Ask a Poissonnier
Whether you're curious about the freshest seasonal catches, seeking advice on sustainable choices, or need expert tips on storing and preparing seafood, our resident poissonnier is here to help. This page allows you to ask questions directly, browse through frequently asked questions, and access practical resources tailored to bring the best of the sea to your table. Dive in and get ready to expand your seafood knowledge from industry experts.
Meet Daniel
Daniel is a British tech entrepreneur who has spent over a decade living in France and more than 11 years in Switzerland, where he developed a deep appreciation for the culinary traditions of both regions. His love for sustainable and under-appreciated seafood, sparked by years spent exploring coastal flavours and fresh catches, inspired him to create SurMer.
With over 20 years of experience in leadership and building tech businesses, Daniel has a knack for connecting people to meaningful experiences. But beyond his professional achievements, Daniel is someone who loves sharing good food and great stories. When he’s not working, he enjoys fly-fishing, cooking, writing, and spending time with friends over a glass of wine. His approachable nature and passion for seafood make him the perfect Poissonnier (fishmonger) to ask questions, and bring the joy of seafood directly to his customers.
Top Questions
We have created a dedicated page called the seafood seasonality guide to answer exactly this question. Click here to view
What's in season?
Fresh fish should have bright, clear eyes, a mild smell, and firm, shiny flesh. Check the gills, which should be bright red or pink, not grey or dull. If the fish fillet bounces back when pressed, that’s another good sign of freshness.
What’s the best way to check if fish is fresh?
We work hard to source everything with certification labels like MSC or ASC, as these indicate some form of sustainability standards. Although given the political side of these labels, you can never be 100% sure. So we try and get to know the fisherman, wholesalers, and traders personally and we are building out better supply chains all the time for exactly this purpose.
Is the seafood here really sustainable?
No we only deal in fresh fish. However there are some species that are flash frozen (IQF) when instantly caught on the boat. These are usually Scallops, Wild Salmon, Halibut, Tuna, and Shrimp this generally helps maintain a tender texture and sweet flavour, as these species degrade quickly if left unfrozen for too long.
Has your fish been previously frozen?
Can you prepare or clean the fish for me?
Absolutely! We are pros at filleting, descaling, or even removing pin bones, depending on how you plan to cook the fish. Just indicate when ordering.
Scheduled Live Chat
Join us for real-time interactions with our expert poissonnier during our Scheduled Live Chat sessions! These live events are your opportunity to ask direct questions and gain insights into all things seafood—from sustainable sourcing to cooking techniques and seasonal recommendations. Scheduled ahead of time, these sessions allow you to engage with our fishmongers in a lively Q&A. Check back regularly for the latest dates and topics, and don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and make the most of your seafood experience.
Upcoming Sessions
18th November @20h
18th December @20h *Christmas Edition
Please note that our Live Chat Sessions are held on Instagram Live, so in order to participate, you will need to download Instagram and follow us
www.instagram.com/sur_mer_switzerland
Instagram Videos
Curious about seafood? Watch as we answer popular questions on everything from choosing fresh fish to perfecting cooking techniques. Whether you’re new to seafood or a seasoned cook, these quick short instagram videos bring you quick, practical insights directly from a poissonnier’s perspective!
Ask a Question Privetly
Have a question you’d prefer to ask one-on-one? Whether it’s about selecting the best seafood, learning sustainable practices, or preparing your next dish, you can submit your question directly to our expert poissonniers for a private response. This ensures you get the guidance you need with dedicated attention. Feel free to reach out and receive expert advice tailored just for you!
Open Q&A
Welcome to our Open Q&A section, a community space for sharing questions, comments, and insights on all things seafood. Here, you can leave a question for our poissonniers or connect with fellow seafood enthusiasts by exploring previous answers. From tips on cooking techniques to advice on sustainable choices, this section is an open forum to learn, share, and discover more about your seafood interests.