Sushi: Eho Maki Sushi Roll

In Japan at the beginning of February, there is a tradition to mark the start of spring where you must eat a whole sushi roll facing a particular good luck direction for the year. The sushi roll is called 'Eho maki'! The tradition states that you must keep looking in the lucky direction, wishing everyone good luck, and eat without talking until you finish the whole sushi roll.

We started introducing this tradition as a family event since 2011. And here are the sushi rolls we ate.

2014 - Portuguese Roll
Lucky Direction: East North East
Sushi Producer: myself!
Fillings: Octopus Tempura; Prawns; Fake Crabs; Marinated Red Pepper;
Marinated Green Pepper; Olives; and Crispy Garlic
We named this roll the "Portuguese Roll" as all the fillings are Portuguese ingredients. 

2013 - Britain Roll / Brit Roll
Lucky Direction: South South East
Sushi Producer: myself!
Fillings: crab; eggs; cucumber; avocado; salad leaves; red leicester cheese; and bacon
The fillings are all Brit ingredients. We named this roll the "Brit Roll"!

2012 - Futo Maki (Traditional Japanese Style)
Lucky Direction: North North West
Sushi Producer: Matsuri St James, London UK
Fillings (Left): Salmon sashimi; tobikko flying fish roe; cucumber; takuwan pickled daikon; shiitake mushroom; and gourd
Fillings (Right): Tuna and ark sashimi; cucumber; takuwan; eggs; and dried tofu

2011 - Futo Maki (Traditional Japanese Style)
Lucky Direction: South South East
Sushi Producer: myself!
Fillings: crab; eggs; cucumber; spinach; cod flakes; shiitake mushroom; and gourd

First Time: I Bought Clams in London. - Do You Want Them as Pet or Food?

The first clams that I bought in my nine years in the UK. The Waitrose lady said "just wash and cook!". But I cleaned them just in case.

A few hours later... It seems no need to worry about sand. But what have they been eating? Water is dirty!!!

The next morning, I changed the water again. They look so much cleaner. 

They move and eject water a lot and I cannot stop looking at them!

A few hours later... Hummmm, the water looks clearer but the clams are still spitting a lot of dirt (or food???).

They were nearly becoming my pets, however; I had to complete my first "Carne De Porco Alentejana". 

My dear clam friends, you guys were so tasty. Don't blame me, but blame the Portuguese people who invented this lovely dish.