Frontier in Brunswick shares a recipe for mouth-watering fish tacos

When you enjoy a meal at Frontier in Brunswick you also get to enjoy the view. The cafe (and cinema and art gallery) are located in Cabot Mill on the site of Fort Andross on the banks of the Androscoggin River.

A little history

I’m always interested in the history of things and places, so I did a little bit of digging. Here’s what I discovered:

• Fort Andross was built in 1688 and served as a trading post for fur trappers. It was also a garrison during King William’s War.
• The mill was built in 1809. The power of the river at Pejepscot Falls was harnessed to make yarn in Maine’s first cotton mill.
• In 1857, the mill was expanded and rebranded as the Cabot Manufacturing Co.
• Waterfront Maine bought the mill in 1986. The building is now considered “a vibrant hub for professionals, artists, innovators, thinkers, tinkers and makers.”

About Frontier

Frontier is in what’s known as Mill 3. It’s owned by Michael Gilroy, who says it “was built from scratch, with heart & soul and as much reclaimed materials, fixtures and equipment as we could scrounge.”

The space includes a theater, an art gallery and of, course, the cafe. On the website, it says 

Frontier is a destination where people gather to explore food, film, music, art and ideas inspired by the world.

About the food

Noly Lopez is the food and beverage manager, which means he is in charge of serving up delicious meals. He says he’s been cooking professionally for 15 years and has been in a leadership “chef” role for eight.

We asked him a few food-related questions:

Why do you think food and cooking are so important?

I could give you a few hundred pages on why food and cooking are so important. The shortest answer I could possibly give would be that cooking is a means to transform food in a way that nourishes our senses and our bodies. The more you cook, and the better you cook, the more you honor your mind and body.

How does Frontier approach food differently than other places?

Frontier’s approach to food can be eclectic and sometimes hard to define. However, it always starts with fresh, high quality ingredients sourced as close as possible. Collaboration is a massive part of the kitchen at Frontier and has allowed us to create recipes and dishes that pull from a wide range of palates and leaves us with a product that is dynamic and creative.

What one tip can you offer home cooks?

Taste, adjust, and taste again! Vinegars, salt, open your mind!

A recipe for fish tacos

Noly was kind enough to send us a recipe for fish tacos. They look scrumptious! While it calls for fried fish, I think you could easily substitute broiled or baked fish. Here’s what Noly has to say about the recipe:

This recipe, while containing a few elements that require planning ahead, can be easily modified and the ingredients can be easily substituted. Prepared cabbage slaws, and kimchi can make this a minimally prep intensive recipe. However, the cabbage and kimchi elements of this recipe can also be used for other recipes or enjoyed on their own. 

I say, let’s give it a try! And thank you, Noly and Frontier, for the recipe.

Fish Tacos from Frontier

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Fish

• 1 pound pollock
• 4 ounces rice flour
• 4 cups canola oil
• 1 TBS + 1 tsp salt

8 4-inch flour or corn tortillas

Red Cabbage Slaw

• 1 head red cabbage sliced thin
• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• 1/4 cup parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 TBS honey
• 3/4 cup golden raisins chopped
• 2 TBS salt
• 2 TBS sugar

Kimchi Remoulade

• 1 head napa cabbage cut into 1″x1″ pieces
• 2 TBS salt
• 2 TBS sugar
• 1/3 cup garlic sliced
• 13 cup ginger sliced
• 1/2 cup sriracha
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup tamari
• 1/4 cup scallions chopped
• 1/4 cup carrots shredded
• 1 cup mayonnaise

INSTRUCTIONS

Fried Pollock

Pollock is a sustainable Maine option that we use at Frontier. Other white fish can be substituted as needed or desired.

1. Cut fish into pieces approx 2” x 1”.
2. In a small dish add the 4 oz of rice flour and 1 t. salt.
3. In a small pot, heat 4 cups canola oil to 375F. Put the fish in one piece at a time and let cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Remove fish, and season with 1 T. salt immediately.

Red Cabbage Slaw

1. Thinly slice red cabbage and combine with all other ingredients.
2. Let sit for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight to fully marinate.

Kimchi Remoulade

1. Mix the napa cabbage with the salt and sugar (to cure) and let sit for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
2. Combine all other ingredients while the napa cabbage cures.
3. Combine all together.
4.  Puree 1/2 cup of finished kimchi and mix with 1 cup of mayonnaise.
5. This Kimchi recipe can be enjoyed fresh. It can be stored, under refrigeration, for up to 6 months.

Assembly

1. Grill or toast tortillas until warm and pliable.
2. Place red cabbage slaw on tortillas, line up fried fish over slaw covering the entire length of taco shell.
3. Spoon on approx 2 T. of kimchi remoulade per taco.
4. Serve with fresh lime.