Fried Whitebait

These tiny fish—which are eaten whole—are served all over the Mediterranean and are especially popular along the Loire River in France. The most popular preparation is this, called friture, where the fish are quickly fried and served with aioli and lemons. Whitebait, also known as smelt—and in America, often affectionately known as “fries with eyes”—must be absolutely fresh, so this is where you must rely on a good fishmonger. They are also sold frozen if you can’t find fresh. Other