Lurking in spiny armor under the waves, sea urchin is a luscious and briny delicacy. And for people who treasure the style, what’s higher than getting it straight from the supply?
There will probably be ample alternatives to eat – and find out about – uni and California marine life on the fourth annual Mendocino Urchin Pageant. It’s not nearly meals, although there’s that with native eating places serving specials like uni-baked oysters and salmon with champagne-sea-urchin beurre blanc. There are coastal adventures, ocean foraging, lodging packages and a sake pairing with an uni-cooking demo, to call just a few issues taking place within the three-day fest.
Of us can go to an actual “Urchin Ranch” the place the little guys are raised on land through aquaculture, sampling the distinction between wild and farmed uni. There’s a “tide-pool talk” on a state seaside the place youngsters can seek for hermit crabs and sea stars. And importantly, you’ll be taught why it’s good to scarf urchins up, as retaining their numbers in test preserves the well being of vital kelp forests.
Particulars: Occasions happen June 13-15 at numerous places on the Mendocino County coast; some are free and others require tickets, for particulars go to www.urchinfest.com
