Passion and Fish Tacos

The aesthetic beauty of the world has been laboriously sought after by a select within history. The things that we see, taste, and hear are all products of one person’s passion for their task and practice. Passion is the most fruitful quality; everything that is brought forth from it is of the upmost value. Even the simplest things that have been created by passions, such as fruit, are heighted to exceptional levels. I am always seeking the labors and products of others passions, whatever their craft may be. My life is guided by my desire to surround myself with things that others pour their hearts into. Above things of a personal nature what I value most is passion, whether it is a farmer’s, a painter’s, or my own. Passion has been central to the way in which I live my life and those I choose to share it with.

As I began to mature and seek out my life’s path I was disheartened because I had yet to find a special talent or something that I was clearly successful at. It was not until I found I loved coffee did I understand what is most important about life, and that is finding a passion for something and being willing to pour everything that you possess into it. I realized that Passion was what guided innovation and culture as well as my own life. Often times passion takes on negative connotations in our society, it is viewed as something negative to shy away from. Obviously a product of our puritan roots the definitions given by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary and Dictionary.com, all depict passion as being a quality of something that is uncontrollable and because of the strong emotions that surround it, it is thus negative. I disagree strongly with the subtle innuendos of these definitions, which I find to be rigid and negative.

Though passion in all of its forms can often times be associated with irrationality, this irrationality is also what drives that single focus to perfection. A person of moderation and apathy may lead a stable life but it will never amount to one that is fully lived. I hope to never be a person that is absorbed in the myth that happiness is found through apathy; I believe that contentment can only be sought through pursuing something that you feel passion for regardless of the actual task. The extremes of passion are where life can be fully lived even if some believe that it is a life lead by an irrational desire. The events that I value most within life are created by a person’s passion for their task, whether it be preparing food all day in the kitchen in order to enjoy it with family and friends or creating something for a person to enjoy and indulge in. Passion should not be a value that we shrink from but one that should be completely embraced within our society and culture.

On that note... everything that we do and eat should be created out of passion for the ingredients and the experience of eating with the people that we care most about. Sharing a meal with friends and family is of the up most priority to us, but not always a reality. Sitting in Lala's kitchen is a treat that happens all too rarely. On the last occasion we sat chatting excitedly about the opening of Lala's Creamery, an old fashioned ice cream parlor, and making amazing fish tacos.

Family Fish Tacos

2 lbs Petrale Sole

1 can of refined black beans

1 onion

1 tomato

bunch of cilantro

tortillas

garlic

and basic house hold ingredients (not sure if that is allowed in a recipe)

So we started the delicious meal by preparing the fish. First rinse all of the fillets gently to get off any grossness, then grab a plate or bowl and throw in about a cup of all purpose flour. Lightly flour each side of the fish so that there is an even coat. Preheat a huge pan with oil and butter (You will know when it is hot enough when you throw in a drop of water and it sizzles). Throw the fuckers in the pan and let them fry up minute and a half on each side or when each side is golden and crisp.

As for the black beans I was only gazing over La's shoulder while she made them but it looked as if you... Preheat oil in the pan add a little bit of diced onion after that gets going throw in the garlic ( Burnt garlic tastes bad). Add the whole can of beans and let that all cook together till it is heated through and smelling amazing, at the end throw in some cilantro action.

We ate out whole meal family style with 8 people, the fish tacos were served with Spanish rice, beans, diced onions, and tomatoes. But just throw down whatever suits your palate.