Sushi Confidential: My favorite fish
Sushi Confidential
I admit I can get romantic.
When I was little, La Rosa's pizza was only in Cinci and I only had it when I went to King's Island. You walk into the park and there's the fountains giving mist in the air and you can instantly smell La Rosa's. Foods bring us back to a place/time in life.
Itoyori - Golden threadfin bream
For one, it’s just a beautiful fish. The flashy streaks on its skin are pretty and the colors don’t really change when you blowtorch it. I’m told that there is an interesting flavor that comes from the skin and the fat content in it.
Sidebar: If you don't know how to explain a flavor, just say it has rich umami flavor, because no one knows what that means and you get to use a cool word.
Most white fish are at least somewhat lean and this one’s no different. Nice texture.
It’s a winter seasonal fish, but we had it on the menu this week. For the record, when a fish is “in season”, it just means that they are around more. Maybe the fish change depth of swimming in the ocean and come up when the water is warm, whatever. So in most cases, they’re always around but in season means it’s a little easier to get.
Thing is, it’s been my favorite for years and yet I’ve only eaten it twice. So this being the second time, I was so curious if my palette would prove true or I’m just liking something that I like because I liked it.
Nigiri, no soy. I shouldn’t have taken the time for the photo. I get a lot of joy from photos lately so I am glad I did but, crouched down behind sushi bar, I found love once again.
“So that’s where you been."
It’s really more of a coming of age. You wouldn’t find itoyori on most menus and definitely not year round, thus you don’t eat it often. I reflect on the man I was when I ate it for the first time. I see who I am now. I’d be lying if I said this sentimental aspect doesn’t affect my love for the fish.
Everyone has their foods that take them back to a time/place. This is one of mine, the same as La Rosa's combined with chlorine.
If you’re in Cinci, maybe Roji has itoyori. If not them, there’s really only one...at least this week.
Best,
E
#ARTiculate