Fish

Zeus faber

A tier

Zeus faber is the classic John Dory—a thin, deep-bodied fish with a distinctive dark thumbprint spot on each side. Yield is low because of the large head, but the white flesh is firm, fine, and subtly sweet, highly valued in French, British, and Mediterranean fine dining. Fresh fish show bright skin and clear eyes. Fillet carefully around the bone structure or roast small whole fish. The flesh holds heat well for pan-searing and gentle roasting with olive oil and herbs. Do not overcook; pull at pearly just-opaque so the delicate sweetness remains.