MOR is delighted to invite guests to experience one of Cornwall’s most remarkable marine stories this autumn, with a special evening celebrating the return of Atlantic bluefin tuna to Cornish waters.
Taking place on Friday 30 October, the evening will bring together Cornish fishing, marine science and delicious dishes with the dinner co-hosted by Kieran Burkhill, commercial bluefin tuna fisherman aboard the ‘Stargazy FY36’, who will give an insight into the people behind one of Cornwall’s most talked-about catches.
Now in her second commercial bluefin tuna season out of Mevagissey, Stargazy has been specially adapted for landing tuna, with a purpose-built ramp and winch system allowing Kieran and crew member Kyle Robinson to bring the fish aboard in a controlled manner. Working from a compact fishing boat makes preparation, organisation and teamwork crucial, with the crew using rod and reel, towing spreader bars and stingers to land the powerful fish.
Careful handling and preparation are fundamental to ensuring the quality of the fish from sea to plate, and Kieran will share an insight into the realities of the fishery, from life as a fisherman to the importance of making the most of this exciting local catch.
The evening will begin with a live bluefin tuna breakdown, giving guests the opportunity to see an entire tuna prepared and learn about its different cuts, textures and characteristics. Tom Anglesea and the MOR team will demonstrate how they make the most of the whole fish, before showcasing it across a five-course tasting menu.
The menu will celebrate Cornish bluefin alongside MOR’s distinctive approach to seasonal cooking, including a tasting of several different cuts of tuna served with English wasabi, pickled ginger and MOR smoked tuna soy, followed by Smoked Tuna Bone Broth and Bluefin Tuna Loin. The evening will finish with MOR’s already renowned Medjool Date and Custard Tart.
Joining Kieran will be Emily Theobald of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation, who will share her knowledge of the legislation and science behind the bluefin tuna fishery. Kieran and his crew are also involved in the University of Exeter’s ‘Bluefin Tuna: Feeding the Comeback’ project, led by Dr Tom Horton. The project is examining what bluefin tuna are feeding on in Cornish waters, helping scientists better understand their feeding habits and their role within the marine ecosystem. As part of the project, Kieran and his crew provide tuna samples for research, offering an intriguing connection between commercial fishing and marine science.
The evening promises to be an educational – and delicious – evening, taking the tuna from the sea to plate, understanding and appreciating all that goes into that journey. Tickets are £150 pp and guests will also take home a MOR goody bag, including the specially printed menu from the evening and a portion of Cornish bluefin tuna to enjoy at home. To find out more head on to the MOR website.
