Korean Pork Bulgogi Barbecue

The Catch: Asian-Style Seafood & Cocktail Recipes

Discover the diverse flavors and timeless traditions shaping Asian culinary heritage

Menu curated by Meredith Ouzounian / Photography by Celery City Creative / Food purveyed by Grand Western and Crazy Fish International, affiliates of Cheney Brothers Inc.

Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Cheney Brothers.

Asian Seafood Recipes

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Cocktails and Drink Recipes

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So many things come to mind when you think about Asia: Food. Culture. History. This massive continent—the world’s largest, taking up some 30 percent of Earth’s land mass—boasts some of the earliest civilizations, developments and ideas from within, from mathematics to the wheel. It is even said that writing possibly developed there as well. Asia’s first civilizations were concentrated around the river valleys where rich soil provided the means for growing crops to feed the population.

A lot has changed since 3000 BC, when the first Asian settlers broke the ground for agriculture development, but a lot has remained the same, and food is likely one of those.

The cuisines of Asia are about as diverse as the regional populations, but one constant is the oriental influence, likely spurred by the popularity of Chinese, Japanese and Thai flavors. With rice as a sacred staple, it seems that the same ingredients take on distinct flavors when prepared differently.

two steaks on a wooden cutting board.
two fish on a cutting board.

Yet as centuries passed and cultures intertwined, the culinary landscape of the Western culture also evolved. Today, Western culture continues to seep into the cuisine, as the Asian ingredients are opened up to an even more diverse element of fusion. Add in the flavors of India, and it’s a veritable culinary playground, where uncommon spices and cooking methods take hold and refuse to let go, driving us to recreate dishes that effectively blur the two.

As we racked our brains to decide which type of cuisine would be worthy of our fourth edition of The Catch, Asian rose to the top of our list. Chef Meredith Ouzounian once again hits this menu out of the park, exposing us to the best culinary regions of Asia: Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, India and China.

And while everyone’s palate craves something out of the ordinary and adventurous at times, Asian flavors easily manage to fall in the go-to category for fishermen. You’d be hard-pressed to find a single sportboat without some Asian-influenced ingredients on board because nothing does fresh fish justice like the Asian preparations. Whether that’s as simple as sushi rice, Sriracha, sesame oil or soy sauce, captains pride themselves on creating simple and elegant dishes for their guests. Add in a few unconventional meats that also might be found in a boat’s freezer, such as lamb and beef ribs, and you’ve just given yourself the boundless creativity to wow your guests one more time. —Capt Jen Copeland

Happy Howlidays

A golden retriever wearing a Tito's bandana collar.

Dogs have been part of the Tito’s Handmade Vodka story for more than 25 years now.

Originally, it was just founder Tito Beveridge and his dog who set up shop in rural Austin, Texas. Tito built a distillery and perfected his vodka; DogJo kept him company, sticking by his side through long days and sleepless nights. Soon the pair noticed stray and feral dogs started to show up, following the smell of food, looking for their next meal, a place to rest, and a little love. And the pack has continued to grow ever since.

These “distillery dogs,” who often find forever homes with Tito’s employees, inspired the Vodka for Dog People program, an initiative to better the lives of pets and their families near and far. Through this program, the folks at Tito’s amplify the impact of animal-focused nonprofits in their hometown of Austin and beyond, reaching a global scale. Each year, Tito’s teams up with these organizations to sponsor thousands of dog-friendly events to ­celebrate the bond between pups and their people. Since its start in 2013, Tito’s has supported over 18,000 nonprofit events and campaigns.

In Florida, Vodka for Dog People has worked with a variety of groups to continue strengthening these efforts:

  • Giant Dog Rescue, Southeastern Guide Dogs
  • Abandoned Pet Rescue, Humane Society of Broward County
  • The Humane Society of Tampa
  • The Humane Society of Greater Miami
  • Pet Alliance of Greater Florida
  • Humane Society of Tampa Bay
  • Brevard Humane Society
  • Lil Rascals Dog Rescue

 

It’s no surprise that this team of dog lovers has created one of the most dog-friendly workspaces in the country, setting precedent for other companies looking to create dog-friendly work environments. “Co-woofers” can be found lounging in conference rooms, snagging treats from the front desk, and playing a rousing game of fetch in the backyard (yep, there’s a backyard).

Doing good for dogs (and humans who love them) doesn’t stop there.

All of the net proceeds from items sold at the Love, Tito’s retail store in Austin and its online merch store go to a rotating list of nonprofits Tito’s supports, including Emancipet, a national organization founded in Austin dedicated to sharing affordable and accessible vet care with the people and pets who need it most.

For the folks still checking off that holiday shopping list, there’s something for everyone (and every dog). From golf gear to mixology kits to a collection made just for four-legged friends, here’s to making a difference with Tito’s.

Nearly a Century Later…

A food delivery driver
A Cheney Brothers delivery truck.

Delivering Southern ­hospitality for 100 years, Cheney Brothers has been a trusted name in the community since its founding in 1925. This family-owned and -operated company has flourished under a steadfast commitment to personalized customer service and unwavering dedication. Our Cheney Marine division, in particular, exemplifies this commitment by provisioning any vessel, ensuring that maritime customers receive the same exceptional service and comprehensive offerings that define our legacy, including dockside delivery and low minimum ordering.

What began with a humble offering of milk and eggs has blossomed into a comprehensive inventory of over 17,000 items, showcasing our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our clients, whether on land or sea.

As we approach our 100th-year milestone, under the visionary leadership of CEO Byron Russell, Cheney Brothers has upheld a tradition of excellence. Russell’s stewardship has guided us through decades of growth and innovation, ensuring that our promise of exceptional service remains at the forefront.

At the heart of our success lies a steadfast embrace of modern technology. Through seamless online ordering and efficient inventory management, we ensure our customers enjoy unparalleled convenience with a personal touch, without compromising quality. This integration of innovation allows us to anticipate and exceed expectations, staying ahead in an increasingly dynamic market while preserving the warm, familial atmosphere that defines us.

Our pledge to uphold these principles remains steadfast as we look to the future. We continue to evolve and adapt, driven by a passion for serving our community and enriching the lives of those we touch. Our story is one of tradition, values and commitment­—and that excellence resonates with each customer interaction every day.