In France, a seafood platter is not unlike this. It’s called plateau fruits de mer, or just fruits de mer, and usually comes on a multi-tiered tower that makes it look like a slimy wedding cake. Needless to say, the best fruits de mer are startlingly fresh. I don’t remember the exact moment I conceived this idea, but I’m pretty sure it was inspired by this French version of a seafood platter. I found a lot to appreciate in my European travels and consider myself a changed and better man for them, but I will admit I prefer our seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. Fried.
