Fish have been a staple of dwarf cuisine… well not for a long time. We’re a people of the earth, give us a break. It took centuries for us to try anything other than potatoes. But once we discovered the rich bounty of the water, we were hooked. I remembered the great cookers of Dungbar mountain. They would do amazing things with fish; a few were arrested for it.
So I wasn’t so surprised to find this city by the sea to have a thriving fish market. New Augury, they tell me, was built on top of an old fishing village. The founding wizards welcomed some of the locals to stick around, who provide them with a constant supply of food. In return, the fisherman could live and operate out of the town. Good deal, cuz these mages know how to do little beyond casting spells.
My first day here I met Angus Fullbrow, a burly-handed bloke who lives near the docks. Although he is more dwarfish than human, he’s got a good knack for catching fish. When he discovered my appreciate for fishy foods, he invented me to the local fish fry. It’s an event where natives of the area get around and cook fish in large vats of lard (the piggeries are also a thriving business).
Frying fish is a remarkable kind of technique. Angus noticed my fascination with how the flour-covered fish popped and fizzled. He took it upon himself to teach me how to do it myself. “There’s a trick to it, Peter,” he said. “You gotta get the right among of breading on the kipper and toss it in like so.” With a flick of the wrist he tossed a handful of fish into the pot.
And he let me try. I picked a nice trout and generously covered it in the flour. But I’m afraid my tossing skills with fish leave much to be desired. The fish smacked the side of the vat, knocking bubbling oil across the field. The empty vat rolled, knocking down the other pots of frying fish. People were running in all directions, shielding their faces from the fiery ooze.
Angus was none too pleased. On the bright side, my trout managed to land in a large puddle of oil and crisped up nicely.
So all in all, not a bad time.