I share this picture only because it was truly a first time experience for me and my dinner date. I want to immortalize my only picture of it here. My quick conclusion is that I know I will not be ordering the following again.
So... sea urchin?
Have you ever had "uni"?
or when in Maine, "whore's eggs"?
What do you think of it- like it?
Uni are the two bottom pieces (from my phone, vague pic and colors are off):
.Uni (oo-nee) is the Japanese name for the edible part of the Sea Urchin. While colloquially referred to as the roe (eggs), uni is actually the animal's gonads (which produce the milt or roe). Uni ranges in color from rich gold to light yellow, and has a creamy consistency that some love and is off-putting to others. It is nevertheless one sushi item that is in incredible demand around the world, which is reflected in its price. Sea Urchins are a rare treat for those who acquire a taste
above taken from:
I'm open to trying almost any sort of food if it is in front me. I ordered this out of curiosity and really didn't know what to expect.
The texture of this was bizarre. I don't even remember how it tasted.
First, it has an outer appearance of the texture of a tongue.
Second, once placed in mouth, you would think that chewing on it would make it smaller.
No. Mastication only made it grow. An intact custard-like swelling. And that right there is what turned me off.
Sadly, I am not part of the population that finds this to be a rare and exquisite treat. However, I do look back on the experience fondly.
google snagged images of sea urchin/uni
Uni is downright disgusting when it is even the slightest bit old. I think that might be part of why many people don't like it. I really need to be in the mood to enjoy it. Given the price I usually abstain. Hamachi kama (yellowtail collar) on the other hand is one of my favorite things to eat, especially when the skin is crispy and they bring eel sauce.
Yeah, I had uni once, and was not a big fan. We went with an older japanese guy from work and he ordered for us. He explained that uni is like a big deal fancy delicacy, but that not everyone likes it, and then watched, eagerly, as we tried. We all smiled politely and went "yum" but really- not so much.
The other thing he ordered us though was tuna cheek (hamachi, maybe?). It was delicious. He said it's often not on the menu, but if you ask for it they'll have it. (it's literally the cheek (equivalent) of a tuna. If I remember right, they bring out part of the head, and it's cooked, and you pull the meat of the bone. not as gross and disconcerting as you might think.)
It is the one sea thing I really do not like to eat. Who are the people that really enjoy it?