There is a group of folks who taught me to live life to the fullest. I call them the “September Club”. Many years ago, on the island of Mykonos, in the Aegean Sea of Greece, a birthday party of night revellers spilled over onto my hotel’s accessible balcony. These people knew how to party. They came from all over Europe, a few Greeks and several Americans. Some were on perpetual holiday and others had jobs, like airline flight attendants, teachers and Club Owners. They had bonded for several summer seasons in the month of September. The invite to join them could not be refused. I was part of the September Club.
The owner of the fun bar, called Uno Bar, Michael, lived on Mykonos and was well-connected and part of the group. He had a large speed boat and many toys. He was good at organizing beach parties. With a well planned Saturday outing of 40 people on two commissioned Greek fishing boats, we headed for the tiny island 3 Km off of Mykonos and near Delos Island. Uninhabited, yet home to dozens of goats, this idyllic spot and the little sheltered-cove sandy beach promised a full day of pleasure. We were not disappointed. Soon after the beach chairs, volleyball net and kitchen BBQ area were arranged, Ouzo and Mythos beers flowed. The Greeks and several Europeans, a very un-modest bunch, jumped right into volleyball, sans clothing. The same was for the two beautiful Uno Bar Waitresses, as they proved they could somersault the whole beach. They could and they did.
The highlight of the afternoon became the feast. Lamb chops, fried zucchini, feta cheese, marinated chicken in olive oil and fresh oregano were prepared. Michael’s boat had snorkel equipment and three of us headed into the cove to gather the spiny black sea urchins amongst the rocks and sea weeds. With a potato sack full, I was to learn the secret of
the Greek fisherman’s Sea Urchin salad.
There is danger to this recipe. We used Diving Gloves to hold on to the spines as we applied the Dive Knife to the crown of the Urchin’s mouth area. These slender tubular black needles penetrate the palm of my hand easily and biting them out with front teeth is an art. Yet, in little time the stainless steel 10 inch salad mixing bowl had a pound of the roe ( some believe its gonads), in the bottom. The one inch ocher colored sacks give off a salty aroma and glisten.
compliments of Fotosearch Stock
Greek fisherman’s Sea Urchin salad, ala Mykonos Beach Party
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1/2 kilo Black or Red Sea Urchin Roe, one pound approx.
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One cup soft White Loaf bread cubed without crust
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One half cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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One freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup
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One tablespoon Sea Salt
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One half tablespoon Greek Oregano
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Fine ground black pepper to taste.
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All ingredients are whipped in the Stainless mixing bowl to a semi smooth blended consistency.
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The bowl may be floated on cracked ice. Prepare the White Loaf Crusty bread in two-inch cubes for dipping.
We did not need the bowl on cracked ice, as it lasted for five minutes and satiated about 15 people. The rest of the September Club folks were still running around naked or sleeping after too much Ouzo! These summers, the group has dispersed. I have seen a few a while back. The Uno Bar has changed, and not in that great traditional spot in Mykonos. The Urchins are still there and I now live life to the fullest, waiting for next September.
Sunkist2 Island Traveler 