The kids have no idea they’re eating fish, and we plan to keep it that way for as long as possible. Around here, it’s “chicken of the sea” — sometimes “cruise ship chicken.” That name started back in March when my mom took the whole family on a cruise. Every night, we ate in the dining room, and we assumed chicken fingers would always be an option for Maverick. But it was the middle of the bird flu outbreak, and there wasn’t a chicken finger in sight. The kitchen brought out fish sticks instead, and thinking quickly, we told him it was chicken of the sea. He didn’t question it, and honestly, we didn’t correct him.

The crossover is that both adults and kids are technically having fish — just different versions. And leaning into the fish-and-chips idea, the kids get fries while we go for sweet potatoes as the healthier stand-in.

Aldi has a great fresh Atlantic salmon that bakes easily and splits perfectly for two. It’s simple, steady, and gives Wednesday dinners a little “seaside” theme without the fuss.

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