Lately, we just can’t get enough of the delicate flavor of skate. When cooked well, it’s moist and delicious and pairs gorgeously with both citrus-y and rich, butter-based sauces. Skate never tastes heavy, but it’s always satisfying. It is, in short, a near-perfect fish. Skate is a fixture on fine dining menus. Below, five of Boston’s best skate dishes.
•At Beacon Hill Bistro, skate is sauteed and served with spinach, acorn squash, hazelnut brown butter, and a red wine glaze. There is very little in this world that could not be improved by hazelnut brown butter but the dish is strong enough that it would be great even without it.
•Eastern Standard serves their crispy skate with fennel puree and blood orange for a really exciting combination of flavors and a gorgeous presentation.
•Mare gets seriously luxe with its dish of truffle-crusted skate, served with a wild arugula and citrus salad with watermelon vinaigrette. Oh, it went there.
•At Rendezvous, the skate is skillet-roasted and accompanied by celery root, sage, Meyer lemon, and the popular hazelnut brown butter. It’s ubiquitous because it’s just that good.
•Pork is a fantastic accompaniment to skate, so it’s no surprise that the skate at Via Matta comes with a side of braised greens and pancetta. It’s also topped with salmoriglio sauce, which is similar to chimichurri. Delightful!
Beacon Hill Bistro [Official Site]
Eastern Standard [Official Site]
Mare [Official Site]
Rendezvous [Official Site]
Via Matta [Official Site]
[Photo: Stephen Cooks]
