The price of salmon (at least at our grocery store) has increased substantially over the past three years. I know this because I used to order 1.5 lbs of Atlantic salmon fillets, that would serve dinner to our family and have enough left over for a delicious grilled side for a next day salad with avocado.

As time passed, perhaps subconsciously, I started ordering less salmon despite the size of our family increasing and not only were there no leftovers to accompany my rather sad looking chunks of would-have-been-better-turned-guac avocado, we barely had enough to serve as a main course for dinner. At best, there were small morsels which merely whet the kids’ palettes with promises there would be more than a mere tasting sized portion to sample as they anxiously awaited the next protein heavy course.

A couple of grocery runs ago, I decided to once again order my previously “usual” order of 1.5 lbs of Atlantic salmon and looked forward to a couple of flaky slices soaked in balsamic vinegar the following day. Instead, I handed the brown paper parcel wrapped like a gift and the $32.08 price tag (some gift) that sealed it back to the seafood barrista and told her she could keep it. It was a split second decision but I didn’t want to be directly linked to one of those $100 roasts you find in the dairy aisle that someone after checking their wallet decided it simply wasn’t in the budget. Surely we have these people on hidden cameras placed strategically throughout the milk crates. I figured the fish would have a swimming chance at being re-adopted if I never fully took possession and signed off on any papers. I blame the omega 3 blitz of 2009 which had everyone and their sea captain clamouring for anything with these super-food brain boosters. Fish capsules are flying off the shelves, fish oils used as brain-boosting shampoo and the list goes on. People want salmon, my fillets sky rocket and the salmon sharks the world over are rolling in roe.

Then today, something amazing happened. I walked past the fish display and rather than trying not to make eye contact with all of those rubbery looking, frozen eyes, I glanced at the price chart. I was confused when I read “Atlantic Salmon Fillets $7.99,” mostly because I have no idea if that is the price per kg, per lb or if that’s in kroner.  There is often a chalkboard hanging directly above, a slip-covered 8×10 chart and whispering shoppers all with a different opinion on the price per fillet.

I simply requested my 1.5 lbs and decided if the price was less than $32.08, I would be swimming away with tasty fish, if it was more, I would have no problem declining the package.

I was handed two pieces of salmon, wrapped separately and I made a point of standing in front of the counter until I clearly noted the price. The first one had a sticker code of $5.96 and the second $6.34.

There was an awkward pause. I looked on the reverse side for the actual price assuming these smaller sums would have been the price per bite full.

Ursula: Is everything okay ma’am?

Me: Yes, everything is fine. Could I have another piece of salmon?