Fish Taco Wars

(Event took place in August 2009 - Happy New Year!)

Within a small yet growing community in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a love of food exits. This love of food revolves around one prominent food - the almighty fish taco. Yes, friends, in an effort to honor the deliciousness and might of the fish taco, this community has embarked on a historic journey to see who can claim to know how to make the best fish taco...and prove it! At the end of this journey, there shall only be one fish taco master. This journey is called Fish Taco Wars!

Two weeks back, three friends and contestants squared off to see who would be named fish taco master. See, this is the second time our little group has embarked on such a competition, but the first gathering was soooo underground, that it cannot and should not be spoken about. Nevertheless, Tickle was able to obtain a few photos (posted below) from an anonymous source.

The Battle at Leonard or, as it is now commonly referred to, FT2, was a battle of skill and passion. The work of the three fine contestants was judged by a panel of hungry judges with varying degrees of passion for the fish taco. FT2 was kicked into high gear with a healthy flow of alcoholic beverages ranging from Mexico's one and only, Tecate, and our very own, Pabst Blue Ribbon.

This battle was not just one of skill, it was one of flavor and presentation. On one end, Takenaga pulled out a wildcard by bypassing fish altogether and making shrimp tacos. Many judges appeared baffled by her audacity to sidestep the understood rules and regulations. I think she just did her thing- work it Reiko! On the other end, we had Ryan, a competition newcomer, but no newbie to fish taco-making. And, finally, there was Tickle, a fierce and focused opponent ready to slay the competition - you know him well.

The 6 judges consisted of an array of professionals and unemployed creatives, including two dogs named Stella and Lupe, respectively.

The competition went down without any major hiccups though Tickle was accused of talking too much smack...what's wrong with a little smack, right?! I call it confidence. Anyhow, after an hour or so of chopping, julienneing, mixing, frying, and battering, the chefs completed their works of art.

Takenaga - Shrimp

Ryan - Panko-Battered Cod

Tickle - Ceviche

Takenaga and Tickle, the seasoned pros, took chances with their dishes. Takenaga threw out the playbook entirely and made some damn tasty shrimp tacos. I am not a big fan of shrimp, but these babies were downright righteous. They were dressed with slaw and avocado. Tickle took a very different path. Indeed, he went for broke with a ceviched tilapia consisting of red onion, avocado, cilantro and citrus, citrus, citrus! Ryan, the new yet nimble challenger, went traditional with a panko-battered cod layered with slaw and an amazing chipotle crema.

After a grueling judgement panel, Ryan, yes Ryan, the rookie, came out on top leaving Takenaga and Tickle aghast in silence. The judges were fond of Ryan's respect for the rulebook and use of traditional ingredients. Her fish was immaculately cooked and battered. They applauded her safe yet perfectly composed tacos. The judges were not, however, fond of Takenaga's use of shrimp and Tickle's soggy tortillas. Nevertheless, both T's tacos were tasty and they were praised for their imaginative and competive focus.

Congratulations to Ryan! This, however, will not be the last competition...