Fried Calarmari

Fried Calamari: International Comfort Food and Fort Worth Restaurant Hit

Cartoon fans may not relish the thought of eating Squidward but they may be down with eating fried calamari.  The Italians came up with a melodic word for squid used as food, calamari, and it has been popular for ages in different parts of the world.  Here in America, fried calamari has become an appetizer menu resident and even a stylish comfort food.  Three continents in particular have led calamari to its selective status: Asia, Europe and North America.  It's nice to know that even this cosmopolitan dish can be found locally in a Fort Worth restaurant.

As far back to the ancient Romans, Europeans in the Mediterranean area have enjoyed calamari in various ways.  In Spain, it is saturated in its own ink and then cooked.  Spaniards also use squid in a version of their traditional rice dish, paella.  While styles vary regionally, fried calamari is a favorite in Italy, Greece and Turkey. Squid is used to make another comfort food in this part of the world; soup.  Italians have been known to use calamari creatively in their fabulous risotto, pasta and pizza dishes and Sicilians may add it to salads.

Asia is no stranger to calamari either.  Grilled squid is a common sight in Chinese, Thai and Japanese food market areas.  In China, calamari is added to rice or noodles and may also be stir-fried.  Often times, such dishes are accompanied by strong pepper or chili-based sauces.  Squid is also used in sushi and sashimi. In Korea, hot pepper paste or, gochujang, is used to bring out the flavor along with rice wine and soy sauce.  Squid can also be dried, then sweetened or salted and served in small portions with Soju (an alcoholic beverage similar to Vodka) or nuts.  So while a fry daddy may not win an Asian squid-lover over, fried calamari still has a fan base in the States.

North America is the next location where calamari hit it big.  Travel from Alaska to Mexico and comfort food lovers will recognize this seafood treat on menus all along the way.  Fried calamari is usually reserved for appetizers, as it is great for sharing.  There are various ways of preparing this dish but the basic method involves cutting the tubes and tentacles, dipping them into a flour mixture then deep-frying them in hot oil for a short amount of time to ensure tenderness.   Some orders come with a spicy mayonnaise or version of aioli sauce but marinara sauce is gaining popularity.  South of the border, Mexicans may serve this snack with local pepper sauces like habanero or chipotle.  Lucky no trip is necessary since the best fried calamari is served on Sundays in a Fort Worth restaurant at Chef Point Café.

American diners can enjoy squid as one of the tastiest appetizers. Fried calamari is a seafood delight, which can now be found at a Fort Worth restaurant.  Hand cut, specially seasoned and fried to golden perfection, Chef Point Café's fried calamari is a comfort food even SpongeBob couldn't refuse.