Why'd the fisherman order the halibut?

setup: Why’d the fisherman order the halibut?

[Maître d’] qua linen suit, salt-cured tan, walking the fisherman to a corner two-top Captain. So pleased you joined us tonight. You will have the usual?

[Captain Berger] qua oilskins, kept-dry-by-effort, three days of beard ((SCANS MENU)) I’ll have… I’ll have the halibut.

[Maître d’] Of course. The halibut. Lovely. Hand-caught. Cold-line. Same day.

[Captain Berger] By whom.

[Maître d’] Excuse me?

[Captain Berger] Caught by whom.

[Maître d’] ((LOOKS AT TICKET)) A fisherman.

[Captain Berger] Name.

[Maître d’] ((SHIFTING)) The catch list isn’t usually —

[Captain Berger] Show me the catch list.

[Shakes] qua busboy refilling water, beaming This is the best of all possible coastal eateries.

[Maître d’] ((PRODUCES CARD)) Captain Berger. Northern fleet. 14kg halibut. Boarded the dock at 0540.

[Captain Berger] ((LONG BEAT)) That’s me.

[Maître d’] I beg your pardon?

[Captain Berger] I caught this halibut.

[Maître d’] Captain. This is most uncommon.

[Captain Berger] I caught this halibut. I sold this halibut. I drove ninety minutes inland. I sat at this table. I’m ordering this halibut back from you.

[Maître d’] Captain, may I ask why?

[Captain Berger] ((QUIETLY)) I needed to know if it was good.

[Manyfeek] qua fish-shaped wine-cellar tag on a nearby decanter ((TINNILY)) He’s been doing this for eleven years. We just charge him retail.

[Maître d’] The halibut is eighty-six dollars, Captain.

[Captain Berger] Bring it.

[Maître d’] Plus tip?

[Captain Berger] Plus tip.

punchline: Just for the halibut.