An Explanation

I will never apologize for anything I write here. Let's get that straight. I did receive an e-mail this morning that made me want to clarify something, however. In the 'Oooh La La' post I mentioned knowing a "rogue fish poacher". Let me explain. The restaurant business is fiercely competitive. In order to have an edge, a chef has to to business with some shady people. People who can hook me up with stuff the other restaurants don't have. When copper river salmon season comes around, everyone in this area is dying to empty their wallets to eat some. If I can get it a week before anyone else, I will. I do not condone fish poaching in any way though. The state of Alaska has that river under intense scrutiny so I know the fish was caught legally. How they can get it to me so soon is something I don't ask. I am a fisherman and fish poachers piss me off. Anyone who fishes in closed waters, without a license, with illegal gear, or exceeds their limit is an evil fuck who should be tarred, feathered, and castrated. Here in Wahington there is a delicate balance between commercial fishing (a huge part of this state's economy), tribal fishing rights (western WA is home to some of the most organized and wealthy indian tribes in the country and they are adamant about their fishing rights), and recreational angling. Cheating fucks the whole thing up. We haven't been allowed to harvest abalone for a few years now thanks to those dickhead poachers. So to answer your question, no I don't buy poached fish. That guy I mentioned probably could hook me up with some but I wouldn't do that. Don't ever doubt me again!