I interrupt the current dreamy broadcast to announce the opening of a new sushi bar in town! I've been pondering what is my favourite food since
Nigel asked me. How can you ask any foodie this question? It's a definite way of mentally torturing them, I know now. And for a while, I was gonna do a long piece on soup, because, yes, that is one of my favourite foods, anything soupy, I'll try it. Anything leftover, I'll cook it! But...
Grey and threatening skies and the tension of christmas lights notwithstanding, my feet took me straight in to Yen Sushi the minute I saw it was open. No question. No hesitation. One big beeline. You get the picture. I had heard some rumors before, but this was the first time I had set eyes on it. It's a simple place north of Milsom Street, up the cobbled alleyway by the pelican crossing. You can see the conveyor belt going round and round. The bar was full of people at 12.30pm and they squeeezed me in to the last seat in the corner.
I couldn't stop the secret smile of glee curving on my lips as I sat there, securely in my place: ginger, wasabi, tamari - ready! I think I got a few looks, as people are secretly suspicious of happy looking people - they think "what are they up to?" or "Looking too happy, must be faking." My patience all these years waiting for a decent sushi bar to come out to
somersetshire* (*
made-up word, pronounced in country accent, with a piece of hay sticking out of my mouth) has finally paid off! I was definitely having a zen moment. What do you do when you achieve a heart's desire? You TUCK in!
There was a varied mixture of hot dishes, sushi, sashimi and large hand rolls. I had some smooth tofu fried in cornflour with spring onion and soy, a sesame inside out roll with avocado and crabstick, those pillow things, some salmon sashimi (err...no pics, was too busy eating), and salmon belly chunk tempura in miso broth. Ya, go on, where's she putting it. And then I thought I'd better take some pics. Here's my last morsel. Everything was really fresh.
I was probably looking so happy that Chef Pedro came over and had a chat with me. He has been in Bath 3 weeks and he loves it. He wants to stay here. I'll tell you his story when I find out. Meanwhile, he says, "You from town, means I'll be seeing you here again then?" Oh yes, Chef Pedro, I'm sure I'm gonna be your friend. Gastronomically, of course.
