(photos: fresh sea urchin from dive, sea urchin 1/2 shell, see urchin roll, video:Ironchef sea urchin battle)

“Give me a damm chance, I muttered to myself!” During my college days, this phrase frequently transmitted through my brain waves. Not like the hunk I am today, during college I remember the desperate times. During my statistic class, I remember Plain Bagel. With her porcelain skin and cute mousey smile, she was the highlight of the class. Dressed in my oversized Abercrombie and Fitch sweatshirt, enough pimples that made me good for Noxzema commercial, I frequently channeled my wink. No use.

Imagine yourself as a sea urchin, also known as uni in Japanese. You’re just ugly looking from the outside. First off, you have spines. You also make it hard for people to taste you. Your meat, also known as the roe, has no symmetry and can be considered top of the food class in terms of FUGLY (%$@! + ugly). Traveling to Tokyo a few years ago, I learned more about this delicacy. Known as an aphrodisiac, sea urchin are the prized piece in the sushi industry. Wow, over the “sushi counter” aphrodisiac. Two pieces of sushi can cost up to $8. The caviar of the sushi world. My virgin experience tasting sea urchin was indescribable. With the texture of butter, your palate can taste the sea sweet velvet delights. After that experience, I was hooked like weed is to rock stars. Scampering around the world, I wanted to eat the freshest tasting sea urchins.

Growing up as a sushi baby, I started eating raw fish in middle school. I was often puzzled by foolish patrons that devour this ugly looking food. As I studied more about sea urchin, I learned more about their texture and uses. The Japanese blend sea urchin and cream and use it as a sauce serve with spaghetti noodles. Last year, I received some prized sea urchin that were caught fresh. Using a screw driver, I had to find the hole that opens the latch. The result are a few golden nuggets of golden pieces. Advice. Travel to Japan Town and purchase a packet of sea urchin for around $11. Save the trouble and time of catching and opening the darn spiny things. If you’re one of the few sea urchin lovers, you can also ask your personal sushi to place an order with their sushi distributor.

Ways to eat.

Nigiri. For a balance of flavors, order sea urchin at a good Japanese restaurant. Nigiri are great for rookies. The crunchy seaweed, soft rice, and sea urchin combine for a light comfort food satisfaction.
Sashimi. Find local sushi restaurants that have fresh sea urchin, served on the spiny shells. Dip in ponzu sauce (citrus soy sauce) and you have a complete meal. Cost around $15 for an urchin.
Sauce. With it buttery texture, blend sea urchin with mirin, olive oil, and cream for a great velvety sauce. Mix with spaghetti noodles and grilled zucchini.

Recently, I watched Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and I would say sea urchin receive 3 out of 5 in terms on the eccentric level. Seafood in general are very clean compared to earth worms I have eaten in China.

Place in SF that serve fresh sea urchin on 1/2 shell:
Shimo’s
2339 Clement St
San Francisco, CA 94121-1919
Phone: (415) 752-4422