13 May 2015 | By Sun International
The Maslow Hotel is On Board with Sustainable Seafood Initiative
The Maslow embraces Sun International’s Sustainable Seafood Promise
Making the right choice for marine conservation in South Africa is as easy as ordering off the menu at The Maslow’s Lacuna Bistro.
As part of Sun International’s sustainable seafood promise, The Maslow has committed to serving only green-listed seafood at its fashionable restaurant. This means that any and all fish and seafood products on the new menu are sourced from sustainable suppliers approved by the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI).
Even Ordinary Fish can be Extraordinary
Thanks to Jason Millar, Executive Chef at Lacuna Bistro, making a responsible environmental choice doesn’t mean forfeiting flavour. Millar believes that even seemingly ordinary fish can be extraordinary - the secret lies in the preparation. To this end, he attended a SASSI training programme before redesigning the menu to ensure that every fish dish not only complies with the Sustainable Seafood Initiative, but is delicious too. Think hake tempura with jalapeño dressing, or pan-seared sea bass dressed in burnt caper butter.
Sustainable Fish – it’s in the Small Details
Staying true to sustainable fishing practices, even the herbs used in Millar’s dishes are grown on-site in The Maslow’s Rooftop Garden. The herb garden comprises raised boxes and a variety of planters that provide garnish and produce for his innovative recipes. The garden has a variety of herbs including rosemary, sage, basil, coriander, dill, parsley and thyme as well as a selection of fresh chillies – all delicious in a sustainable seafood dish.
The Prawn Debate
While Lacuna Bistro’s new menu does feature orange-listed prawns in some dishes (including the delicious prawn and baby spinach salad with truffle and parmesan dressing, as well as Millar’s prawn spaghetti with chilli, chorizo, basil, garlic and lime), the Sustainable Seafood Initiative is currently reviewing the status of prawns as part of its efforts in marine conservation in South Africa. Because there are a number of different species, both farmed and wild-caught, SASSI has a project underway to develop detailed assessments for all of the priority prawn species that occur on the South African market. Once these assessments have been finalised, each of these species will be assigned a colour based on its origin and fishing method. Until then, The Maslow will only source its prawns from prawn farms and fisheries that are employing responsible practices and promoting sustainable seafood.
The Promise
Recognising that unsustainable harvesting is ravaging our oceans and that fish stocks must be protected, The Maslow hotel has taken to heart its responsibility to use scarce and precious resources mindfully in line with the Sustainable Seafood Initiative. This commitment falls in line with Sun International’s group-wide sustainable seafood strategy.
What are you waiting for? Book your next business lunch at the Lacuna Bistro and make a responsible (and delicious) choice towards marine conservation in South Africa.