i sampled some interesting combinations, including schmaltz herring with thin slices of boiled potato paired with reyka vodka, and pickled herring with onions and cream sauce on baltic rye served along with a shot of vermouth. i was impressed by how fresh the new catch holland herring was. one booth served a raw fillet on a roll, garnished with cornichon and onion, which was excellent... although being japanese i couldn't help but think it might taste even better on rice!
my favorite, though, was the curried herring with medjool dates and roasted cashews, paired with lillet blanc. sweet, rich, and so unexpected... i had to go back for seconds. i've never eaten so much herring in one night, i feel so much smarter now! also, some star appearances: wylie dufresne of restaurant wd50 serving a herring and nasturtium gazpacho, and john zorn and his band playing music.
