Georges Bank Dinner at The Dorrance, April 30, 2012

On April 30, 35 guests gathered at The Dorrance in downtown Providence to enjoy a variety of seafood from Georges Bank. Chef Ben Sukle prepared an amazing four-course dinner, and guest scientist Mike Fogarty and guest fisherman Fred Mattera described the ecological conditions in this most important ecosystem.

Menu:

  • 1st Course: George's Bank Squid withAsparagus, Radish, Wild Greens, Lemon Puree, Squid Ink - Herb Vinaigrette
  • 2nd Course: George's Bank Scallops with Nettles, Ramps, Sunchoke, Roasted Crab Broth
  • 3rd Course: George's Bank Ground-fish Ceviche with Chili, Citrus, Crispy Sweet Potato, Olive Oil
  • 4th Course: George's Bank Swordfish with Cauliflower, Scallion, Chermoulah
  • Mignardise

Guest speakers:

Michael Fogarty is an Adjunct Associate Scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the NOAA Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Mike started life far from the ocean, in Fairbanks, Alaska. His parents, New England natives, eventually returned to Rhode Island, where he became fascinated with sea life and embarked on a career in marine biology. He received a doctorate from the University of Rhode Island and came to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in 1980, where he studies changes in marine ecosystems in response to fishing. He has served on numerous national and international panels and committees including the Scientific Steering Committee of the U.S. GLOBEC program, which he chaired from 1997-2002, the Global Ocean Observation System (GOOS) Steering Committee, and the Coastal Ocean Observation Panel of GOOS.

Fred Mattera has been a commercial fisherman since 1972 and the owner of the Point Judith, RI-based 84' freezer trawler Travis & Natalie since 1984. Fred is a highliner in the yellowtail flounder fishery and was instrumental in the development of the Cooperative Research Partners Program industry-based survey (IBS) for yellowtail. A qualified Coast Guard-approved marine drill instructor, Fred Mattera is the owner/president of North East Safety Training Co. (NESTCo), which conducts fishing vessel drills and inspections and basic safety training workshops. Fred will share knowledge and experience of the Georges Bank ecosystem that he has gained through his many years of fishing there. 

The Dorrance is located at 60 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903.