Foodie Friday First: Uni Don

My first…

Uni don: sea urchin rice bowl

(Uni is the orange slices filling up half the bowl.)

Okay, I admit it. I had no idea going into the restaurant what uni actually was. The dish rated highly on the Yelp reviews, though, so I thought I’d give it a try. Imagine my surprise when I found out that it was actually sea urchin, those prickly creatures I’ve touched in the local tidepools.

Despite its needle-y appearance, the inside of a sea urchin is soft and delicate. The strands of uni have almost a slimy consistency. It’s also got a powerful mixture of flavor; a sea freshness combined with a heady floral taste. It reminded me of eating rose-flavored candies.

I hear it’s an acquired taste, so while I wasn’t overly enthralled by sea urchin, I think it was interesting and unique to try out.

Anything new you’ve tried out lately?