Really? Is that how it works over there? :P

Soak fish in buttermilk.
Heat lard in deep cast iron skillet.
Toss fish in corn meal.
Fry

Hahaha you guys are awesome! Thanks for all your input! I'm going to take Undertoad's advice and try out some test recipes before the big day.

And it's true, "master chef" is guy code. Don't tell anyone...

Poach in 7-Up.

No, really.

Adding that one to the list.

I saw this episode of Good Eats and have it on the list to try out.

Smoked salmon

The most important thing with fish is to make sure your product is fresh, and never never ever overcook it. In fact, if you're using salmon or tuna steaks, rare is best, but make sure they're room temp before you put them on the grill or you'll end up with hot outside and cold inside.

Besides that, the best thing is to think of the flavours you like (and/or think she might like) and use them when you grill the fish. You can never go wrong with a nice garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine over white flesh fish. Try lemon and corriander (cilantro) with salmon or a marinade of soy sauce and mayo for tuna steaks.

Those are my favs for fish, but the possibilities really are endless.

The best way to cook it is with the skin on.

wrapped in banana leaves

you should be able to score some leaves in Portland

(maybe some buds, too...)

Double-check that she's not vegan or vegetarian. Fish is kind of a risky option in Ptown, at least with the kids I know there.

Dishwasher. Really.
 

If it is a good sturdy type fillet, try cutting it up into little chunks and pan frying it in some butter and garlic. Then, take some fresh corn tortillas and heat them in some oil (olive oil works.) chop up some avocado, onions, tomatoes and cilantro. Throw the fish pieces in the tortillas, top with the chopped up veggies. Make a sauce by mixing some paprika and ranch sauce and pour into each tortilla or serve on the side. Voila, fish tacos. :) I haven't actually tried this, but we just inherited a massive amount of striped bass from my father's recent fishing trip and I plan on trying that this weekend. It seems like the closest thing to my all time favorite fish tacos, served at Tequila's in Golden. (You know it, HLJ.)

Case, instead of ranch dressing, try sour cream. Throw some lime juice on the fish, and add a ltitle diced up cabbage for texture. Yummy!

Phyllo-wrapped Halibut. Very easy. Very awesome. Very impressive.

Good luck!

I love using any sweet/ mild white fish - like barramundi or bream - and wrapping it up in aluminum foil (like a baggie) and add into the bag anything you want to make it super tasty.

i.e wrap up the fillett with lemon wedges, dill, a little mild chilli flakes, butter and lime. then seal the baggie and bake for 20 mins or so on about 180degrees - check to see its all cooked.

Whatever you do - dont leave the head on. GROSS. This could freak her out, not impress her!