First off…these scallops? Absolutely stunning. One of those times when you’re walking by the fish stall, and all that nicely, brightly, color-infused stuff fades into the background, and you’re left with these succulent scallops almost the size of tangerines. Finger jabbing, head nodding, wallet opening, car driving, towel dabbing, and then finally knife slicing (but thinly, thinly).

Next, rice, using some excellent vinegar and some kombu that, as it luxuriates in my cupboard is slowly becoming sentient (but no less tasty). Then, into the rice roll I pressed a little slice of jalapeño, on top of that a slice of scallop, then a slice of avocado. On the very top, a little dab of hoisin sauce, a squeeze of lime, and a quick shake of black sesame seeds. I served it with some soy and grilled sardines (which also looked magnificent) with miso.

Do I have a picture of the resulting feast? No. I do not. Why? Because once the vultures scented blood there was nothing photographic remaining. Next time, I promise, there will be pictures.