Awase Fish & Farmers' Market

Since we've gotten to the island we have wanted to go to a fish and farmers' market to get some extremely fresh fish and try out some of the different vegetables they have here, one being the bitter melon we've heard so much about. Today we got that chance. Jason got some information from his Gunney that there is one not too far from our apartment. We got up, showered, and got Colton all ready and were on our way. The Gunney said its between the McDonalds and the Convention Center right off he bypass (sounds easy enough). Little did we know that that was about 4 blocks worth of city. Again - we're on a wild goose chase. We pull into McDonalds and notice there is a car with an American license plate (marked by an A for American or Y for Yankee). Jason goes in and asks them in they have heard or know of this so called farmer's market. She said, "Yes. Its not too far from here. We could walk." Jason was soooo excited to be taking directions from a woman, let me tell you! Following this woman's directions, we ended up finding it, unlike the Yellow Box Furniture Store. The building looked just like any grocery store. It wasn't what we were expecting from a Farmer's Market. In Wisconsin they are outside and there are people cooking up egg rolls and tamales and its a busy place. This place was BORING. We went in regardless of the outside just to be sure we weren't missing anything. We weren't! There was barely anyone in the store and the only exciting thing we saw was a whole pig being butchered and separated. EVERY part of that pig was for sale. EVERY part! We left a little frustrated. Colton had to take his nap and was going to be hungry soon so we headed home with hopes of finding a better one on the internet. We did!!

 

 

Here I am picking out some fish from a slew of different choices. We didn't know what was what, but this place knew us Americans were coming! They had English next to the pictures of the fish! Aragatoo! We still didn't know what kind of fish we wanted because as you can figure they don't have fish like Cod or Perch or Walleye. We asked a fellow American for his assistance. You should've seen the fish he had (I forgot to take a picture I was so shocked)! His wife and 3 children were purchasing an entire Mahi Mahi. It was probably 3 feet long and 8-10" around. We couldn't imagine eating that much fish! It was at least 10-12 pounds after it was fileted and only $37.00! Wowzers! So this fine gentleman pointed out some fish that he had tried and said was flakey and mild flavored. We took his word and as you can see from above... I did the picking! You just grab a tongs and put the fish you want in the basket (if they'll fit), bring them over to the cashier and they asked you how you would like it. Skinned and fileted, please!

 

 

 

 

An assembly line of Japanese amazingness! These fine gentleman descaled, skinned, cleaned and fileted our fish for us with a smile. No tips necessary here in Japan, its considered rude! Bonus! We had our 5-6 pounds of freshly caught fish in hand. We were headed towards the veggies to check them out when a man in a little booth caught my attention. He was giving samples. It looked like beef jerky so I took a tooth pick and gave it a try. Hmm... jerky-ed squid. Delicious! The veggies were non-impressive, this place seemed to be a fish place.

 

Jason had read on the reviews online that if one goes to the Awase Fish and Farmers' Market that he/she should try the "lobster set." Jason nor I am a big lobster fan, Jason insisted upon trying it anyway.

 

 

This is it. Half of a lobster, Miso soup, huge Tuna chunks and a bowl of rice. It was 1700 yen. Close to about $16.50. I am still not a fan of the lobster, especially with melted cheese on top. Yuck. Jason ate the majority of it and I don't think it was a mind-changer for him either. Colton enjoyed the scenery and smiled at all the passers-by.

 

 

I know my fingers in the way. Its just how I do.

 

We made the Goatfish that we purchased today (it has a fu-man-chu, seriously!) into fish tacos - San Diego style! They were delicious. The fish was a little fishy and a little oily, but nothing too bad. Tomorrow we will be having the Red Snapper. We are looking forward to it.

 

At the market they had other seafood besides just fish and jerky-ed squid. They had Blue Swimming Crabs and Prawns. The prawns were enormous! They were 650 yen a piece and they still had their heads and I just don't know what to do with that. I'm sure they are tasty, though.

 

 

Jason has a bit a femmy sized hand - we all know, but they prawns are huge!

 

All in all it was a successful day at the market and we will definitely be back!