The Fisher King

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April  5, 2012
2 Comments

New York City has chicken coops, rooftop gardens, and now, urban fish farms. Christopher Toole, a former banker, is the man behind the Society for Aquaponic Values and Education. Since he left banking, he has devoted himself to aquaponics, teaching New Yorkers how to grow a minnow-size fish into a grown fish, suitable for serving at the dinner table. According to the New York Post:   

He and Pozdeeva [Toole's wife] set up a small fish farm in the apartment they share with their 2-year-old and Pozdeeva’s 7-year-old son. They first tried growing barramundi, but settled on the hardy tilapia. When their operation grew, they moved it to the Point, where they get free space in exchange for educational sessions with local kids.

Toole has sold his goods at the New Amsterdam Market and plans to expand his business. 
What's next for New York City's local, sustainable food scene? It's anyone's guess.

The Fisher King: Bronx man wants NYers eating tilapia out of garbage cans - New York Post

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gourmettenyc
I'm Laura Loesch-Quintin, a food writer and photographer, as well as the voice behind the recipe blog gourmette•nyc. Originally from Philadelphia, I was raised in a French-American household where vinaigrette, cornichons, and clafoutis were (and still are) staples. When not cooking, writing, or photographing, I can usually be found exploring the food markets of New York City.

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2 Comments

LeBec F.
LeBec F. April 7, 2012
Great idea but what a shame they can't get a more flavorful fish to work with.
 
Nozlee S.
Nozlee S. April 5, 2012
I think this is SO fascinating -- if we can have chickens on rooftops, why not fish?