Grilled Rosemary Swordfish with Capers: Your Guide to Fresh, Flavorful Seafood

Ah, it feels wonderful to be back in the kitchen and sharing new culinary adventures! These past few weeks have been a whirlwind, filled with the last hurrahs of summer and the exciting transition back to school. August in Florida often means sweltering humidity, which can sometimes zap my cooking motivation. But with school officially starting this week, and my two little butterflies happily embracing their preschool journey (no tears at drop-off, only at pick-up because they never want to leave!), I’ve found myself with a renewed energy to dive back into blogging and, more importantly, back into creating delicious meals.

That newfound three hours of child-free freedom was a revelation! It was the perfect opportunity to finally visit a local gem I’d heard whispers about for ages: Lighthouse Seafood in Lake Mary. Can you believe they’ve been around for six years, and I’m only just discovering them? I instantly regretted not having visited sooner. Stepping into their quaint shop, you immediately feel the passion and dedication. They offer an incredible selection of fresh seafood, much of which is caught by their very own boats right off our Florida coasts. In a state surrounded by water, you might think truly local, boat-to-table seafood markets are common, but they are surprisingly rare. Lighthouse Seafood truly stands out, providing a direct connection to our local waters and the freshest possible catch.

During my visit, I had a delightful chat with Glenda, the owner. It turns out she’s from the same area in South Florida where my husband grew up, and he even knows her niece from high school – what a small world! These serendipitous connections are precisely what I adore about visiting mom-and-pop shops. You walk in, initially just looking for something for dinner, and before you know it, you’re swapping stories and recipes. It’s a genuine experience that goes beyond a simple transaction. I left not only with a beautiful piece of swordfish but also with a feeling of community and discovery.

Beyond the exceptional quality of their seafood, what truly impressed me about Lighthouse Seafood was their thoughtful “recipe wall.” It’s a dedicated space brimming with their own tried-and-true recipes, freely shared with customers. Little gestures like that really make an impression; they reveal a business that genuinely loves what they do and cares deeply about helping their customers succeed in the kitchen. It’s more than just selling fish; it’s about inspiring culinary creativity. I’m already planning to send my husband there for his next blogging assignment – he loved creating his Harissa Steak Sandwich post last week, and it made me so happy to see how many of you enjoyed it too! It’s fantastic to see him embracing the “cooking thing,” and I’m thrilled he might even do it again!

Now, let’s talk about the star of today’s post: the recipe! When I mentioned to Glenda that I wanted to grill some fish for dinner, she immediately led me to a specific recipe on their wall. It was for Grilled Rosemary Swordfish with Capers, and the description alone sounded absolutely delicious. Swordfish is a fantastic choice for grilling because its firm, meaty texture holds up beautifully to high heat, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. The combination of fresh rosemary, aromatic garlic, bright lemon juice, dry white wine, and briny capers promised a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dish. I couldn’t wait to try it, and I’m thrilled to report that it exceeded all expectations!