Newsletter: 🍣 Master the art of sushi + potato joy with Jersey Royals 🥔

7 May 2026 · ckbk newsletter

Sushi from a master

“In this book, you will discover information that only fish wholesalers know. You will learn tips and techniques some people in the seafood industry might not be happy about sharing, such as the best methods for selecting and sourcing fish, the truth about “bright pink colored” tuna and certain fishing methods, plus how to properly cut fish for your sashimi, from a loin to a block to sashimi pieces, and more.(…)As you start making sushi yourself, you will gain an understanding of how detailed the process can be and why the process is as important as the product. This will also offer you a new understanding of what professional sushi chefs do.(…)This book also covers the correct ways to eat sushi, so the experience is enjoyed to its fullest.” Nick Sakagami

Sushi expert Nick Sakagami grew up in Tokyo, then moved to Los Angeles at 21, and is the only person outside of Japan to have earned “Osakana Meister” (fish master).

We are thrilled to have his book Sushi Master: An Expert Guide to Sourcing, Making and Enjoying Sushi at Home, newly added to ckbk.

The book gives extensive guidance on tools—like those vital sushi knives—and ingredients—including all you need to know about tuna. Recipes each contain a detailed method, and include classic sushi—such as this Tuna Nigiri—and other tempting dishes like this Sushi Smoked Salmon, and these Shishito Peppers.

Find all the recipes in Sushi Master

Pictured above: Sushi Smoked Salmon from Sushi Master by Nick Sakagami

Ingredient focus: baby potatoes (especially Jersey Royals!)

In the UK the advent of Jersey Royal season brings equivalent joy to the arrival of asparagus, or the opening of that first bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau each November. A variety of new potato, the season for these small, waxy, flaky-skinned potatoes, harvested at just 12 to 13 weeks, begins in April and really hits its stride in May and June.

A potato variety created in 1878 on Jersey by farmer Hugh de la Haye, they gained huge popularity by 1900 and began exporting to the UK mainland and beyond—even gaining the approval of Queen Victoria. Awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 1997, they are grown exclusively on Jersey.

They are prized for their delicate nutty flavor, and worth seeking out if you are within shipping distance. They need little more preparation than boiling until tender, and then serving with a little butter, a sprinkle of sea salt and a fresh mint. Like most baby potatoes—and do substitute whatever new potatoes you can find into these recipes—they make an excellent addition to salads. They hold their shape, and are delicious hot or cold.

Start with these 12 Ways with Baby Potatoes. Try Canarian Salt-wrinkled Potatoes with Mojo Verde (pictured above), this Potato Salad with Quail’s Eggs, Capers and Anchovies, or Duck Confit with Jersey Royals and Dijon Mustard.

6 of the best shrimp recipes

National Shrimp Day on May 10th recognises the great popularity of one of the most versatile and delicious of seafoods. Shrimp (more commonly refered to as prawns in many parts of the world, including the UK) are wonderful simply done over a barbecue, tossed into a stir fry, or stirred into a curry. However you like to cook them, here are 6 recipes worth a visit to your local fishmonger.

For more fabulous seafood recipes visit our Fish Bookshelf.

Newsletter: 🍣 Master the art of sushi + potato joy with Jersey Royals 🥔

Sushi from a master

Ingredient focus: baby potatoes (especially Jersey Royals!)

6 of the best shrimp recipes

Prawns of my cherished memories

Fiery Berbere Shrimp

Fried Shrimp in Noodles

Thai-Style Seafood “Bouillabaisse” with Walleye / Jumbo Shrimp / Mussels / Spicy Coconut Broth

Grandma Tiny’s Shrimp Creole

Wasabi Prawns (Shrimp)