[TalnSG]

Nyororin has summed up the possible reason for a dislike of seafood pretty well. I have a relative who will not go near it, simply because she hated fishsticks as a child - stunted growth in my opinion, but if all seafood tasted that way it would be understandable.

Fortunately, other than in fast food joints, the seafood in most major US cities can be good. Dallas is as land-locked as it gets, but fresh fish is air-freighted in continually. Otherwise I would might not have developed my preference for sashimi.

Assuming you are still going to try the occasional piece I have a few recommendations. First and foremost, avoid fried or anything served in a heavy sauce and do not try it in a restaurant on Monday. This is when your odds of getting old, leftover fish is highest. The quality will be at its lowest. Frying and sauces are used to disguise flavors as well as enhance, and Monday is when restaurants clear out the weekend fish before their next delivery.

Also pick a restaurant that does a high volume of fish, not someplace where it is a small addition to their menu. They have more a reputation at stake. While Red Loster can be a great lunch, remember that is is a chain and everything is essentially prepackaged, or at least pre-formulated.

IF you are lucky enough to have a local Japanese restaurant, try there. Not all fish is served raw, and you have the best chance of it being fresh and carefully prepared. Its not fail-safe, but the odds are good.