A “dinner ashore” is a traditional meal of mixed fish or freshwater fish, typically eaten by a large group of people after a day of fishing. It includes steamed shellfish, hearty bread, and corn on the cob, and is often messy and informal. It is associated with the 1,000 Islands region and the east coast of the United States. Land-based dinners are also offered by markets and restaurants.
A dinner ashore is a meal of mixed fish or freshwater fish, depending on the region. The name comes from the tradition of fishing all day and then setting out on shore to assemble dinner from some of that day’s catch. Since shore-based dinners ideally involve a wide variety of fish, they’re best when eaten by a large group of people, making the preparation effort well worth it. In some regions, land based dinners are offered by markets and restaurants for people who want to enjoy this classic meal at home.
Shore dinners are particularly associated with the 1,000 Islands region between the United States and Canada, and are also eaten along the east coast of the United States. In the 1,000 Islands, a “dinner ashore” is a frequent offering in a package tour. Some tourists enjoy the tradition a lot as they can watch their meals being caught or participate in fishing.
Along with mixed seafood, a land-based dinner typically includes hearty bread and corn on the cob. Other foods such as potatoes are sometimes included as well, depending on regional preferences. There are also many ways to prepare a dinner on land; because the fish is so fresh, many recipes use minimal ingredients and spices to allow the natural flavor of the food to penetrate. Traditionally, ground dinner is usually prepared in a large skillet with sirloin steak, a form of bacon. The bacon fat helps flavor and cook the food.
Shore dinners often include steamed shellfish such as oysters, mussels and clams. They can also include creatures like crab and lobster, along with an assortment of deep-fried seafood cuts. As one might imagine, the ingredients of a dinner on land can get messy and as a result, the meal is usually very informal. The hearty bread helps diners consume flavorful juices, and some people even use their bread to assemble sandwiches with their favorite ingredients.
Dinner ashore often includes a salad that’s topped with 1,000 island dressings, along with guide coffee, a thick black coffee brewed in a pot on the stove. Some land-based dinners end with French toast for dessert, typically with a hearty helping of syrup. Many fans of land-based dining believe it’s best enjoyed in the great outdoors, prepared over an open stove after a long day on the water.
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