Recipe, Dolly Varden, Char Tartar!!

                                                 
Dolly Varden or Artic Char which are one in the same have to be my favorite of fishes, they are also one of the most beautiful. I was first introduced to these pink spotted beauties in South East Alaska while working as the chef of an exclusive lodge on the Prince of Whales Island. Spending much time on the Thorne River fly fishing for the Dolly's was part of my daily duties as for they quickly became a part of my appetizer arsenal. I have prepared them just about every way possible, from smoked to rolling there pinkish flesh in sushi rolls, there firm tender texture is one I personally seek out in todays markets. Artic Char as they are mostly known can be found either farmed or wild, wild is the best. If one can't find the wild ones be sure if farmed they are farmed organically and not from Russian fish farms. The absolute best is right out of the waters on your own fly line, need I say more.........
Here now I present to you "Char Tartar" 

1# Artic Char Filets
1 tbs fresh chopped garlic
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp fresh lemon zest
2 tbs Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
1 tbs Capers
1 tbs fresh chopped Italian Parsely
1 Banchi Chicken or Quail Egg (optional)
Sea Salt to taste

Remove bones and skin from the fish, cut flesh into 1/4 inch cubes and place into mixing bowl, add all ingredeants listed except the egg. Gently mix together using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. If presenting on platter mound the tartar in the center of platter then crack the egg atop, serve with crisp wonton chips, if presenting individually take a 2 inch round cookie cutter as a mold, push tartar through the mold and garnish with egg leaving the bright orange yolk a top, serve with crispy wonton chips.
This is a fast, simple, refreshing and delisious appitizer or as a protien for a beautiful salad with a lite Wasabi Vinaigrette.
As always put your own twist on it, recipes are suggestions or guildlines to create from and try your own additions or substitutions to. So have fun in your kitchen and enjoy using it as an arena to express yourself.