Special Find — Murasaki Uni from Rishiri Island
A specific highlight this week: we found Murasaki Uni (紫ウニ) from Rishiri Island (利尻島), Hokkaido — a combination of species and origin that doesn't appear often. Rishiri is one of the most celebrated Uni origins in Japan, known primarily for its Bafun Uni that feeds on the island's famous Rishiri Kombu kelp. Murasaki Uni from the same cold, kelp-rich waters is rarer and, to some palates, more interesting: the gentler sweetness of the Murasaki species combined with the depth that Rishiri's cold-water environment produces creates a flavor that is simultaneously subtle and complex. It arrived this week. Reserve online — quantities are limited.
This Week's Fish
Operating fully at Rice Market seven days a week. Fujisan White Salmon from Shizuoka is back this week. Hotate Scallops are back in stock after the spawning pause — the eggs have passed and the muscle is back to full flavor. Nagasaki Bluefin Tuna in all cuts as always. Knife sharpening and fresh wasabi available at the counter.
Japan entered the rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu) this week and the tidal conditions in Hokkaido have been less favorable for the past several days — a natural consequence of changing pressure patterns and water turbidity during the transition. We have a smaller quantity of Uni than usual as a result. This is a seasonal pattern that typically resolves within a few weeks as conditions stabilize through July.
Goodfellow Sparkling Event — June 30 & July 1
The Sparkling Hours with Goodfellow Family Cellars event is now confirmed for June 30th and July 1st (the dates adjusted slightly from the initial announcement). The format: three Goodfellow sparkling wines alongside Nigiri. $36 for three glasses, additional pours at $12. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
The three wines being poured are among the most interesting in the Oregon sparkling program:
- Tsai Vineyard Blanc de Noir 2022 — raised in Acacia foudres with aromas of sea air, pink florals, and ruby red grapefruit. Vivid and electric on the palate with a sweet-tart-dry balance. 85 cases made.
- Durant Vineyard Blanc de Blancs NV — Chardonnay from the foot of the Dundee Hills, the most textural of the three. Notes of lemon curd, hazelnut, and apple pie with a creamy, balanced finish. 162 cases.
- Whistling Ridge Vineyard Blanc de Gris Brut Nature 2022 — Pinot Gris, zero dosage, dry and layered with a stony mineral quality. Aromas of mandarin, orange zest, and lime leaf. 77 cases.
Tickets available at the Rice Market Ticketleap page. Reserve early — the July events have been selling quickly.
Rishiri Murasaki tasting note: The best way to appreciate this specific Uni is without soy sauce on the first piece. Place it directly on warm, lightly seasoned rice. The kelp-derived depth becomes clearer when there is nothing else competing for attention. After that first piece, a tiny amount of Yuzu-Pon if you have it — not plain soy.