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Brad A. Johnson

Food & Travel

Brad A Johnson
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Best Thing I Ate This Week: Baby Squid Sushi

  • May 3, 2016
  • Brad A. Johnson

I told the chef “omakase,” meaning that I trust his judgement, I’m in his hands. And the first few courses were fairly predictable, as I’ve dined at the sushi counter at Shunka a dozen times before and knew more or less what to expect. But I also knew there would be a curveball at some point, and here it was: baby squid sushi.

I took a deep breath. I love sushi, and I like squid. But this is something else altogether. It’s practically still alive. And to be quite honest, I’m nervous as I bring it toward my mouth. While I love sushi, I hate fishy flavors. There are still a few textures that I have trouble with, and this might be one of them, or so I’m thinking.

But the moment the squid touches my tongue, I know it’s all going to be okay, at least flavor-wise. There’s not even a hint of fishiness. I bite into it, and the texture is exotic, for sure, but not one that I can’t embrace. Something inside the squid’s head explodes, releasing a rush of flavor into my mouth that reminds me of almond milk. Odd, but utterly delicious. Omakase, chef. Omakase indeed.

Shunka
Where: 369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa
When: Lunch and dinner daily
Cost: Omakase from $35
Phone: 949-631-9854

This article originally appeared in the Orange County Register. To view more of my work for the Register, check out the archives. For more dining and travel inspiration, I invite you to follow me and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

 

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Brad A. Johnson

Brad A. Johnson is a writer and photographer specializing in food and travel. His work has been honored by the James Beard Awards, Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards, World Food Media Awards, pdn Food Photography Awards and others. Based in Southern California, Brad currently serves as restaurant critic for the Orange County Register.

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Brad A. Johnson
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Writer. Photographer. Traveler. Restaurant Critic.

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