Dora wrote:
<snip>
> The ammonia smell/taste is characteristic of skate which is not fresh.
> I suggest you tell the store. I do not like to buy packaged fish -
> buy it fresh, ask for a sniff test and if it doesn't smell fresh and
> sweet don't buy it. In the case of a whole fish, check the eyes. If
> they're sunken and dull, don't buy it.

A little hint for you : Forget the eyes.
Check the gills. If they are still red, the fish is fresh.

Cheers,

Michael Kuettner