# Grilled swordfish? Or roasted butternut squash ravioli? Or lobster risotto? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 5, 2012, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765 "2012-10-05T02:05:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/1 "2012-10-05T02:05:40Z")
I am going out to dinner in a few days at a semi-fancified restaurant. The menu is limited to a handful of choices; the one I am leaning toward is grilled swordfish. I’ve never had it, and I’d like to have some idea of what to expect; I’d be bummed out if I ordered it and did not care for it. For the record, a couple of other options I am considering are roasted butternut squash ravioli and lobster risotto. Not the most monumental of decisions, I know, but I’m bored right now so what the heck. mmm ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/2 "2012-10-05T02:11:08Z")
Swordfish can be high in mercury, so I’d go for the ravioli. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/3 "2012-10-05T02:13:57Z")
Grilled swordfish would be my pick if they make it decently. Butternut squash ravioli is a somewhat staple option and fancier restaurants and seems to be there as a budget or vegetarian option. Lobster risotto could be really good if they’re known for it. I’d probably ask the waiter their suggestion. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/4 "2012-10-05T02:34:46Z")
Swordfish gives me hives. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/5 "2012-10-05T02:41:27Z")
I love swordfish but do not eat it too often for the mercury and over fishing. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/6 "2012-10-05T02:49:41Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > I’d probably ask the waiter their suggestion. This would be my advice too if you can’t decide for yourself, besides their own opinions good waiters/waitresses will have lots of previous customer experiences to rely on to help point you towards a good selection. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/7 "2012-10-05T03:00:31Z")
Swordfish: unless the OP is hugely pregnant (and I’m guessing **Mister** Mustard isn’t), it will be fine. Ravioli: you mean no animal died to make my food!? Actually, sounds pretty good. Risotto: I like risotto, I am not a big fan of lobster though, at least as portrayed as a luxury food. Tempting. My consensus: write each name on a slip of paper, and pick out of a hat. Or if you’re going with people who you are comfortable sharing with, get something they didn’t get. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/8 "2012-10-05T03:09:51Z")
Swordfish has been a favorite of mine for half a century. Probably my favorite form of fish. I’d go for it in an instant. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/9 "2012-10-05T03:11:50Z")
Go with the swordfish, man. Vegetables and lobster can be had anytime. ---
**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/10 "2012-10-05T03:16:35Z")
The swordfish is mightier than the penfish. Of course though that isn’t an option is it. “…another round of ravioli, please!” ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/11 "2012-10-05T03:19:54Z")
If you’ve never had swordfish you should know it’s a dense, heavy flavored fish. If that doesn’t bother you order away. But I know some people who like lighter fish that don’t like sword. Personally I’d like to try the risotto. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/12 "2012-10-05T03:24:05Z")
Don’t get the ravioli. That is the vegetarian item put there because they need to have a veggie option. It is not there because it is a signature item for the restaurant. It is there because it is an easy to make substantial vegetarian item. If it is a dinner with a large number of people get the risotto as that will probably be decent no matter where you are in the serving order. If you are near the beginning of the line the fish could be good but if you are near the end then it might be not so good. If it is a smaller crowd get the fish because you know you want to try it. ---
**Author:** ![Taomist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Taomist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taomist)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/13 "2012-10-05T05:11:36Z")
Yeah, the chances that the ravioli is made on-site and not just defrosted and boiled are slim. Even if it IS made on the premesis…enh. Swordfish gets my vote 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/14 "2012-10-05T05:39:01Z")
If it’s a well-made risotto, I would go risotto. Swordfish is fine. I’ve never been wowed by it. ---
**Author:** ![Kyrie\_Eleison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kyrie_eleison/32/7682_2.png) [@Kyrie\_Eleison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyrie_Eleison)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/15 "2012-10-05T06:46:17Z")
The second favorite meal I’ve ever eaten featured fresh-caught trout, lightly-breaded and pan-fried in butter. So, I’m not a fish-hater, but I just do not care much for swordfish. The times I’ve tried it, I’ve found myself thinking, “Well, this is edible. I sure do wish I’d ordered something else. Hey, this side of garlicky zucchini & yellow squash is pretty tasty.” Also, although I appreciate simply cooked food, I do prefer some complexity in my dishes. Anyone can grill some swordfish, and it’s pretty much the same everywhere you get it. And, around here, that’s pretty much everywhere; I’m a little surprised you’ve not had it before. But my favorite dishes are either excellently chosen and prepared solo items, or well composed complex dishes. To me, grilled swordfish isn’t either. But because you’ve not had it before, and because it tempts you, I think you should order the swordfish. You should try it at least once. But me? I’d order the risotto. The butternut ravioli and the swordfish would be a toss-up for second choice. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/16 "2012-10-05T13:40:26Z")
> [@Kyrie\_Eleison](#): > > Anyone can grill some swordfish, and it’s pretty much the same everywhere you get it. And, around here, that’s pretty much everywhere; I’m a little surprised you’ve not had it before. But my favorite dishes are either excellently chosen and prepared solo items, or well composed complex dishes. To me, grilled swordfish isn’t either. This is actually a good point, grilling swordfish is pretty simple, if you really want to try it but are leary of ruining your night out go for the risotto at the restaurant and find a fish monger to pick up a piece of swordfish and grill it yourself. That way if you don’t like it you can easily make a sandwich and not go hungry 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/17 "2012-10-05T13:52:31Z")
Swordfish is good, but it’s nothing amazing, and something I could cook at home any day of the week if I chose to. For special meals, I usually choose something that I wouldn’t or couldn’t easily make. I’d probably order the risotto. Swordfish is very high in mercury, so high the [FDA and EPA label it a “do not eat” food](http://www.epa.gov/hg/advisories.htm) for pregnant women, “women who may become pregnant,” nursing mothers and young children. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/18 "2012-10-05T16:28:29Z")
I find swordfish can sometimes have an unpleasant iodine-y note to it, so I tend to avoid it for that reason. I’d go lobster risotto. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/19 "2012-10-05T18:11:36Z")
Swordfish can be a little, well…fishy. However, roasted butternut squash ravioli is always delicious! ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/20 "2012-10-05T18:33:26Z")
Is the menu online? Then we can tell you what you should really order. 😃 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765.md?page=2)