that gives a super fun contrast to the beer!
Honey Glazed Orange Lemon Salmon
Checkout the full recipe here!
- Honey
- Orange slices, and juice
- Lemon slices, and juice
- Salmon
Spicy Grilled White Fish
This one doesn't really need a recipe, just add the below!
- Chilli flakes
- Paprika
- Dill
- Garlic powder
- Lemon slices
- Cod, or haddock