This Ati Manel Garfish in Spiced Olive Oil was also from an order from Caputo's about three months ago. I'd seen it reviewed, largely knew what to expect, so it wasn't like I was putting off opening the can. But, when I finally did so, it was with a modicum of apprehension, the horse mackerel experience being still fresh in my mind.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.8/5.
Very interesting appearance. Slender, tubular fish. Shiny skin with no apparent scales. The oil is tinged red, I assume from the pepper. The aroma is of a fresh fish, but not like that of sardines or tuna, or even mackerel. Different, but not bad.
A sip of the oil is only mildly seasoned. Other than the fish, olive oil and salt, the only other listed ingredient is "chilli". But it's not hot at all. Nothing hitting the back of the throat.
The fish are firm, and pull from the can completely intact. A sample taste is both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time. The meat is tender, not dry at all. It's sort of like sardines meets mackerel.
Let's Proceed
I put them out over rice, and found something vegetal underneath. Initially, it looked like a sliver of carrot, but I knew it shouldn't be. Apparently, the pepper was laid open, ostensibly to release its flavor.
It wasn't hot, though, having more of a pickled taste. If anything, the predominant seasoning was the salt, and, at 400 mg, I thought its level was just right.
Cautiously, I poured only about half the oil left in the can over it all.
Pierced with a fork, the fish reluctantly separated into bite-size pieces. As I went, I still wasn't getting any heat, but the mild seasoning was pleasant enough. I dumped the remaining oil over the rest.
Overall, I'm glad I tried this. I don't know if it made me want to run out and buy more garfish, but the experience was worthwhile.
Main Takeways
- Fresh fish flavor with a meaty texture
- Not really all that spicy
Brand: 100 Misterios / Ati Manel
Description: Garfish in Spiced Olive Oil
Species: Belone belone
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $8