Dish: Sampling the WNC food scene, one bite at a time

Introducing “Dish,” the debut of our brand-new food-centric video series, a supplement to the food section that appears weekly in the pages of Xpress. In “Dish,” we’ll explore some of the most unique eats that Western North Carolina has to offer.

This week Xpress food writer Mackensy Lunsford, along with special guest Gabriella Oviedo, visits Zambra tapas restaurant in downtown Asheville to snack on rockfish milt, aka fish sperm. Yes, folks, you read that right.

And is it anywhere as disgusting as it sounds? To the contrary, it’s delicious.

And how does one prepare such a thing? Rockfish milt actually looks very much like an entire organ, and can be removed from the fish and sliced, then delicately pan-fried. It has the texture of flan and a very mild ocean flavor.

Enjoy the video of our experience, and like Oviedo says in the midst of all the double entendre that peppers the commentary, let the innuendo ensue (in other words, this is somewhat PG-13 material).

Have an idea for Dish? Want to feed us something funky and unique? Email us at food@mountainx.com.

Shot, directed and edited by: Troy Burnette
Produced, directed and edited by: Steve Shanafelt
Produced by and featuring: Mackensy Lunsford

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